The Meritorious Civilian Service Award is commonly the highest award granted by U.S. Army Commanders (Major General and above, or civilian equivalent). The Award and Medal is provided to civilian employees within agencies of the

federal government of the United States The federal government of the United States (U.S. federal government or U.S. government) is the national government of the United States, a federal republic located primarily in North America, composed of 50 states, a city within a fede ...

. However, the various agencies' awards are not directly comparable. For example, the US Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award is equivalent to the US military

Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight u ...

, while the US Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award is equivalent to the lower US military Meritorious Service Medal. Examples of Meritorious Civilian Service Awards include but are not limited to: *

Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award The Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award is the second highest career award presented by the Department of Defense. It is presented for exceptionally noteworthy service of major significance to the Department of Defense as a wh ...

* Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award *

Department of the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award The Meritorious Civilian Service Award is the third highest award granted by U.S. Army Commanders (Major General and above, or civilian equivalent). It consists of a medal, lapel button, and citation certificate. Nominees must have established a p ...

(third highest award) * Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award (third highest award) * Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award (fourth highest award)

Armed Forces

Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award

The Meritorious Civilian Service Award is the third highest award granted by U.S. Army Commanders (Major General and above, or civilian equivalent). It consists of a medal, lapel button, and citation certificate. Nominees must have established a pattern of excellence, normally demonstrated by the receipt of lower level awards. It is equivalent to the military Legion of Merit.

Air Force Meritorious Service Award

Application submitted through Installation Awards Committee and approved at MAJCOM level. Consists of a sterling silver medal bearing the Air Force coat of arms within a wreath of laurel leaves. The ribbon is light blue with 4 gold and 3 dark blue stripes in the center. A silver lapel emblem, miniature medal and AF Form 1166, Award for Meritorious Civilian Service accompanies the award. The emblem with a ruby indicates receipt of more than one meritorious award.AFI36-1004, para 5.4.4.5

Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award

Award consists of a certificate and citation signed by the activity head, medal and lapel emblem. The award is the third highest Navy civilian award, ranking behind the

Navy Superior Civilian Service Award The Navy Superior Civilian Service Award is the highest honorary award the Chief of Naval Operations or the Commandant of the Marine Corps may bestow on a civilian employee in the Department of the Navy and the highest award granted at the majo ...

Notes

{{Reflist

References