To earn the Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAAM), you must be a member of the U.S. Armed Forces assigned to a joint activity who demonstrates outstanding achievement or meritorious service.
How Do You Earn the Joint Service Achievement Medal?
The Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAAM) is a prestigious military decoration recognizing exceptional performance within a joint command environment. Awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense, this medal signifies significant contributions made while serving alongside members from different military branches.
Understanding the Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAAM)
The Joint Service Achievement Medal is specifically awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service. It recognizes contributions that are notable but do not meet the criteria for a higher-level decoration such as a Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Key Characteristics:
- Awarding Authority: Secretary of Defense
- Recipients: Members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
- Assignment Context: Must be serving in a joint activity (e.g., a unified combatant command, a joint task force, or a Defense Agency).
- Level of Achievement: Recognizes performance that significantly exceeds normal expectations and duty requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for the JSAAM
To be considered for the Joint Service Achievement Medal, service members must meet specific criteria related to their rank, assignment, and performance.
- Rank Requirement: The medal is awarded to members below the grade of colonel (for Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force personnel) or captain (for Navy and Coast Guard personnel).
- Joint Assignment: The service member must be officially assigned to a joint activity, which involves personnel from two or more military departments.
- Outstanding Achievement or Meritorious Service: The individual's actions must reflect a level of performance that is clearly above and beyond the call of duty for their position. This performance must contribute significantly to the mission of the joint activity.
- Performance Distinction: The achievement or service must be distinctive, impactful, and demonstrate initiative, skill, and dedication, but not to the degree that would warrant a higher decoration.
What Constitutes "Outstanding Achievement or Meritorious Service"?
While not exhaustive, examples of actions that could lead to a JSAAM include:
- Significant operational contributions: Playing a critical role in the planning or execution of a successful joint operation.
- Innovative solutions: Developing or implementing new procedures, technologies, or strategies that greatly enhance efficiency or effectiveness within the joint environment.
- Sustained superior performance: Consistently performing at an exceptionally high level over an extended period, significantly impacting the joint activity's mission.
- Leadership in challenging circumstances: Demonstrating exceptional leadership or initiative during complex or difficult situations.
The Award Process
Earning a Joint Service Achievement Medal typically follows a structured military awards process:
- Recommendation: A service member's supervisor initiates the award recommendation, detailing the specific achievements or meritorious service.
- Justification: The recommendation includes a detailed narrative, often referred to as a "citation," that clearly articulates how the individual's actions meet the criteria for the JSAAM.
- Chain of Command Review: The recommendation progresses through the service member's chain of command, with various levels endorsing or adding their input.
- Approval Authority: Final approval for the JSAAM usually rests with the commander of the joint activity or a designated subordinate authority, acting on behalf of the Secretary of Defense.
Summary of JSAAM Eligibility
The table below provides a quick overview of the primary requirements for the Joint Service Achievement Medal:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Awarding Authority | Secretary of Defense |
| Eligible Personnel | U.S. Armed Forces members below Colonel (Army/AF/USMC/USSF) or Captain (USN/USCG) |
| Assignment Context | Serving while assigned to a joint activity |
| Nature of Service | Outstanding achievement or meritorious service |
| Degree of Service | Recognizable and impactful, but not at a level warranting a higher decoration (e.g., Commendation Medal) |
For further information on military decorations, you can refer to the Department of Defense's official awards and decorations policy.
