Attachment 1 - AR 600-8-22.pdf

*This regulation supersedes AR 600–8–22, dated 5 March 2019, and rescinds AD 2021–11, dated 15 April 2021, and AD 2021–20, dated 21 May 2021.

AR 600–8–22 • 19 January 2024

UNCLASSIFIED

Headquarters Department of the Army Washington, DC

*Army Regulation 600 – 8 – 22

19 January 2024 Effective 19 February 2024

Personnel—General

Military Awards

History. This publication is a major revision. The portions affected by this major revision are listed in the summary of change.

Authorities. This section contains no entries.

Applicability. This regulation applies to the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated.

Proponent and exception authority. The proponent of this regulation is the Deputy Chief of Staff, G – 1. The proponent has the authority to approve exceptions or waivers to this regulation that are consistent with controlling law and regulations. The proponent may delegate this approval authority, in writing, to a division chief within the proponent agency or its direct reporting unit or field operating agency, in the grade of colonel or the civilian equivalent. Activities may request a waiver to this regulation by providing justification that includes a full analysis of the expected benefits and must include formal review by the activity’s senior legal officer.

All waiver requests will be endorsed by the commander or senior leader of the requesting activity and forwarded through their higher headquarters to the policy proponent. Refer to AR 25 – 30 for specific requirements.

Army internal control process. This regulation contains internal control provisions in accordance with AR 11 – 2 and identifies key internal controls that must be evaluated (see appendix L).

Suggested improvements. Users are invited to send comments and suggested improvements on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Human Resources Command (AHRC – PDP – A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122 – 5408, or via electronic mail to usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-awards@army.mil.

Distribution. This regulation is available in electronic media only and is intended for the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.

mailto:usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-awards@army.mil mailto:usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-awards@army.mil

SUMMARY of CHANGE

AR 600 – 8 – 22

Military Awards

This major revision, dated 19 January 2024––

• Updates policy for requesting reconsideration or appeal of previous award recommendations (para 1 – 16).

• Incorporates Army Directive 2022 – 05 (Army Combat Fitness Test) and adds Headquarters, Department of the Army-initiated flags as eligible for waiver approval for retirement or length of service awards (para 1–17c).

• Clarifies justification for retirement awards (para 1 – 23).

• Updates eligible classes of primary next of kin for posthumous awards and updates policy on replacement and duplicate issue of medals (paras 1 – 24d and 1–24e).

• Clarifies restrictions on recommending Army awards for personnel of other Services (para 1 – 37).

• Supersedes and incorporates Army Directive 2021 – 11 (Delegation of Authority to Approve Army Decorations for Foreign Military Personnel) (para 1 – 38).

• Updates Medal of Honor entitlements (para 1 – 39).

• Updates replacement medal policy (para 1 – 41).

• Adds valor award notification requirements (para 1 – 44).

• Updates campaign, expeditionary, and service medals policy (chap 2).

• Updates Purple Heart policy and clarifies distinction between reconsideration and retroactive requests for award of the Purple Heart (para 2 – 7).

• Clarifies eligibility for award of the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (para 2 – 20).

• Updates Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal policy (paras 2–24c and 2–24g).

• Incorporates Army Directive 2023 – 01 (Army Recruiting Ribbon Program) (para 2 – 25).

• Adds 10-year device to Armed Forces Reserve Medal (para 2 – 26).

• Adds Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal and Atomic Veterans Service Certificate (paras 2 – 35 and 2 – 36).

• Updates individual awards and authorized uses (table 3 – 1).

• Clarifies recommender eligibility (para 3 – 5).

• Updates peacetime award approval authority in accordance with DoDM 1348.33 (para 3 – 6).

• Updates Silver Star requirements and clarifies Legion of Merit approval authority (paras 3 – 12 and 3– 13b).

• Clarifies Bronze Star Medal and Air Medal downgrade restrictions (paras 3 – 16 and 3 – 18).

• Updates Department of Defense Valor Award goals to include noncombat heroism awards (para 3– 21l).

• Clarifies intent of the Army Good Conduct Medal and updates Army Good Conduct Medal qualifying service (paras 4 – 1 and 4–5c).

• Clarifies Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon eligibility (paras 5–3b and 5–3d).

• Expands Overseas Service Ribbon eligibility (para 5–4g).

• Updates policy for the Army Astronaut device and Gold Star Lapel Button (paras 6 – 14 and 6 – 20).

• Clarifies approval authority for campaign medals and phases (chap 7).

• Implements Public Law 116 – 283, William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, Section 370 by adding policy on revocation and disposition of streamers and awards that honor or commemorate Confederate military service and associated flags, guidons, and awards rendered obsolete by the statute (paras 7 – 11 and 11 – 5).

• Rescinds Glider Badge, Nuclear Reactor Operator badges, United States Army Reserve Recruiter Identification Badge, and Physical Fitness Badge (chap 8).

• Clarifies eligibility for the Combat Action Badge, Aviation Badge, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal badges (paras 8–8d, 8 – 14, and 8 – 15).

• Adds Expert Soldier Badge (para 8 – 11).

• Updates criteria for award of the Army Instructor Badges (para 8 – 24).

• Adds Master Gunner Identification Badge, National Guard Bureau Identification Badge, and Inspector General Identification Badge (paras 8 – 35, 8 – 38, and 8 – 39).

• Clarifies eligibility for the Special Forces Tab (para 8 – 42).

• Adds requirement for Servicemembers to obtain permission for acceptance and wear of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Meritorious Service Medal (para 9 – 12c).

• Updates eligibility for Multinational Force and Observers Medal (para 9 – 13a).

• Supersedes and incorporates Army Directive 2021 – 20 (Eligibility Requirements for Accepting and Wearing Foreign Badges) (paras 9 – 26 and 9 – 27).

• Rescinds accolade (chap 10).

• Adds Military Working Dog Handler Certificate of Commendation (para 10 – 9).

• Updates processes for awards and decorations (apps B through I).

• Implements use of Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army for the awards process (throughout).

• Incorporates Army Directive 2022 – 08 (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Roles and Responsibilities) (throughout).

• Updates references, addresses, websites, and terms (throughout).

AR 600–8–22 • 19 January 2024 i

Contents (Listed by chapter and page number)

Summary of Change

Chapter 1 Introduction, page 1

Chapter 2 Department of Defense Awards and Decorations, page 20

Chapter 3 U.S. Army Individual Decorations, page 44

Chapter 4 Army Good Conduct Medal and Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, page 61

Chapter 5 U.S. Army Service Medals and Service Ribbons, page 66

Chapter 6 Appurtenances, Lapel Buttons, and Miniature Decorations, page 72

Chapter 7 Unit Awards, page 81

Chapter 8 Badges and Tabs, page 92

Chapter 9 Foreign and International Decorations and Awards to U.S. Army Employees, page 122

Chapter 10 Certificates, Memorandums, and Letters, page 133

Chapter 11 Trophies and Similar Devices Awarded in Recognition of Accomplishments, page 137

Appendixes

A. References, page 139

B. Awards, Award Reporting, and Records Management, page 142

C. Department of Defense Awards and Decorations Procedures, page 147

D. Processing Award Recommendations, page 154

E. Army Good Conduct Medal and Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, page 158

F. Service Medals and Service Ribbons, page 160

G. U.S. Army Unit Awards, page 162

H. Badges and Tabs, page 166

I. Foreign and International Decorations and Awards to U.S. Army Personnel, page 168

J. Initial Consideration and Reconsideration of an Award through a Member of Congress, page 170

K. Campaigns, Service Requirements, and Inscriptions Prescribed for Streamers, page 171

Contents—Continued

AR 600–8–22 • 19 January 2024 ii

L. Internal Control Evaluation, page 180

Table List

Table 1 – 1: Addresses for other Services–request for awards and concurrences, page 17 Table 1 – 2: United States decorations to foreign military, page 18 Table 1 – 3: Degree of the Legion of Merit, page 18 Table 1 – 4: Addresses for requesting medals, page 20 Table 3 – 1: Individual awards and authorized uses, page 45 Table 3 – 2: Personnel eligible for Army awards, page 46 Table 3 – 3: Delegation of award approval authority peacetime criteria, page 48 Table 3 – 4: Delegation of award approval authority to project, program, and product managers and pro-gram executive officers assigned to, page 49 Table 3 – 5: Delegation of award approval authority wartime criteria, page 50 Table 8 – 1: U.S. Army badges and tabs, page 92 Table 8 – 2: Qualifying conflicts and periods for award of combat badges, page 99 Table 8 – 3: Weapons for which component bars are authorized, page 122 Table 10 – 1: Department of the Army military awards forms, page 134 Table 10 – 2: Recommended 8.5- x 11-inch cardstock for DD Forms 3059, page 136 Table C – 1: Steps for processing award of the Purple Heart, page 148 Table C – 2: Steps for processing award of the Prisoner of War Medal, page 149 Table C – 3: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, page 150 Table C – 4: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal–designated U.S. military operations in direct support of the United Nations, page 150 Table C – 5: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal–designated U.S. military operations of assistance to a friendly foreign nation, page 151 Table C – 6: Armed Forces Service Medal–designated U.S. military operations, page 151 Table C – 7: Steps for processing award of the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, page 153 Table D – 1: Steps for preparing and processing awards using DA Form 638, page 155 Table D – 2: Steps for preparing Army awards certificates, page 157 Table E – 1: Steps for processing award of the Army Good Conduct Medal, page 158 Table E – 2: Clasps authorized for second and subsequent award of the Army Good Conduct

Medal, page 158 Table E – 3: Steps for processing award of the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal for troop program unit Soldiers, page 159 Table F – 1: Noncommissioned Officer Education System creditable courses for award Noncommissioned

Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon and devices, page 160 Table F – 2: Service stars authorized for second and subsequent award of the Army Sea Duty Rib-bon, page 160 Table G – 1: Steps for preparing and processing awards using DA Form 7594, page 163 Table G – 2: Steps for processing award of campaign participation credit and war service streamers prior to effective date of this publication, page 164 Table H – 1: Steps for processing requests for combat badges, page 166 Table I – 1: Requesting approval to accept and wear foreign badges and decorations authorized by U.S.

Army Human Resources Command, page 168 Table I – 2: Requesting approval to accept and wear foreign badges and decorations not authorized by

U.S. Army Human Resources Command, page 168 Table J – 1: Steps for preparing and submitting a request for award consideration under the provisions of

Section 1130, Title 10, United States Code, page 170 Table K – 1: Campaigns, service requirements, and inscriptions prescribed for streamers, page 171

Glossary of Terms

AR 600–8–22 • 19 January 2024 1

Chapter 1 Introduction

Section I

Overview

1–1. Purpose This regulation implements a part of the Army Awards Program. It prescribes Department of the Army (DA) policy, criteria, and procedures for individual and unit military awards and foreign decorations and badges. AR 672 – 20 prescribes Army policy governing incentive awards, honorary awards and devices, awards from non-Federal organizations, and medals for public service. The goal of the Army Awards Pro-gram is to foster mission accomplishment by recognizing excellence of both military and civilian members of the force and motivating them to high levels of performance and service.

1–2. References, forms, and explanation of abbreviations See appendix A. The abbreviations, brevity codes, and acronyms (ABCAs) used in this electronic publica-tion are defined when you hover over them. All ABCAs are listed in the ABCA database located at https://armypubs.army.mil/abca/.

1–3. Associated publications This sections contains no entries.

1–4. Responsibilities See section II of this chapter.

1–5. Records management (recordkeeping) requirements The records management requirement for all record numbers, associated forms, and reports required by this regulation are addressed in the Records Retention Schedule–Army (RRS – A). Detailed information for all related record numbers, forms, and reports are located in Army Records Information Management System (ARIMS)/RRS – A at https://www.arims.army.mil. If any record numbers, forms, and reports are not current, addressed, and/or published correctly in ARIMS/RRS – A, see DA Pam 25 – 403 for guidance.

Section II

Responsibilities

1–6. Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) The ASA (M&RA) will—

a. Develop and oversee Army policy governing military awards and will have all authorities associated with this responsibility. However, this does not include the authority to act on recommendations for award of the Medal of Honor (MOH) and Distinguished Service Cross (DSC).

b. Act on requests to delegate awards approval authority to other Army officials unless prohibited or restricted by law or Department of Defense (DoD) policy.

1–7. Deputy Chief of Staff, G – 1 The DCS, G – 1 will—

a. Plan and manage the execution of the Military Awards Program.

b. Assist the ASA (M&RA) in developing policy, procedures, and standards governing decorations, awards, and honors. The DCS, G – 1 may make exceptions to this regulation and further delegate author-ity to make exceptions in writing, to a division chief within the proponent agency or its direct reporting unit (DRU) or field operating agency, in the grade of colonel (COL) or the civilian equivalent.

c. Ensure the Commanding General (CG), U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) will—

(1) Act on behalf of the DCS, G – 1 when so delegated and directed.

(2) Conduct and supervise all military awards functions prescribed in this regulation.

(3) Ensure the Chief, Awards and Decorations Branch (ADB), HRC— https://armypubs.army.mil/abca/ https://www.arims.army.mil/

AR 600–8–22 • 19 January 2024 2

(a) Manages the execution of the Military Awards Program.

(b) As necessary, provides interpretations and answers questions regarding established policy, proce-dures, and standards for matters concerning decorations, awards, and honors and may submit formal re-quests to the DCS, G – 1 or designee for exceptions to this regulation.

(c) Administers staffing actions for consideration of the Secretary of the Army (SECARMY) or designee on wartime and peacetime Army awards delegations and policy.

(d) Ensures that military awards boards are properly conducted and executed in accordance with the SECARMY’s Board Charter as it pertains to the Army Decorations Board, Senior Army Decorations Board, and the Army Unit Decorations Board.

(e) Serves as the Army’s central processing center for military awards with delegated decision author-ity for awarding the Purple Heart (PH), Army Good Conduct Medal (AGCM), Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM), Army Achievement Medal (AAM), and combat and specialty badges.

(f) Executes the Cold War Recognition System.

(g) Serves as the orders issuing authority for awards processed at the Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) level.

(h) Serves as decision authority for acceptance and wear of foreign decorations and badges.

(i) Serves as concurrence or decision authority on Sister Service decorations or badges.

(j) Ensures policy and procedure changes are communicated and coordinated with Army Military Hu-man Resource Record (AMHRR) policy to ensure AMHRR information capture capabilities are in place.

(k) Ensures HRC directorates approving and disapproving awards and decorations are updating final award elements in the member’s AMHRR.

1–8. Principal officials of Headquarters, Department of the Army agencies; and commanders of Army commands, Army service component commands, and direct reporting units Principal officials of HQDA agencies and commanders of Army commands (ACOMs), Army service com-ponent commands (ASCCs), and DRUs will—

a. Initially and periodically brief all personnel on the prohibitions and requirements of chapter 9, per-taining to foreign awards.

b. Designate a representative to provide advice and assistance on any question relating to the applica-tion and implementation of foreign awards as noted in chapter 9.

c. Announce accomplishments and competitions for which trophies and similar devices are to be pre-sented, in accordance with paragraph 11 – 2.

d. As appropriate, approve trophies and similar devices to be awarded within their command or agency.

e. Ensure that commanders at all levels implement the provisions of this regulation.

f. Further delegate to senior commanders or activity commanders, as appropriate, the authority to ap-prove trophies and similar devices to be awarded within their command or agency.

1–9. Commandant, Adjutant General School The Commandant, Adjutant General School is responsible for branch implementation, functional training, and program of instruction development associated with procedures identified in this regulation.

Section III

Principles and Standards

1–10. Principles of support The Military Human Resources Support System provides the Army with the capability to—

a. Enable award authorities to recognize Soldiers for valor, meritorious service, and achievement and document and record that recognition in the member’s AMHRR for historical purposes using the Inte-grated Personnel and Pay System-Army (IPPS – A).

b. Recognize Servicemembers of other military departments, foreign allies, and U.S. civil servants for their meritorious contributions to the Army’s success in mission accomplishment.

c. Recognize veterans and the primary next of kin of Soldiers.

d. Support the Army’s personnel life cycle function of sustainment.

AR 600–8–22 • 19 January 2024 3

1–11. Standards of service

a. Awards and decorations are a wartime and peacetime military personnel function.

b. Recommended decorations will be expeditiously processed and recorded in military orders within 60 days of the final approving authority’s decision.

c. Typed recommendations will be the norm during peacetime. Handwritten printed recommendations are acceptable during wartime conditions.

d. A final record of each recommendation and the resulting decision will be maintained for historical purposes. Records will be transferred to a records holding area in accordance with AR 25 – 400 – 2.

e. Awards and decorations given to the individual will be recorded in the AMHRR.

f. Recipients of awards should receive, at presentation, award emblems and the elements (medal, cer-tificate (optional, at commander’s discretion), and orders) before leaving an assignment or transitioning from active duty.

g. Awards approval authorities may use award and decoration boards to determine the appropriate level of recognition. Use of these boards is optional. If boards are used, the board recommendations must be submitted to the approval authority for final decision (see AR 15 – 39). Board composition and proce-dures are based on unit standard operating procedures.

1–12. Objective and implementation

a. The objective of the DA Military Awards Program is to provide tangible recognition for acts of valor, meritorious service or achievement under combat conditions, exceptional service or achievement, special skills or qualifications, and acts of heroism not involving actual combat.

b. Implementation of the provisions of this regulation is a command responsibility. Administrative pro-cedures will ensure the prompt recognition of deserving Soldiers.

1–13. Categories of individual awards Individual awards are grouped into the following categories:

a. Decorations.

b. AGCM.

c. Campaign, expeditionary, and service (CE&S) medals.

d. Service ribbons, badges, and tabs.

e. Certificates and letters.

1–14. Time limitation Except for award recommendations (including those identified in para 1 – 14) submitted in accordance with the provisions of Section 1130, Title 10, United States Code (10 USC 1130), each recommendation for an award of a military decoration must be entered administratively into military channels within 2 years of the act, achievement, or service to be honored, with exception of the MOH, DSC, and Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) (see para 1–14g). An award recommendation will be considered to have been submitted into military channels when it has been signed by the qualified recommender (see para 3 – 5) and en-dorsed by a higher official in the chain of command.

a. To be fully effective, an award must be timely. Undue delay in submitting a recommendation may preclude its consideration. It is highly desirable that a recommendation be placed in military channels and acted upon as quickly as possible. If circumstances preclude submission of a completely documented recommendation, it is best to submit it as soon as possible and note additional data will be submitted later. However, to ensure prompt recognition, interim awards should be considered and are encouraged as indicated in paragraph 1 – 20.

b. The time limitations defined herein only apply to military awards that require preparation of a recom-mendation packet to be processed. Time limitations do not apply to military decorations which a Soldier is entitled to receive after meeting specific legal or regulatory eligibility criteria or conditions. Some exam-ples of such awards or decorations include the PH and CE&S medals (see chap 2) or badges (see chap 8). Awards and decorations such as these may be awarded at any time the entitlement or eligibility is de-termined. Specific details for award criteria are listed in chapters 2 and 8.

c. These time limitations do not apply to retroactive and conversion awards made in confirmation of recognition of previously issued orders, letters, or certificates or in exchange of decorations hereinafter authorized. Time limits do not apply to records corrected by the SECARMY acting through the Army Board for Correction of Military Records pursuant to 10 USC 1552.

AR 600–8–22 • 19 January 2024 4

d. Time limitations do not apply to requests for concurrence on Sister Service awards and decorations, so long as the award was processed for approval in accordance with statutory time limitations.

e. Time limitations do not apply to acceptance and wear of foreign badges and decorations awarded to U.S. Soldiers.

f. In cases where it can be conclusively proven that formal submission of a recommendation for award was not made within the time limitations indicated in paragraph 1 – 14 because either the person recom-mending or the person being recommended was in a prisoner of war (POW), missing in action, or in medi-cally incapacitated status, award of the Silver Star (SS) or lesser decorations may be approved without regard to elapsed time since the act, achievement, or service occurred that is to be honored.

g. MOH, DSC, and DSM recommendations must be entered formally into official channels within 3 years of the act warranting the recommendation and awarded within 5 years, except as provided in 10

USC 7274.

h. Preparing an award recommendation years after an action has occurred can be a challenge. Pro-posals for decorations not previously submitted in a timely fashion are submitted through a Member of Congress to the CG, HRC. In the event an incomplete award recommendation is submitted, the Chief, HRC ADB will contact the requesting Member of Congress and provide specific guidance regarding the additional information required for the case to be considered. Appendix J prescribes mandatory proce-dures for Army compliance with 10 USC 1130.

i. Recommendations for award of U.S. Army decorations will be forwarded through command channels to Commanding General, U.S. Army Human Resources Command (AHRC – PDP – A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122 – 5408, for final action no less than 60 days before the desired presentation date.

1–15. Lost recommendations

a. The MOH, DSC, DSM, or device in place thereof, may not be awarded to a person unless—

(1) The award is made within 5 years after the date of the act justifying the award.

(2) A statement setting forth the distinguished service and recommending official recognition of it was made within 3 years after the distinguished service.

(3) It appears from records of the DA that the person is entitled to the award (see 10 USC 7274).

b. A MOH, DSC, DSM, or device in place thereof, as the case may be, may be awarded to the person concerned within 2 years after the date the SECARMY determines that—

(1) A statement setting forth the distinguished service and recommending official recognition of it was made and supported by sufficient evidence within 3 years after the distinguished service.

(2) No award was made because the statement was lost or through inadvertence the recommendation was not acted on (see 10 USC 7274).

c. In each case, the recommender for an award must provide the following to Commanding General, U.S. Army Human Resources Command (AHRC – PDP – A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122 – 5408:

(1) Conclusive evidence of the formal submission of the recommendation into military channels.

(2) Conclusive evidence of the loss of the recommendation or the failure to act on the recommendation through inadvertence.

(3) A copy of the original recommendation, or its substantive equivalent, at a minimum, should be ac-companied by statements, certificates, or affidavits corroborating the events, actions, or achievements.

The recommender must provide the CG, HRC with adequate information for Secretarial evaluation of the deed or service to determine if an award is to be made. The person signing a reconstructed award recom-mendation must be identified clearly in terms of their official relationship to the intended recipient at the time of the act or during the period of service to be recognized.

1–16. Reconsideration or appeal of previous award recommendations

a. A request for reconsideration or the appeal of a disapproved or downgraded award or a request for an upgrade of a previously approved recommendation must be placed in official channels within 1 year from the date of the awarding authority’s decision. A one-time reconsideration by the award approval au-thority will be conclusive.

b. Recommendations are submitted for reconsideration or appeal only if new, substantive, and material information is furnished and the time limits specified in paragraph 1 – 14 do not prevent such action.

AR 600–8–22 • 19 January 2024 5

c. Only the award recommender or someone in the approving chain of command may request recon-sideration of an approved award. If the reconsideration or appeal is approved and when a lesser decora-tion has already been approved, action is taken by the awarding authority or the Chief, HRC ADB to re-voke the lesser awarded decoration.

d. Requests for reconsideration or appeal must be forwarded through the same official channels as the original recommendation. The justification for reconsideration or appeal must be in letter format, not to exceed two single-spaced typewritten pages. A copy of the original recommendation, with all endorse-ments, and the citation must be attached. If the original recommendation is not available, a reconstructed recommendation must be submitted. Once HRC or the award approval authority has made a decision on the award reconsideration or appeal, the only other option for reconsideration or appeal is the Army Board for Correction of Military Records. DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record Un-der the Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552) is required for review by the Army Board for Cor-rection of Military Records.

e. Awards that are approved and presented for meritorious service will not be considered for an up-grade to a valorous award.

1–17. Character of service

a. Personal decorations. No military decoration, including a medal, badge, or bar, or an associated emblem or insignia, will be awarded or presented to any individual or a representative of that individual if the individual’s entire service subsequent to the time of the distinguished act, achievement, or service has not been honorable. The determination of “honorable” will be based on such honest and faithful service according to the standards of conduct, courage, and duty required by law and customs of the service of a Servicemember of the grade to whom the standard is applied. Commanders will ensure that—

(1) Individuals for whom favorable personnel actions have been suspended are neither recommended for nor receive an award, decoration, or a badge during the period of the suspension.

(2) Other-than-honorable service subsequent to submission of the recommendation for an award is promptly reported to the awards approving authority with a recommendation for appropriate action.

b. Exceptions. As an exception to paragraph 1–17a(1), Soldiers who are flagged for Army Body Com-position Program or Army Combat Fitness Test failure may be recommended for and presented an award based on valor and heroism. Additionally, Soldiers who are flagged for Army Body Composition Program or Army Combat Fitness Test failure may be posthumously recommended for and presented an award, decoration, or a badge when assigned to a unit engaged in combat against hostile forces and the Soldier dies as a result of injuries sustained during combat.

c. Waivers. A waiver of an Army Body Composition Program or Army Combat Fitness Test failure or HQDA-initiated flag may be requested for length of service or retirement awards. The request must be approved by the first general officer in the Soldier’s chain of command with award approval or disapproval authority. Waivers must be processed as separate and distinct actions from the award recommendations and should be submitted and adjudicated prior to submission of the award recommendation. The ap-proved waiver will accompany the award recommendation once submitted.

d. Purple Heart. The PH is an entitlement and differs from all other awards and does not require an exception or waiver for presentation.

e. Badges. A badge will not be awarded to any person who, subsequent to qualification, has been dis-missed, received a punitive discharge, or convicted of desertion by court-martial.

1–18. Period of award

a. For meritorious service awards, the cited period is limited to the period of service during which the individual served under the recommending command, except in the case of retirement awards (see para 1 – 23). Meritorious service is characterized by distinguished service and performance above that normally expected, over a sustained period.

b. For meritorious achievement awards, the length of time is not a primary consideration; however, the act or achievement should have a clearly discernible beginning and ending date. In addition, the speed of accomplishment of a time sensitive task could be an important factor in determining the value of the achievement or act.

c. For valor and heroism awards, the length of time is a consideration and it will be only for the time of the specific heroic event or action. The cited period will typically not exceed 2 days and is governed by the same standards stated in paragraph 1–18b. Periods longer than 2 days must be clearly justified.

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1–19. Duplication of awards

a. Only one decoration will be awarded to an individual or unit for the same act, achievement, or period of meritorious service.

b. The award of a decoration for wartime service does not preclude a service award at the termination of a permanent change of station (PCS) or expiration term of service assignment. These recommenda-tions will not refer to wartime service, which has been previously recognized by award of a decoration during the award period.

c. Continuation of the same or similar type service already recognized by an award for meritorious ser-vice or achievement will not be the basis for a second award. If appropriate, an award may be made to include the extended period of service by superseding the earlier award or the award previously made may be amended to incorporate the extended period of service.

d. Awards authorities may not recommend a duplicate award for the same act or service from another service component. That is, if a Soldier is assigned to a joint command, they will not receive a joint award and a service award for the same period. Moreover, a Soldier who retires from a joint command may only be recommended for a Service or Defense award, but not both. No Soldier serving in a joint command as their last assignment will be recommended for a Defense award for service and a retirement award from their service department.

e. If a Soldier is assigned to an Army National Guard (ARNG) command, they may receive both a State and Army award for the same act, achievement, or period of meritorious service.

f. Individual or unit awards and decorations received from a foreign nation or government are not con-sidered a duplication of awards. Sister Service awards are included in paragraph 1–19d.

1–20. Interim awards and awards of a lesser decoration

a. To ensure that a deserving act, achievement, or service receives prompt recognition, the appropri-ate authority may promptly award a suitable lesser military decoration pending final action on a recom-mendation for a higher award, except for retiring U.S. Army general officers. When a higher award is ap-proved, the approving authority will revoke the interim award using a separate permanent order (PO) in accordance with DA Pam 600 – 8 – 105. The decoration will be returned by the recipient, unless the higher award is approved posthumously, in which case the primary next of kin will be permitted to retain both awards.

b. The authority taking final action may award the decoration recommended, award a lesser decoration (or consider the interim award as adequate recognition), or, in the absence of an interim award, disap-prove award of any decoration.

c. The ARCOM may be awarded by the appropriate commander as an interim award in those cases involving heroism and for which a recommendation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) or the Soldier’s Medal (SM) has been submitted.

1–21. Impact awards Impact awards are rare and intended to recognize a single specific act or accomplishment, separate and distinct from regularly assigned duties, such as a special project. Impact awards are not intended to pro-vide a means to authorize additional awards when the conditions for a completed period of service, PCS, or expiration term of service have not been fulfilled. The achievement covers a short period of time with a definitive beginning and ending date. A recommendation for an impact award should be submitted only when the act is of such magnitude that it cannot be recognized in any other manner and to delay such recognition until completion of the individual’s period of service would diminish the significance of the ac-complishment. Impact award approval authority is identical to the awards approval authority delegated in tables 3 – 3 and 3 – 4.

1–22. Succeeding awards For each succeeding act or period of meritorious service or achievement that justifies the award of a dec-oration, an oak leaf cluster or numeral device will be awarded. The exception is when decorations are presented to foreigners and posthumous awards presented to primary next of kin.

1–23. Recognition upon retirement

a. Period of service. Each individual approaching retirement may be considered for an appropriate decoration based on their grade, years of service, degree of responsibility, and manner of performance.

AR 600–8–22 • 19 January 2024 7

b. Service recognition awards.

(1) Meritorious service awards may be awarded upon retirement (to include medical retirements). The recommending command may take into consideration periods of service longer than that served in the terminal assignment. An extended period will only be considered in those cases where the length or na-ture of the individual’s terminal assignment would not qualify them for an appropriate award. It is neither necessary nor desirable to consider an extended period of service when the length and character of ser-vice in the terminal assignment would qualify the Soldier for an appropriate award. If an extended period of service is considered, such period will be limited to the last 10 years of the Soldier’s service. When writ-ing the citation, it is not necessary to indicate the time period considered. It is only pertinent to mention the total number of years of service (for example, over 22 years or 30 years of service).

(2) Only one retirement award may be awarded to any retiring Soldier. Soldiers serving under the Re-tiree Recall Program are not authorized a second retirement award or an upgrade of a previously ap-proved retirement award. Service awards for Retiree Recall Servicemembers are at the discretion of the commander.

c. Submissions. Award recommendations submitted for meritorious service based upon retirement will be submitted so that they may be processed and completed prior to the requested presentation date. In determining the presentation date, the recommender must consider the Soldier’s requested retirement date, number of days of any transition leave, and authorized travel or transition processing time. Recom-mendations for awards submitted to Commanding General, U.S. Army Human Resources Command (AHRC – PDP – A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122 – 5408, for final action should arrive no less than 60 days before the desired presentation date.

1–24. Posthumous awards

a. Award recommendations. When considering an award recommendation, the characterization of the

Servicemember’s death will not be used as the sole factor in determining approval or disapproval of an award.

b. Preparation of award elements. Orders for awards to individuals who are deceased at the time the award is approved will indicate that the award is being made posthumously. The engraved medal and certificate will not include the word posthumous. In cases where a Soldier is posthumously promoted to a higher grade, both the certificate and orders should reflect the grade to which promoted.

c. Presentation of awards to primary next of kin. Presentation will be made to primary next of kin in accordance with procedures in paragraph 1 – 33. When presentation to the primary next of kin cannot be made by the appropriate commander, a report listing the reasons the presentation could not be made with the award orders, certificate, and citation will be forwarded immediately to Commanding General, U.S.

Army Human Resources Command (AHRC – PDP – A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122 – 5408, where appropriate action will be taken to accomplish the presentation. Under no circum-stances will commanders forward award elements (medal, certificate, and citation) directly to the primary next of kin.

d. Eligible classes of primary next of kin. The line of succession to establish primary next of kin is de-fined in AR 638 – 8. When it is determined by the Chief, HRC ADB or the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) that medals will be issued posthumously to the primary next of kin, the same order of precedence will be used.

e. Replacement and duplicate issue of medals. Replacement medals will only be issued to the primary next of kin in accordance with paragraph 1 – 41. If possible, the request for a replacement medal should include proof of the relationship to the deceased Soldier. Replacement MOHs, DSCs, and DSMs will be replaced without charge. All other medals will be replaced at cost.

f. Special provisions during periods of armed hostilities. During periods when U.S. Army Servicemem-bers are engaged in combat against hostile forces, complete sets of decorations will be issued to the pri-mary next of kin of personnel who die in the hostile fire zone or who die as the result of wounds received in the hostile fire zone. During such periods, a duplicate set of decorations may be issued, upon the re-quest of the secondary next of kin of deceased personnel, after the original set has been presented to the primary next of kin.

g. Repatriated remains of fallen Soldiers. The primary next of kin for Soldiers who are repatriated from previous conflicts follows the order of precedence in AR 638 – 8.

h. Posthumous presentation of a numeral or oak leaf cluster. When an appurtenance is presented posthumously, it will be attached to the appropriate medal, and the complete decoration consisting of the

AR 600–8–22 • 19 January 2024 8 medal and appurtenances will be presented to the primary next of kin, rather than the appurtenance alone.

i. Posthumous award of badges. When an individual who has qualified for a badge dies before the award is made, the badge may be presented to the primary next of kin.

1–25. Conversion of awards Awards of certain decorations as authorized in this regulation or later authorized will be made on the ba-sis of existing letters, certificates, citations, or orders as requested by the individual concerned to NPRC.

Soldiers who retired or were discharged after 1 October 2002 and the primary next of kin of Soldiers who died after 1 October 2002 should submit their requests to Commanding General, U.S. Army Human Re-sources Command (AHRC – PDP – A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122 – 5408.

Only those awards authorized in paragraphs 2 – 7, 3 – 12, 3 – 16, and 3 – 19 are categorized as conversion awards. If possible, a request for the conversion of an award should include the original or a copy of the documentation, which they wish to have considered. Providing details as to time, place, and deed or ser-vice will assist HRC personnel in locating any copy or documentation, which may have been recorded.

1–26. Recognition of Reserve Component members upon death, discharge, or transfer to the Retired Reserve

a. Policy. Appropriate recognition may be extended to members of the Army National Guard of the United States (ARNGUS) and the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) not on active duty who have distinguished themselves in the defense of the United States over a period of many years, often at personal expense, inconvenience, and hardship and those who by their acts or achievements have made major contributions to the Reserve Components (RCs). Members voluntarily electing discharge or transfer to the Retired Re-serve prior to mandatory removal from an Active Reserve status may also be considered.

b. Categories for recognition.

(1) Members who are discharged or transferred to the Retired Reserve should be accorded appropri-ate recognition by—

(a) Farewell letters from CGs of the USAR General Officer Commands, as appropriate.

(b) Letters of appreciation and commendation.

(c) Other awards as authorized in this regulation.

(2) Members who die while in an Active Reserve status may be accorded recognition through their pri-mary next of kin in accordance with paragraphs 1–26b(1)(b) and 1–26b(1)(c).

(3) All ARNG and USAR personnel, who, upon completion of a tour of an individual mobilization aug-mentee (IMA) or troop program unit (TPU) assignment, enter Standby or Retired Reserve status pending eligibility for official retirement, should be considered for award at the time of change of status as retire-ment recognition. Personnel who enter standby status pending reassignment into another position may be considered for a service award. However, if the individual retires without having served another tour or in any official capacity, an additional award for retirement will not be made. The service award will be amended to show award was for retirement recognition. At that time, if the command feels the award should have been higher because of retirement vice service, it can be submitted for reconsideration.

(4) All ARNG and USAR personnel who, upon call-up or during active duty for training (ADT), will be recognized by their Regular Army or active duty commander with whom they are assigned, attached, or under operational control. The award presentation will be conducted prior to the ARNG or USAR person-nel termination of call-up or ADT.

c. Criteria. The criteria in this regulation will be used to determine the type of recognition to be ac-corded. For this purpose, the member’s records will be reviewed by the CG, U.S. Army Reserve Com-mand (USARC), General Officer Command, as appropriate.

d. Farewell letters.

(1) After a USAR unit member has been informed of their pending mandatory discharge or eligibility for transfer to the Retired Reserve, a personal farewell letter will be prepared and signed by the appropriate CG of the respective command. The CG, HRC will prepare farewell letters to Reserve Soldiers (except general officers) under their jurisdiction. Letters for all general officers will be prepared by the HQDA Gen-eral Officer Management Office.

(2) Letters will be limited in scope with a general statement concerning the member’s release from an Active Reserve status and an expression of appreciation for past service. Mimeographed form letters may not be used nor will there be included any forms related to administrative processing of the individual.

AR 600–8–22 • 19 January 2024 9

e. Ceremonies. Ceremonies will be conducted as appropriate and according to TC 3 – 21.5 and this regulation. Additionally, the following will apply:

(1) When a general officer is to be honored, the civilian aide to the SECARMY residing in the locality of the ceremony will be invited to attend as the personal representative of the Secretary. The senior Regular Army officer present will serve as the official representative of the Army. As such, the representative will be the host both to the civilian aide and to the general officer.

(2) Through existing liaison with State military authorities, official recognition and appreciation of HQDA may be given to ARNGUS personnel upon removal from an Active Reserve status, discharge, or death. State authorities concerned will conduct the ceremonies.

(3) USAR non unit members.

(a) When a USAR non unit member requests a ceremony (non-retirement), the CG, HRC forwards the related documents and appropriate awards, if any, to the geographically located regional support com-mand numbered readiness command commander of the locality in which the member resides. The com-mander arranges for appropriate ceremony and presentation of awards.

(b) When a USAR non unit member requests a retirement ceremony at either active duty or USARC, the CG, HRC forwards the retirement documents and appropriate award, if any, to the commander of the regional support command numbered regional readiness command or Regular Army ACOM of the locality in which the member resides. The commander arranges for appropriate ceremony and presentation of awards.

(c) Criteria for retirement ceremonies at Regular Army ACOMs will require the following:

1. Soldier has 20–year qualifying letter in their AMHRR in interactive Personnel Electronic Records

Management System (iPERMS) for nonregular retirement pay at age 60. This includes those individuals issued a Reserve identification card imprinted Retired Reserve “RET RES” who are considered “gray area” retirees.

2. Official orders transferring Soldier to the Retired Reserve are in the Soldier’s AMHRR in iPERMS.

3. In those cases where a USAR non unit member does not desire a ceremony, the CG, HRC forwards the retirement documents and appropriate awards, if any, to the Soldier.

4. Posthumous recognition may be given to members who die while in an Active Reserve status by presentation of an appropriate award to the primary next of kin or Family member; CGs, USARC, regional support commands, and HRC arrange ceremonies with the primary next of kin or Family member of de-ceased USAR personnel. If the deceased is a general officer, procedures in paragraph 1–26e(1) will ap-ply, with primary next of kin and Family members in attendance, if appropriate.

1–27. Announcement of awards

a. Decorations.

(1) The award of all decorations, except for the MOH, will be announced in POs by the appropriate awards approval authority before recording information in the Soldier’s AMHRR.

(2) Additionally, awards made by the President, the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF), and the

SECARMY will be announced in Department of the Army General Orders (AGO).

b. Service medals and service ribbons. Service medals and service ribbons are administratively awarded to individuals who meet the qualifying criteria. Orders are not required except for the AGCM which will be published in a PO (see para 4 – 1) and included in the Soldier’s AMHRR.

c. Badges. Permanent awards of badges, except Basic Marksmanship Qualification badges, identifi-cation badges (less the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge, and Military Horseman Identification Badge), will be announced in POs by commanders authorized to make the award before re-cording information in the Soldier’s AMHRR.

1–28. Format, content, and distribution of orders Format, content, and distribution of orders will conform to DA Pam 600 – 8 – 105, (Format 320).

1–29. Amendment of orders

a. Commanders are authorized to correct minor errors (incorrect spelling of names, initials, social…