The Department of Defense created the authorization for its Joint Service Achievement Medal in 1983. These military decorations are considered superior to any of the individual service branch Achievement Medals. These military medals are awarded for outstanding achievement or meritorious service in a joint project between military services that would not warrant the receipt of the Joint Services Commendation Medals. These military awards were created specifically to commend the performance of junior officers and enlisted personnel, who are not generally eligible to receive Commendation Medals or Meritorious Service Medals, and are awarded by the local commander on behalf of the Department of Defense.
The Joint Service Achievement Medal is worn below any of the individual service’s Commendation Medals, and above the Combat Action Ribbon. Additional awards of these military ribbons and medals are indicated by Oak Leaf Clusters in all services receiving a Joint Service Achievement Medal.
The Joint Service Achievement Medal can be worn as full size military medals and mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins. Like most military medals, it is available as traditional slide-on full size military medals or mini-medals, traditional slide-on military ribbons, and the sleek, new thin military medals, mini-medals or military ribbons.