Military Writing Joint Commendation Service Medal (JCSM) Submission Guidelines (from a LOCAL OI)
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A10.1. Standard of Award. Meritorious achievement or service, although of a lesser degree than that required for award of the DMSM, that has been accomplished with distinction and clearly places an individual's performance above that of his or her peers.

A10.2. Definition of Meritorious Service. Individual performance must exceed that expected by virtue of grade and experience based on accomplishments during an entire tour of duty. Awards given for service must normally cover the period of the controlled duty tour, plus any extensions, and are normally awarded for a period of service greater than 12 months.

A10.3. Approval/Signature Authority. Deputy Commander/Chief Of Staff for J1, Command Section, Special Staff, and CTFs, and Directors for their directorates.

A10.4. Submission Procedures.

A10.4.1. Directorate action officers will submit recommendation packages to their approving authority at least 45 days prior to desired presentation date. Prepare the citation using the example at Attachment 11.

A10.4.2. Directors will submit approved decorations to J12 at least 30 days prior to desired presentation date for review and publication of orders.

A10.5. Justification. Award justification, when required, will not exceed the space provided in the ACTION SUMMARY block of <UNIT> Form 915 at Attachment 2 and will follow the requirements of Table A10.1. below. Note: Justification is mandatory for ALL grades/rates when award is submitted for “Outstanding Achievement.”

A10.6. Presentation. Director or higher authority desirable; however, may be delegated to a lower level.

Table A10.1. Justification Requirement (JSCM).

REASON PCS RETIREMENT

GRADE/RATE	JUSTIFICATION	JUSTIFICATION
E-1 TO E-6	REQUIRED	NOT REQUIRED
E-7 TO E-9	NOT REQUIRED	NOT REQUIRED
0-1 TO 0-3 and W-1 TO W-2	NOT REQUIRED	NOT REQUIRED
0-4 TO 0-6	NOT REQUIRED	NOT REQUIRED

 

EXAMPLE OF CITATION – JSCM

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF
(double space)
THE JOINT SERVICE COMMENDATION MEDAL
(FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER)
(double space)
TO
(double space)
ANDREA J. JONES
(triple space)

Mandatory Opening Sentence. Lieutenant Commander Andrea J. Jones, United States Navy, distinguished herself by exceptionally meritorious service (achievement) as (duty assignment and office) OR (while assigned to (office) from (month/year) to (moth/year)). (Text). Write in narrative style, using short, simple, direct, and accurate facts in straightforward language. Avoid superfluous adjectives and other embellishments. Include accomplishments of the individual and the resulting benefits. (NOTE: See mandatory closing sentences below.)

Mandatory Closing Sentences:
PCS Award. Through her distinctive accomplishments, Commander Jones reflected credit upon herself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.

Retirement. Through her distinctive accomplishments, Commander Jones culminated a (“long and”/with at least 30 years service) distinguished career in the service of her country and reflected credit upon herself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.

Separation. Through her distinctive accomplishments and while serving her country, Commander Jones reflected credit upon herself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.

Instructions. Prepare in final form, portrait format, single-spaced, right-margin justified, with 1-inch right and left margins, 1-inch top margin, and a minimum of 3 inches at bottom. Font/Size is 14 TMS RMN. No more than 16 lines. Must be unclassified. Use no abbreviations or acronyms. Spell out full name in opening sentence, then use shortened grade throughout the remaining text; i.e., Lieutenant Colonel John D. Jones, then use Colonel Jones. (For Navy personnel only, use full grade throughout.). Note: For distribution purposes, provide seven copies of the citation with the SSAN typed three spaces to the right of the name and seven copies of the certificate).