The U.S. Army Achievement Medal (AAM) holds a special place in the hearts of many who have served in the U.S. Army. Often awarded for exceptional service, this medal symbolizes hard work, dedication, and personal achievement. But what is the Army Achievement Medal, and what does it take to earn one?
If you're currently serving in the military, a veteran reflecting on the honor of past awards, or even a curious civilian, this guide will give you a clear understanding of what the Army Achievement Medal is, its significance, and how it is awarded.
What is the Army Achievement Medal?
The Army Achievement Medal is a military decoration awarded by the U.S. Army. It recognizes outstanding achievement or acts of meritorious service that do not warrant a higher-level commendation, such as the Army Commendation Medal. Its purpose is to honor those who go above and beyond their duties, even during routine assignments, while demonstrating exceptional skill, leadership, or initiative.
The AAM is not limited to combat operations. Instead, it often highlights acts of administrative excellence, technical proficiency, or contributions to the Army community.
Introduced in 1981, the Army Achievement Medal was established by the Secretary of the Army to extend recognition to activities and achievements occurring even outside the combat zone. Over the years, it has become a respected acknowledgment of service.
What Does the AAM Look Like?
The Army Achievement Medal is a bronze hexagon, showcasing the Army’s seal on the front, and on the reverse of the medal it has an inscription "For Military Achievement." Recipients of this honor also receive a ribbon with corresponding colors of green, blue and white stripes.
For subsequent awards, oak leaf clusters are added to the award ribbon to mark additional achievements. According to the Army, the "V" device worn on the Army Achievement Medal and other awards, stands for "valor." The device was authorized decades ago for wear on Army ribbons.
In 2017, two new devices were authorized on the AAM, the "C" and "R" devices. The C denotes "combat" and the R means "remote." Both are described fully in Military Personnel Message 17-095, titled "Implementation of Department of Defense Guidance for the Newly Established 'C' and 'R' Devices." That message was published March 2017.
How Can Soldiers Earn the Army Achievement Medal?
Earning the Army Achievement Medal is not a matter of luck; it is the result of exemplary performance and dedication. While the criteria vary depending on the specific duties of the recipient, here are some common instances where soldiers receive an AAM:
Exceptional Job Performance
Soldiers often earn the AAM for performing duties in an exemplary manner. For example, an administrator may receive it for flawlessly organizing an important training event, ensuring every logistical detail was accounted for.
Excellence in Training
Completing a training event with top performance, such as scoring high on marksmanship or leading a training exercise effectively, may also result in an AAM.
Outstanding Leadership
Soldiers with outstanding leadership during an assignment, exercise, or operation are prime candidates for this award. For instance, serving as a squad leader during a large training event and ensuring the team exceeded expectations could warrant recognition.
Technical Accomplishments
Technicians and specialists may earn the medal by identifying solutions to complex problems, creating operational efficiencies, or innovating technologies that enhance unit functionality.
Supporting Humanitarian Efforts or Community Service
Efforts that enhance the well-being of Army families or the broader community, such as organizing a relief operation or leading a charity drive, are often acknowledged with the AAM.
Who is Eligible to Receive the AAM?
The Army Achievement Medal is primarily awarded to enlisted soldiers and junior officers, such as lieutenants and captains. However, members of other military branches who have worked with an Army unit are eligible to receive the award if they have Army leaders in their chain of command or if they supported U.S. Army missions during the award period. You can check out the awards regulation for more information.
What is the Army Achievement Medal Award Process?
Earning the Army Achievement Medal involves several steps. It’s not something a soldier can request independently; instead, a recommendation is made by a superior officer. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
What is the Army Achievement Medal Nomination Process?
A supervisor identifies the actions or service of a soldier that exceed standard expectations. For example, completing a task in record time or leading a team to achieve mission success, well above expectations, may prompt a nomination.
Written Recommendation
The recommending officer completes a DA Form 638 (Recommendation For Award). This document outlines the specific actions or performance that justify the award. It is essential that the detailed achievements align with the standards expected for the Army Achievement Medal.
What is the Army Achievement Medal Chain of Approval?
The recommendation goes through the chain of command for review. Each level of approval ensures that the recommendation meets the necessary merit criteria.
What is the Army Achievement Medal Final Approval process?
Once reviewed, the medal is officially approved and presented to the recipient.
Notably, those who receive the AAM often experience a boost in morale and recognition from peers and superiors. For many, this recognition serves as an inspiration to continue excelling in their service.
What Sets the AAM Apart From Other Military Awards?
The Army Achievement Medal sits within a hierarchy of military awards and decorations, which include commendations like the Commendation Medal and Bronze Star Medal. What makes the AAM unique is its focus on acknowledging acts of excellence that may otherwise go unnoticed in the flow of daily operations.
The AAM is not a service medal like the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) or Iraq Campaign Medal. Those awards denote service during a particular time period and in a particular location.
The AAM is an individual award presented for achievement, not for service. In other words, it is an atta boy for good performance in one’s duties, as opposed to simply receiving the NDSM for being in the military during time of war.
Not Combat-Related
While many military medals are awarded for valor in combat, the AAM honors service to the U.S. Army in non-combat and combat environments alike.
Encouraging Everyday Excellence
The AAM recognizes achievements that reflect dedication and attention to duty, even when these acts don’t involve high-risk situations.
Significance of the Army Achievement Medal
Receiving an Army Achievement Medal goes beyond the physical award itself. It symbolizes an enduring legacy of effort and commitment to excellence. Here’s why it’s significant:
A Sense of Pride
Soldiers who receive the AAM feel a sense of pride in knowing their hard work has not gone unnoticed. What is the Army Achievement Medal for most soldiers? It is reinforcement of a job well done.
Unit Morale Boost
Recognizing individual accomplishments through awards like the AAM inspires others in the unit to raise their own performance and strive for excellence. What is the Army Achievement Medal to soldiers? It could mean not only boosted morale, but also promotions since medals are worth promotion points for enlisted personnel.
Why The Army Achievement Medal Matters
Acknowledging efforts, even those outside combat zones, is critical for maintaining motivation and morale in the Army. Medals like the AAM reward dedication to duty and remind soldiers of the importance of excellence, no matter the environment.
If you’ve recently been awarded the Army Achievement Medal, take a moment to reflect on your efforts and know they’re valued. If you’re striving to earn one, know your hard work won’t go unnoticed.
What is the army achievement medal? It is an entry-level medal recognizing the combat and non-combat achievements of U.S. Army personnel.