scope:

a. Military decorations and unit awards have the extremely beneficial purpose of publicly recognizing and rewarding extraordinary, exceptionally meritorious, or conspicuously outstanding acts of heroism and other acts and services which are above and beyond that normally expected and which distinguish the individual or individuals from among those performing similar acts or services.

b. Superior performance in the execution of normal duties over an extended period of time is not necessarily a basis for a military decoration or unit award. Recommendations should therefore refer to specific achievements not previously recognized by a decoration or unit award, reflected in fitness reports or evaluations, meritorious masts, letters of commendations or other public recognition.

c. Recommendations for a military decoration, to recognize a specific act or achievement distinct from normal assigned duties, may be submitted for consideration prior to the end of a tour of duty. Special achievement of this nature is most appropriately recognized by the Navy Achievement Medal, and should be awarded under the Commanding Officer's authority. References (a) and (b) apply.

d. Military decorations to personnel completing a career in the Navy should be given positive consideration, as should the presentation of command plaques to personnel completing a particularly noteworthy tour of duty.

e. Enclosure (1) provides guidance for the preparation and submission of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Legion of Merit.

f. Enclosure (2) provides a visual depiction of the awards flow process through NAVFAC HQ.

g. Enclosure (3) reflects Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) guidance on award levels, and should be considered when recommending upper level awards (Meritorious Service Medal and higher).

To promulgate policy and procedures for the preparation, submission and processing of military decorations and unit awards within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFACENGCOM).