Meritorious Civilian Service Award


The Meritorious Civilian Service Award is commonly the second highest award and medal provided to civilian employees within agencies of the federal government of the United States. However, the various agencies' awards are not directly comparable. For example, the US Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award is equivalent to the US military Legion of Merit, while the US Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award is equivalent to the lower US military Meritorious Service Medal.
Examples of Meritorious Civilian Service Awards include but are not limited to:

Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award

The second highest award and is granted by the Secretary of the Army or a major Army commander. It consists of a medal, lapel button, and citation certificate. Nominees must have established a pattern of excellence, normally demonstrated by the receipt of lower level awards. It is equivalent to the military Legion of Merit.

Air Force Meritorious Service Award

Application submitted through Installation Awards Committee and approved at MAJCOM level. Consists of a sterling silver medal bearing the Air Force coat of arms within a wreath of laurel leaves. The ribbon is light blue with 4 gold and 3 dark blue stripes in the center. A silver lapel emblem, miniature medal and AF Form 1166, Award for Meritorious Civilian Service accompanies the award. The emblem with a ruby indicates receipt of more than one meritorious award.

Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award

Award consists of a certificate and citation signed by the activity head, medal and lapel emblem. The award is the third highest Navy civilian award, ranking behind the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award.