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How do U.S. military awards and decorations get approved and who is eligible?
Executive summary
U.S. military awards and decorations are governed by service regulations (Army example: AR 600‑8‑22) and DoD manuals that set eligibility, processing steps, delegations and review paths; commanders are the primary approvers but approval authority is often delegated down or up depending on the award and whether it’s wartime or joint service (see AR 600‑8‑22 and DoDM 1348.33) [1] [2] [3]. Processing now uses digital systems (e.g., IPPS‑A for Army awards) and can include lengthy board reviews for unit awards, congressional reviews for late or retroactive actions under 10 U.S.C. 1130, and special handling for foreign awards [4] [5] [1] [6].
1. How awards are authorized: the rulebook and the chain of command
The nuts and bolts start with service regulations: for the Army, AR 600‑8‑22 lays out what awards exist, who may be recommended and the step‑by‑step processing rules—this document is the primary “rulebook” for Army awards and includes tables for processing campaign credit, badges and delegation matrices [1] [2]. For joint decorations, DoD manuals such as DoDM 1348.33 govern eligibility and authority; a local commander cannot invent joint award authority if the DoD manual says the command lacks a Joint Manning Document (JMD) or delegated approval authority [3]. In short: regulations define eligibility and the chain decides approvals, but the chain’s power is limited by formal delegation found in those regulations [1] [3].
2. Who approves what: commanders, delegated authorities and wartime adjustments
Commanders are the routine approval authorities: many awards “MSM and below” can be approved within the command if authority has been delegated, while higher‑level awards require higher headquarters or service approval [7] [2]. In wartime, approval authority is reviewed and usually broadened to meet demand—delegation is reviewed at 30‑day intervals after combat begins so approval levels can be increased as necessary [8]. Unit awards often require longer, board‑level processing and final review by entities such as the Center of Military History after approval by HRC [5].
3. Process and systems: forms, portals and IPPS‑A
Administrative steps follow prescribed forms and processes. The Army uses DA Form 638 and similar paperwork; recently awards processing has moved into enterprise systems—IPPS‑A is the Army’s personnel system that creates and stores award records and lets commanders initiate/approve certain decorations (AAM, ARCOM, MSM and LM are processed in IPPS‑A at this time) [4]. Components like the Army Reserve have specific submission rules and email or portal routing to their G1 awards teams; nominations not routed correctly may not be actioned [7].
4. Eligibility nuances: joint duty, attached personnel, foreign awards and retirees
Eligibility is not automatic for personnel merely attached to a joint or combined task force: DoD rules state that members of service‑specific units assigned or attached to a joint organization are not automatically eligible for joint unit awards—those individuals usually remain eligible for service awards only unless they occupy a joint billet or meet specific joint criteria [5] [3]. Foreign awards require HR validation and a memorandum from the HR office to authorize acceptance, retention, and wear; approval authorities for wear often start at O‑5 commanders and may be reviewed by HRC [6]. For retirees and veterans, retroactive or reconsideration requests are handled by HRC and may require adherence to 10 U.S.C. 1130 for awards beyond statutory time limits [9] [1].
5. Review, reconsideration and congressional involvement
AR 600‑8‑22 and associated policies provide an appeal and reconsideration path: one‑time reconsideration by the award authority is conclusive, but Congress can request review of proposals that missed statutory deadlines under 10 U.S.C. 1130—this is a narrow legal route often used for retroactive or late awards [1] [9]. Unit awards and some high‑level decisions may be routed to boards and take over a year from submission to final posting [5].
6. Where reporting and delays happen; practical takeaways
Expect delays: unit awards can take a year; boards, HRC reviews and Center of Military History checks add time [5]. Submit through the correct channel (service portal, IPPS‑A, or component G1 mailbox) and attach required waivers and documentation, because waivers must be adjudicated before award recommendation submission [1] [7] [4]. If you’re seeking a foreign award’s wear approval, HR offices handle validation and routing to HRC’s Awards and Decorations Branch [6].
Limitations: this summary draws on Army and DoD guidance and HRC materials in the provided documents; available sources do not mention procedures for Navy, Marine Corps or Air Force specifics beyond the DoD joint rules cited here (not found in current reporting).