Description: On a device consisting of 4 conjoined hexagons, 2 vertically and 2 horizontally, of green enamel, an eagle with outspread wings charged on its breast with the shield of the United States and grasping in its talons 3 arrows (as depicted on the seal of the Department of Defense) all in gold between at top 13 gold stars and in base a gold stylized heraldic delineation representing land, sea and air, all within a gold circular laurel wreath bound with gold bands 1 5/8 inches (4.13cm) in diameter, and with the areas between the inside of the wreath and the device pierced.

Symbolism: The four hexagons (representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Commendation Medals) are joined to symbolize the joint service nature of the award as does the stylized heraldic delineation representing land, sea and air. The eagle, shield of the United States, arrows and thirteen stars are taken from the seal of the Department of Defense and refer to the medal being awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense. The gold laurel wreath and gold color signify achievement and award. The color green is symbolic of faithfulness and unity.

Ribbon: A ribbon 1 3/8 inches (3.49cm) in width, composed of a 1/4 inch (.64cm) Bluebird stripe, a 1/8 inch (.32cm) White stripe, a 3/32 inch (.24cm) Myrtle Green stripe, a 1/8 inch (.32cm) White stripe, a 3/16 inch (.48cm) Myrtle Green stripe, a 1/8 inch (.32cm) White stripe, a 3/32 inch (.24cm) Myrtle Green stripe, a 1/8 inch (.32cm) White stripe and a 1/4 inch (.64cm) Bluebird stripe.

Symbolism: The green (same shade as the green enamel on the pendant) and white stripes of the ribbon were suggested by the ribbons of the Army and Navy Commendation Medals. The broad stripes of blue (Bluebird) flanking the white and green stripes refer to the Department of Defense.

Background: a. Authorized by the Secretary of Defense, June 25, 1963.

    b. The JSCM shall be awarded only to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after January 1, 1963, distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service.

    c. The JSCM shall be awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense.

        (1) Authority to award the JSCM is hereby delegated to the following:

            (a) The DA&M, OSD, or designee, for awards to Service members assigned to the OSD; the DoD Field Activities; The joint-DoD activities that report directly to an OSD Principal Staff Assistant or for which the Secretary of a Military Department has been designated as an "Executive Agent"; the multilateral and bilateral organizations; and the other offices in the Executive Branch, Executive Agencies and Departments, or independent establishments and Government corporations.

            (b) The Director, Joint Staff, for Service members assigned to the Joint Staff and to those joint activities reporting directly to or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or the Joint Staff, that are not delegated approval authority.

            (c) The CINCs of the Unified or Combined Commands for Service members assigned to their respective Headquarters or joint activities directly under their operational control. They may also approve that award for the commander, his or her staff, and other Service members attached to a JTF as individuals (not as members of an assigned and/or attached unit).

            (d) The Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic; the U.S. Representative to the Military Committee, NATO; the Defense Advisor, U.S. Mission NATO; and the CINC, NORAD, for Service members assigned their respective commands or associated Agencies.

            (e) The Directors of Defense Agencies (except NARPA and the DSAA), for Service members assigned to their respective Agencies.

            (f) The Commander, U.S. Forces Korea, for Service members assigned to their headquarters and to those joint activities reporting directly to that command.

            (g) The President, NDU, for Service members assigned to the University, National War College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and Armed Forces Staff College.

            (h) The Commandant, Armed Forces Staff College, for Service members assigned to the College.

            (i) The Executive Director, Military Postal Service Agency, for Service members assigned to his or her Agency.

            (j) The Commander, Military Entrance Processing Command.

        (2) That authority may be delegated further at the discretion of the awarding authority to general or flag officers of the Armed Forces of the United States in the grade of O-7 or civilian equivalent, when they occupy established command or staff positions. Such authority must be delegated in writing.

    d. The JSCM shall take precedence with, but before, the Service Commendations Medals. A bronze "V" is authorized if the citation is for an act or service involving direct participation in combat operations during the period June 25, 1963 to March 31, 1976. Effective April 1, 1976 the "V" device is authorized if the citation is approved for valor (heroism) in a designated combat area.

    e. Recommendations for the JSCM shall be submitted to the appropriate approval authority for processing. In those instances where the approval authority rests with the DA&M, OSD, or the Director, Joint Staff, the recommendation shall be submitted for processing to the Chief, Military Personnel Division, Personnel and Security Directorate, WHS, of the Joint Staff no later than 90 days before the desired presentation date.