What Is Army Achievement Award? Eligibility Guide

The Army Achievement Medal (AAM) is a military award that is presented to members of the United States Army for meritorious service or achievement while serving in a non-combat capacity. The award is typically given to junior officers and enlisted personnel who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, or achievement in their duties. The AAM is considered a relatively junior award in the hierarchy of military decorations, but it is still a prestigious honor that recognizes the recipient's hard work and dedication to their role.
History and Criteria for the Army Achievement Medal

The Army Achievement Medal was established in 1981, and it is awarded to members of the Army who have demonstrated meritorious service or achievement while serving in a non-combat capacity. The award is typically given to personnel who have served in the Army for at least one year, although exceptions can be made for personnel who have demonstrated exceptional performance or achievement in a shorter period. The criteria for the AAM include demonstrating exceptional performance, leadership, or achievement in their duties, and making significant contributions to their unit or organization.
Eligibility Requirements for the Army Achievement Medal
To be eligible for the Army Achievement Medal, personnel must meet certain criteria, including being a member of the United States Army, having served in a non-combat capacity, and having demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, or achievement in their duties. The award is typically given to junior officers and enlisted personnel, although it can be awarded to personnel of any rank who meet the eligibility criteria. The following table outlines the eligibility requirements for the AAM:
Category | Requirements |
---|---|
Rank | Junior officers and enlisted personnel (although personnel of any rank may be eligible) |
Service | Must have served in the Army for at least one year (although exceptions can be made) |
Capacity | Must have served in a non-combat capacity |
Performance | Must have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, or achievement in their duties |

The Army Achievement Medal is awarded based on individual performance, and it is not awarded for group or unit achievements. The award is typically presented to personnel who have demonstrated exceptional performance or achievement in their duties, and who have made significant contributions to their unit or organization.
Application and Nomination Process for the Army Achievement Medal
The application and nomination process for the Army Achievement Medal typically involves the submission of a nomination packet, which includes documentation of the nominee’s achievements and performance. The nomination packet is typically submitted through the nominee’s chain of command, and it is reviewed by a board of officers who determine whether the nominee meets the eligibility criteria and criteria for the award. The following steps outline the application and nomination process for the AAM:
- Identify eligible personnel who have demonstrated exceptional performance or achievement in their duties
- Prepare a nomination packet, which includes documentation of the nominee's achievements and performance
- Submit the nomination packet through the nominee's chain of command
- The nomination packet is reviewed by a board of officers who determine whether the nominee meets the eligibility criteria and criteria for the award
- The award is presented to the recipient in a formal ceremony
Types of Achievements Recognized by the Army Achievement Medal

The Army Achievement Medal recognizes a wide range of achievements, including exceptional performance, leadership, or achievement in duties, significant contributions to unit or organization, and demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness. The award is typically given to personnel who have demonstrated exceptional performance or achievement in their duties, and who have made significant contributions to their unit or organization. Some examples of achievements that may be recognized by the AAM include:
- Exceptional performance or achievement in duties, such as completing a difficult task or project
- Significant contributions to unit or organization, such as developing a new process or procedure
- Demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness, such as finding a creative solution to a problem
- Leadership or mentorship, such as guiding a team or mentoring junior personnel
- Volunteer work or community service, such as participating in a charitable event or volunteering for a community organization
Ceremony and Presentation of the Army Achievement Medal
The Army Achievement Medal is typically presented in a formal ceremony, which includes the presentation of the medal and a certificate. The ceremony is usually attended by the recipient’s family, friends, and colleagues, and it is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the recipient’s achievements. The following table outlines the ceremony and presentation of the AAM:
Category | Details |
---|---|
Medal | The Army Achievement Medal is a bronze medal with a diameter of 1 1/2 inches |
Certificate | A certificate is presented with the medal, which includes the recipient's name and the date of the award |
Ceremony | The ceremony is typically held in a formal setting, such as a parade ground or a conference room |
Attendance | The ceremony is usually attended by the recipient's family, friends, and colleagues |
What is the Army Achievement Medal?
+The Army Achievement Medal is a military award that is presented to members of the United States Army for meritorious service or achievement while serving in a non-combat capacity.
Who is eligible for the Army Achievement Medal?
+Junior officers and enlisted personnel who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, or achievement in their duties are eligible for the Army Achievement Medal.
How is the Army Achievement Medal awarded?
+The Army Achievement Medal is awarded based on individual performance, and it is not awarded for group or unit achievements. The award is typically presented to personnel who have demonstrated exceptional performance or achievement in their duties, and who have made significant contributions to their unit or organization.