SECNAVINST 1650.1J - Department of the Navy Military Awards Policy

Scope

SECNAVINST 1650.1J promulgates policy for awarding military decorations, medals, and ribbons within the Department of the Navy. The instruction complies with the Executive Orders and DOD regulations governing military awards. Detailed implementation guidance for the Marine Corps lives in MCO 1650.19J.

Audience

Marine Corps and Navy commanders, S-1 and N-1 awards clerks, and personnel responsible for nominating and approving military decorations. The instruction applies to the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Navy.

Authority

Secretary of the Navy publishes the instruction. ASN (M&RA) is the sponsor. CNO and CMC retain Service-level authority over Combat Action Ribbon and Campaign, Expeditionary, and Service award presentation policy under the framework set by this instruction.

Enclosures

• Encl 1. References.
• Encl 2. Cancellations.
• Encl 3. Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions.
• Encl 4. Military Award Policies, Requirements, and Limitations.
• Encl 5. Timeliness Standards.
• Encl 6. Delegation of Authority to Approve Awards.
• Encl 7. Responsibilities.

Key policy points

• DON military awards recognize a Service Member's heroism, achievement, service, and sacrifice. Personal Military Decorations and the Purple Heart shall be presented in a suitable ceremony by a commissioned military officer or appropriate DOD official.
• Personal Military Decorations are discretionary honors for acts of valor, non-combat heroism, or exceptionally meritorious achievement.
• Rank and grade of the intended recipient shall not factor into nomination or approval decisions unless an explicit rank or grade restriction exists in statute, executive order, listed references, or this instruction. No rank or grade limitation shall be established within DON on any award except by specific written authorization from SECNAV.
• No quota shall limit the number of Personal Military Decorations nominated or approved for acts of valor or non-combat heroism.
• Timely recognition is the hallmark of an effective awards program. Nominations shall be originated and processed inside the timeliness standards in Enclosure 5.
• Prior to a final award decision, disclosing the existence of or any details about a Personal Military Decoration, unit decoration, Purple Heart, or Combat Action Ribbon nomination to anyone not directly involved is neither necessary nor appropriate.

Status

Active. The current version is the J revision dated 29 May 2019. The instruction is the parent authority for MCO 1650.19J at the Marine Corps level.