History

The Joint Service Achievement Medal was instituted in 1983 and authorized by the Department of Defence on March 29, 1984. The Bronze Medal is presented by the Secretary of Defence to military personnel, namely junior enlisted men and junior officers assigned to a designated joint activity who have provided outstanding achievement or meritorious service since August 3, 1983. The service recognized by the award of the Joint Service Achievement Medal must be below that which is required to merit a Joint Service Commendation Medal. The Medal is only awarded during peacetime and excludes General Officers.

The Medal may be awarded posthumously.

Bronze and silver oak leaf emblems are worn on the ribbon to denote subsequent awards of the Medal. It is uncertain if a bronze "V" device is available for wear with the Medal.

There are 2 versions of the Medal which differ by reverse design. The first version features the reverse inscription "For Presentation Only" bordered by "Joint Service Achievement Award." The first version was intended only for use in award ceremonies, and it is estimated that only 1000 of the first version Medals were produced before it was recalled. The second version does not feature the inscription "For Presentation Only."