Many people often do not realize that working alongside of uniformed personnel are U.S. Defense Department civilian employees. Many of them work for the Departments of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, as well as directly for the joint activities, but they also work in the reserve and National Guard components as civilians. They are often unsung heroes, but they also receive awards and decorations.
There are many civilian awards in the U.S. federal government. Each agency has various awards for service and performance. Below are a few.
The Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of Department of Defense civilians in directly supporting the military forces whose members are engaged in military operations of a prolonged peacekeeping or humanitarian nature. This award honors civilians who support designated operations under the same or similar conditions as military members.
The Global War on Terrorism Medal is established to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of the civilian workforce of the Department of Defense in direct support of the armed forces, whose members are engaged in operations to combat terrorism in all forms throughout the world.
Created in 2018, the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal is awarded to Department of the Navy and U.S. Marine Corps civilians who, while serving in a capacity within the Navy or Marine Corps, are recognized for sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature at the equivalent level of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal awarded to military personnel.
The Army also has achievement and commendation medals for civilians. The Department of the Army Civilian Service Commendation Medal is an honorary award presented by the U.S. Army to civilian employees for commendable service or achievement.
The Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award Medal is granted to Air Force civilian employees upon accomplishing the responsibilities assigned to them for at least one year in an exemplary manner.
The Coast Guard offers six awards for civilians, including the Commandant’s Superior Achievement Award, and Coast Guard civilians are also eligible for Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s awards.