Navy Department Revamps Awards Manual

On the heels of an announcement that the Defense Department is launching a review of awards, the Navy Department is issuing an update of its own awards manual, SecNavInst 1650. Information is scheduled about the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal and Ceremonial Guard Ribbon. Also updated will be listings of operations for campaign and service medals. Added will be chapters on foreign awards and decorations, and awards for veterans and prior-service Marines. Roadside bomb criteria will be addressed for the Combat Action Ribbon. Gold numerals will be instituted for multiple awards of the Air Medal. Delegation of awarding authority will be revised. Also being addressed are changes to reservists’ eligibility for the Overseas Service Ribbon, new rules for the FMF warfare qualification badges, and administrative instructions for citations.