Defense Department Announces Comprehensive Awards Review
March 20, 2014

The Department of Defense announced today that a comprehensive review of its military decorations and awards program will be conducted, which will incorporate lessons learned over the past 13 years of combat.

The department’s review will focus on ensuring that the awards program continues to appropriately recognize all levels of combat valor as well as the sacrifices of our service members. Additionally, the review will determine how best to recognize service members who impact combat operations through the use of cyber technology and remote devices.

“The Department of Defense has a solemn obligation to recognize and honor service members who distinguish themselves in combat,” said Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. “After 13 years of war, we must use lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan to improve our awards program and ensure that our troops are being honored appropriately.”

The acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness will lead the review working with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, military departments, and combatant commanders.

The review will begin in June 2014 and is expected to last approximately 12 months.

To learn more about the department’s comprehensive military decorations and awards review, please view the Secretary of Defense’s Memo.