COMPLETE SOLUTIONS 2025
, Identify the elements required to develop an award - ANSWERSChain of Command-
Any officer in the chain of command may recommend a junior Marine (officer or
enlisted) for an award.
Timeliness-Awards should be submitted as soon as possible. The longer it takes to give
the award to the Marine the less it will impact them. Also there are specific time limits for
certain awards.
Award-Recommendation Process- Every award starts with a Personal Award
Recommendation form. (OPNAV 1650/3, called "a 1650 form"). In SECNAVINST
1650.1H, Chapter 2, Appendix B, there are block-by-block instructions for completing
this form. 2-4 in the 1650 manual you can find step by step instructions
Next you must Create a citation and summary of action
Then you must submit it to the recipients chain of command. each person in the chain of
command can (1) recommend approval; (2) recommend approve a lower award; (3)
recommend a higher award; (4) disapprove the award/recommend inclusion in a later
award; or (5) return the recommendation for further clarification.
Once a military decoration is approved, the approving authority is responsible for
furnishing three elements: (1) the medal (or star, if a subsequent award); (2) the
certificate or citation; and (3) the presentation folder. The command is responsible for
ensuring these items are procured and forwarded to the award recipient as applicable.
What are the different types of Marine corps awards? - ANSWERS1. Personal/military
decorations
2. Unit awards
3. Campaign/service awards
What other methods of formal recognition are there? - ANSWERSCertificate of
Commendation (CertComm). By Marine Corps order, a commander with Navy and
Marine Corps Achievement approval authority can approve a CertComm. CertComms
are not included in the Marine Corps Improved Awards Processing System (iAPS), but
are forwarded to the CMC for entry into the Marine's official military personnel file
(OMPF).
Meritorious Mast (MM). A Meritorious Mast may be approved by a Battalion
Commander or equivalent authority. MM's are not processed through iAPS, however
are to be forwarded to the CMC for entry into the Marine's OMPF.