In March 2004, SECAF approved the Meritorious Unit Award (MUA) to recognize organizations for outstanding achievement or service in direct support of combat operations.

Awarded to Air Force active duty, reserve, and guard units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding achievement or service in direct support of combat operations for at least 90 continous days during the period of military operations against an armed enemy of the United States on or after 11 September 2001. The unit must display such outstanding devotion and superior performance of exceptionally difficult tasks as to set it apart and above other units with similar missions. The degree of achievement required is the same as that which would warrant award of the Legion of Merit (LOM). Superior performance of normal mission will not alone justify award of the MUA. Service in a combat zone is not required, but service must be directly related to the combat effort. Squadrons, groups, and wings may be recommended for this award. The MUA is not awarded to any unit or unit component previously awarded the air force outstanding unit award (afoua), the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (AFOEA) or unit awards from other service components for the same act, achievement, or service.

Wear: the GUC ribbon shall be worn immediately after the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA). The MUA ribbon shall be worn immediately before the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA). Subsequent awards will be denoted by oak leaf clusters.

Availability: the MUA ribbon is expected to be available through AF supply channels in late fall 2004; however, if desired, members may purchase, when available, the ribbons at their own expense through AAFES.