1. Description: A bronze medal, 1 3/8 inches in diameter
bearing on the obverse, five annulets interlaced enfiled by a star and environed by a
wreath of laurel. On the reverse is a sprig of oak between the inscription
"OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE" at the top and "UNITED STATES ARMED
FORCES" at the bottom.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of
the following stripes: 1/8 inch Bluebird 67117; 1/8 inch Goldenlight 67107; 3/16 inch
Bluebird; 1/16 inch Green 67129; 5/32 inch Goldenlight; center 1/16 inch Green; 5/32 inch
Goldenlight; 1/16 inch Green; 3/16 inch Bluebird; 1/8 inch Goldenlight; and 1/8 inch
Bluebird.
3. Criteria: Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the
United States who, subsequent to 31 December 1992, performed outstanding volunteer
community service of a sustained, direct and consequential nature. To be eligible, an
individual’s service must (1) be to the civilian community, to include the military
family community; (2) be significant in nature and produce tangible results; (3) reflect
favorably on the Military Service and the Department of Defense; and (4) be of a sustained
and direct nature. While there is no specific time threshold to qualify for the Military
Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM), approval authorities shall ensure the service
to be honored merits the special recognition afforded by this medal. The MOVSM is intended
to recognize exceptional community support over time and not a single act or achievement.
Further, it is intended to honor direct support of community activities.
4. Components: The following are authorized components of the
MOVSM:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/160. NSN
8455-01-400-3295.
b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/160.
Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/374. Available
commercially.
d. Lapel Button: MIL-DTL-11484.
5. Background: a. The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service
Medal was established by Executive Order 12830, dated 9 January 1993. A proposed design,
prepared by The Institute of Heraldry, was submitted to the Office of the Secretary of
Defense on 12 April 1993. The design was approved by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Military Manpower and Personnel Policy on 15 Jun 1993.
b. The interlaced annulets emphasize the interaction
of the military services with the civilian community and symbolize continuity and
cooperation. The star commemorates outstanding service; the wreath of laurel denotes honor
and achievement. Oak is symbolic of strength and potential. Medium blue is the color
traditionally associated with the Department of Defense. Gold is for excellence and green
alludes to the nurturing of life and growth.
