Personal Awards

Who We Are
Section Information
Improved Awards Processing System
Tools for Originators & Administrators
Awards to Foreign Service Members
Joint and Other Service Awards
Retroactive Requests for the C and R Device
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon Guidance
Verification and Replacement Awards Requests

Who we are

Military Awards Personal Awards Unit

Manpower Management Division
Military Awards Section (MMPB-3)
2008 Elliot Rd
Quantico, VA 22134-5103

Phone:
703-784-9342/43

Email:
smb_hqmc_pers_awards@usmc.mil

iAPS accounts are PKI/CAC enabled so updated certificates will be required for registration. Users that wish to register in iAPS will also need a current manpower portal account. If the user does not have an existing manpower portal account, the iAPS application will prompt the user with a notice and link to register for a manpower portal account.

iAPS Login

iAPS Registration

TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON ISSUES WITH IAPS

BROWSER: It is usually easiest to connect to iAPS using Mozilla Firefox. If a user has persistent issues accessing iAPS, it is recommended that they have installed Mozilla Firefox from the software center.

There are several issues that may cause users issues when trying to connect to iAPS. Please note that iAPS is hosted by the M&RA Manpower Portal. This means that if the Manpower Portal is down for maintenance, iAPS will also be inaccessible.

REPORTING ISSUES WITH IAPS

If you cannot access iAPS despite taking the above steps, or are experiencing other issues with a particular awards case, email MMPB-3 with the following information:

If you are having an issue with a particular award, copy the hyperlink that is shown from your web browser when the award case is open.
Screen shots of any error messages.
Operating System Information – Browser (ie. Firefox, Edge, Explorer, Chrome)
What Network Domain is your organization running on?-What are the issues you are experiencing?
When did you start experiencing these issues?
When was the last time iAPS was operating normally?
When was approximately the last time you got a new CAC card or updated your CAC certificates?

PERMISSIONS MANAGEMENT

Unit Admin Permissions: The Unit Admin is a User(s) responsible for checking the accuracy and timeliness of processing of awards. They also manage all local iAPS permission issues. Unit Admin permissions should only be given to administrative personnel or designated individuals responsible for administering the unit’s awards program. These permissions can be approved by other Unit Admins. If there is no Unit Admin and someone is becoming the unit’s first Unit Admin, the user must request permissions from HQMC. Provide the UIC and Unit Name to MMPB-3.

Awarding Authority Permissions: Awarding Authorities are usually the unit commander. When a change of command occurs, contact HQMC and provide the following: Name of the outgoing commander, Name of the incoming commander, assumption of command letter (of new commander), and identify the UIC and unit name. Ensure that the new commander has been joined to the unit in iAPS prior to requesting permissions.

NOTE: requesting permissions via iAPS does not notify HQMC to take action. A request must be sent to the MMPB-31 Shared Mailbox (SMB) at smb_hqmc_pers_awards@usmc.mil

Trusted Assistant (TA) Permissions: TA permissions are only utilized for General Officer’s staff. This enables the staff to enter decisions rendered by the General into iAPS.

Note: TA permissions cannot be used to delegate awarding authority. Trusted Assistants must be appointed in writing by the General Officer. To receive Trusted Assistant Permissions, submit a copy of the Trusted Assistant Appointment Letter to MMPB-31.

CHANGING UNITS IN IAPS

To update the information in iAPS about your billet, your unit or both. Click on My Unit on the upper right-hand corner. iAPS will then displays the Change Title and Unit page.

Changing Your Billet: Enter your new billet in the Title box, Click “Submit”.

Changing your Unit: Click on the Change Unit button. The “Find Unit” window opens. Enter one of the following: your unit’s UIC, MCC, RUC, or name into the appropriate box. Click “Search” A list of matching units appears. Find your unit in the list, click on the circle next to your unit, click on the “Select” button, and then click “Submit” to save your changes. Once you request to join a new unit, the iAPS Unit Admin will need to approve your request and allow you to join. Contact them to complete the process.

Foreign Award Acceptance Template

Foreign personal decorations may be accepted, retained, and worn only upon explicit written approval by CMC (MMPB-3).

Foreign Award Example Package

This package serves as a guide to help you in submitting a Foreign award for retention.

Expedite Request

This request is used when a command wishes to have an award approved or endorsed by the CMC rushed due to short-fused orders or retirement. Requests must be done in writing.

Admin Correction Letter

This letter is used when an award requires changes in iAPS. It is normally used when a unit or commander wishes to correct an award.

Rescind Letter

This letter is used for administrative removal of an award. This letter must be signed by the originator unless it is a duplicate.

Prior Service Worksheet

This request if for all prior service members to have all of their awards from their previous branch input into their record; the following documents are required prior to submission: DD214/215, all award documentation (certificates/OPNAV 1650/DA 638, etc.)

NAVMC 11533 (Blank template)

Note: this document must be downloaded to your computer and opened using Adobe. After it is opened you must enable all features to use the document.

For MSM and below nominations for foreign service members O-6 and below, the following items must be completed prior to submission to MMPB-31:

NCIS background check conducted (must be within 6 months by the time nomination is submitted to MMPB-31).
Concurrence from U.S. Defense Attache or U.S. Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy for the recipient’s home nation.
Endorsement by the operational chain of command prior to forwarding to CMC (MMPB-31).

Following unit submission to CMC (MMPB-31) the award is boarded and routed to the CMC for approval or endorsement.

Guidance on awards for foreign service members is contained in; SECNAV M-1650.1, SECNAVINST 1650.1J, MARADMIN 398/10, and MARADMIN 021/13.

Background check requirements are published in MARADMIN 021/13 which requires an NCIS check, but not a DIA check unless it’s for the Legion of Merit (LM) (in the 4 degrees). In the case of a nomination of the Legion of Merit (LM) (in the 4 degrees), a DIA background check is required to be submitted by MMPB-31.

Joint Awards

Email to MMPB-31 a single, good quality, read only PDF document with a copy of the following items:

“Permanent” or “Special” order/endorsement/memorandum (completed by the Joint Command that announces approval of an award and looks similar to a Joint unit endorsement letter)
Certificate and citation
Summary of action/narrative (if available)
Official records reflecting assignment to a Joint Duty Activity or Joint Task Force Headquarters (PCS/PCA Orders, TAD orders (non-DTS), or a memorandum for the record signed by the CO of the members parent command validating Joint assignment)

If this Joint Award was given under a Joint Exception to Policy (standing or specific) please include a copy of the Exception to Policy Letter.

In accordance with SECNAVINST 16501.1J when Department of Navy (DoN) personnel serve in a DoD agency or activity, or a Joint Command, recognition by a DoD or Joint award, in lieu of a DoN award, is appropriate. To be eligible for a Joint decoration, the individual must be detailed or assigned to a Joint activity, proof of assignment (TAD, PCS orders, Etc.) is required.

Navy Awards

Email to MMPB-31 a single, good quality, PDF document with a copy of the following items:

OPNAV 1650 form
Citation and certificate
Summary of action (required for ALL Marine personnel)

If assignment to a Navy command is not reflected in the members chronological record via MCTFS/MOL, provide official records reflecting assignment to a Navy command.

Army, Airforce, and Coast Guard Awards

Email to MMPB-31 a single, good quality, PDF document with a copy of the following items:

Official orders assigning the individual to the other service command with reporting endorsement for at least 180 days.
Award recommendation form with endorsements (DA 638 or local forms)
Award certificate and citation
Award summary of action or narrative

Foreign Awards

Email to MMPB-31 a single, good quality, PDF document with a copy of the following items:

Foreign Award Verification Request Letter
Copy of original award certificate, citation, and summary of action
English translation of award text (if award is not in English)
Color photo of foreign decoration/ribbon/medal next to a DoD equivalent medal

DEPARTMENT OF STAte Awards

Email to MMPB-31 a single, good quality, PDF document with a copy of the following items:
Completed award nomination form (Redact to reflect a single recipient)
Citation or certificate

ALNAV 055/17 provides criteria for retroactive awarding of the C and R devices for all applicable awards recognizing acts or services on or after 7 January 2016.

Retroactive policy is an individual action and will be handled on a case by case basis for each individual award only.

Requests for retroactive awarding of the C and R devices must be originated by the operational commander at the time the action took place and will be processed through the same chain of command in which the original award was, or would have been, processed up to the delegated awarding authority for the C and R devices. Following chain of command approval, requests will be forwarded to MMPB-31.

References

MARADMIN 665/17

ALNAV 055/17

Retroactive C & R Device Template

C & R Citation Examples

The Purple Heart (PH) is a personal award that is processed and approved by the Marine’s operational chain of command that is in place at the time of action. This policy requirement is the baseline for processing all personal awards and can present a difficulty for PH’s that are not submitted immediately after the combat event.

All efforts must be made to ensure that recommendations for the PH are submitted immediately after the action for adjudication by the appropriate awarding authority.

The primary reference governing the submission of the Purple Heart is SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 2B and Appendix 8B.

Follow the information below to identify who you need to contact regarding the Purple Heart:

Purple Heart Award Authorities:

Purple Heart for mTBI (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury) from 11 September 2001 to 15 April 2011:
Contact: HQMC Inbox - hqmc_ph_mtbi_reclama@usmc.mil
Purple Heart for injuries (other than mTBI) from 11 September 2001 to 30 August 2021 (GWOT):
Contact: MARCENT Inbox - COMUSMARCENTAWDSMB@usmc.onmicrosoft.com
MARSOC Purple Heart for injuries (other than mTBI) from 19 April 2007 to 30 August 2021 (MARSOC TIMELINE IN GWOT):
Contact: TBD
Purple Heart for injuries prior to 11 September 2001 (before the start of GWOT):
Contact: HQMC Inbox - hqmc_ph_mtbi_reclama@usmc.mil

Awarding Authorities for Present Actions:

MARCENT: Authority for actions from the present day to the last 3 years.
Contact: MARCENT Inbox - COMUSMARCENTAWDSMB@usmc.onmicrosoft.com
MARFORSOC: Authority for actions from the present day to the last 3 years.
Contact: MARFORSOC - TBD
HQMC: Authority for actions that occurred between 30 August 2021 and 3 years ago.
Contact: HQMC Inbox - hqmc_ph_mtbi_reclama@usmc.mil
(Example: If today’s date is 26 February 2025, then HQMC has authority from 31 August 2021 to 25 February 2022)

Links

Purple Heart History

SECNAV M-1650.1 NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AWARDS MANUAL

MARADMIN 245/11

MARADMIN 077/25

The Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) is a personal award that is processed and approved by the Marine’s operational chain of command that is in place at the time of action. This policy requirement is the baseline for processing all personal awards, and can present a difficulty for CARs that are not submitted immediately after the combat event.

All efforts must be made to ensure that recommendations for the CAR are submitted immediately after the action for adjudication by the appropriate awarding authority.

The primary reference governing the submission of the Combat Action Ribbon is SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 2C and Appendix 8C.

Combat Action Ribbon Award Authorities:

Combat Action Ribbon for any action from 11 September 2001 to 30 August 2021 (GWOT):
Contact: MARCENT Inbox - COMUSMARCENTAWDSMB@usmc.onmicrosoft.com
MARSOC Combat Action Ribbon for any action from 19 April 2007 to 30 August 2021 (MARSOC TIMELINE IN GWOT):
Contact: MARFORSOC - TBD

Awarding Authorities for Present Actions:

MARCENT: Authority for actions from the present day to the last 3 years.
Contact: MARCENT Inbox - COMUSMARCENTAWDSMB@usmc.onmicrosoft.com
MARFORSOC: Authority for actions from the present day to the last 3 years.
Contact: MARFORSOC - TBD
HQMC: Authority for actions that occurred between 30 August 2021 and 3 years ago.
Contact: HQMC Inbox - hqmc_ph_mtbi_reclama@usmc.mil
(Example: If today’s date is 26 February 2025, then HQMC has authority from 31 August 2021 to 25 February 2022)

References

SECNAV M-1650.1 Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual
NAVMC 11533 (CAR template)
MARADMIN 077/25

Inquiries for Marines discharged or retired after January 1999

Requests for verification and replacement awards should be submitted to MMPB-30 at hqmcMMMA.awards.veteranrequests@usmc.mil using the Standard Form 180 (SF180) or a signed written letter with all pertinent personal information mailed to the following address: HQ, U.S. Marine Corps, Military Awards Branch (MMPB-30), 2008 Elliot Road, Quantico, VA 22134.

Note: Failure to provide all the pertinent personal information or incomplete SF180 may delay processing of request.

Inquiries for Marines discharged or retired prior to January 1999

HQMC is no longer the custodian of service records for Marines who were discharged prior to January 1999. Marines who were discharged prior to January 1999 can request verification and replacement awards by contacting the National Personnel Record Center, Military Personnel Records, 1 Archive Drive, St. Louise, MO 63138. Telephone number: 314-801-0800
Inquires for Marines with Obligated Service (SMCR/IRR)

Requests should be submitted to: Commander, Marine Corps Individual Reserve Support Activity, 2000 Opelousas Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70114. Telephone number: 1-800-255-5082. Note: Awards processed after retirement/discharge are not processed into MCTFS/MOL. Marines eligible for awards that were not processed into MCTFS/MOL prior to retirement/discharge should ensure that a copy of the award is in their OMPF and their DD214 is updated.