Personal Awards (MMPB-31)

Manpower Management Division
Military Awards Section (MMPB-3)
2079 Barnett Ave.
Quantico, VA 22134-5103

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/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.

Pers Award Entry and Deletion Guide (ver Dec 2022)

This guide describes best practices for submission of personal awards to MMPB-31 for the purpose of reporting on MCTFS, Marine Online (MOL), Master Brief Sheet (MBS), and filing in member’s Official Military Personnel File (OMPF).

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.

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.)

Request for Retroactive Application of the C Device

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.

NAVMC 11533 (CAR template)

All CARs must be submitted in iAPS except for those submitted more than 3 years after the end of the meritorious period. These requests will be generated on this document and submitted direct to MMPB-3 under MARADMIN 038/13 (retroactive criteria for IED defusal, etc).

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.

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.

For all Joint and Other Service personal awards, MMPB-3 verifies that the Marine is eligible to retain the award, that the award is administratively correct, and that the award was appropriately approved. If MMPB-3 determines that the Marine was not eligible to retain the award, the member will be notified. The fact that an other service commander approved and presented their service’s award to a Marine does not mean that this act was appropriate or authorized. If an award is authorized for retention MMPB-31 will process on Unit Diary (which will post on MCTFS, MOL, MBS) and forward a copy of the award documentation to the member’s OMPF (via MMPB-2). 

Joint Awards

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

• “Permanent” or “Special” order/endorsement/memorandum (completed by the Joint Command that approved the award)

• Certificate and citation

• Summary of action/narrative

• TAD/PCS Orders

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)

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

• 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

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

Air Medal w/ C Example
Air Medal w/ V Example
Bronze Star Example
Bronze Star w/ V Example
Distinguished Flying Cross w/ C Example
Distinguished Flying Cross w/ V Example
Distinguished Service Medal w/ C Example
Legion of Merit w/ C Example
Legion of Merit w/ R Example
Meritorious Service Medal w/ R Example
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ C Example
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ R Example
Navy and Marine Commendation Medal w/ C Example
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ R Example
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ V Example

The primary reference governing the submission of the Purple Heart is SECNAV M-1650.1 Ch. 2 Appendix 2B and Ch.8. The correct email address for submission of completed veteran requests as well as reclama requests for the revised Purple Heart criteria for mTBI/concussions, as well as any questions concerning the reclama process is: HQMC.MANPOWER.PH_MTBI_RECLAMA@USMC.MIL

Links

Purple Heart History

SECNAV M-1650.1 NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AWARDS MANUAL

MARADMIN 245/11

The Combat Action Ribbon (CR) 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 CR’s that are not submitted immediately after the combat event.

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

Guidance is offered for those CR’s not submitted in a timely manner, or for CR’s submitted under the retroactive guidance published under MARADMIN 038/13 and supplemented by MARADMIN 680/13 in the “Tools for Originators &Administrators” section.

References

MARADMIN 038/13

MARADMIN 680/13

NAVMC 11533 (CAR template)

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.

Forms

Standard Form 180 (SF180) [PDF 388 KB]

USMC Ribbon Chart