Applicable to: Total Force
Nomination Authority
MAJCOM/FOA/DRU/COCOM SUSPENSE: 14 April 2017
The BIG Military Meritorious Service Award honors military members and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees, men and women, who have supported the DoD mission, overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes best epitomized the qualities and core values of their respective Military Service or other DoD Component. The period of performance for this award is from April 2016 through Apr 2017. Nominees are expected to attend recognition events during the month of August 2017, with the concurrence of their command and consistent with mission requirements. The recipient's unit is responsible for paying related per diem and travel costs. The date and location for the award presentation ceremony will be announced at a later time.
Eligibility
Nominees must also meet one or more of the following criteria:
* The nominee distinguished themselves by promoting the tenets of civil/human rights, equal opportunity, human relations, and/or public service
* The nominees displayed exceptional character that distinguishes an individual as an outstanding leader, role model or mentor by promoting the development or advancement of all DoD personnel including women and minorities
* The nominees contributed to equal opportunity for advancement based on merit and fitness for all members of the Armed Forces and civilians, including women and minorities
* The nominees believed in and practiced the tenets of a democratic society, including the Declaration of Independence - the belief that all people are created equal, and that freedom is a right that must be protected at all times
* The nominees assisted in overcoming discrimination and eliminating barriers that hinder equal opportunity for all members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees including women and minorities
* The nominees supported the full integration and promotion of all DoD personnel to include minorities and women within the Armed Forces and civilian workforce
* The nominees created opportunities that support and contribute to the mentorship, development, advancement or retention of all personnel including women and minorities in government service consistent with merit principles
* The nominees created job or training opportunities that will support and contribute to advancement of all Service members including women and minorities in the Armed Forces or civilian workforce
Nomination Package
Base all nominations for the 2017 awards on contributions that occur between April 2016 - April 2017.
Write-up
A brief narrative describing (Microsoft Word Document) the recommended award nominees' accomplishments warranting the recognition specific to the award not to exceed two pages (single-spaced, 12-pitch font, with 1 inch left and right margins). Do not send scanned or PDF documents.
Photograph
One digital head and shoulder photograph of the nominee. (.jpg format)
Citation
An award citation highlighting the nominee's accomplishments as a Microsoft Word document (single-spaced, not to exceed 12 lines of text, 12 point font, with 1 inch left and right margins). Do not send scanned or PDF documents. Acronyms are not authorized in the citation.
Biography
Single-spaced biography of the nominee as a Microsoft Word document not to exceed one page.
Transmittal Worksheet
Award Nomination Transmittal Worksheet
Recommendation Letter
A recommendation letter signed by the Major Command (MAJCOM), Combatant Commands (COCOM), Field Operating Agency (FOA), Direct Reporting Unit (DRU) commander, vice commander, or executive director also stating that "A records check was conducted on (date) and revealed no information that would bring discredit to the award or the United States Air Force." This may be delegated to the A1 directors by the MAJCOM/COCOM/FOA/DRU commander.
Public Release Statement
A public release statement addressed to Air Force Personnel Center Recognition Programs Section (AFPC/DP1SP): Nominee must sign a public release statement that reads verbatim "I do or do not (circle one) agree to the use of Privacy Act information in the nomination narrative. This information may include Privacy Act information or personally identifiable information found in Air Force Instruction 33-332, Air Force Privacy Program and Civil Liberties, Chapter two, Privacy Act. I understand those transmitting personal information via email will exercise caution and adequately safeguard it in accordance with AFI 33-332, paragraphs 2.5. and subparagraphs. The announcement message or any publicity regarding the award nomination will contain no privacy act information other than name, rank, and base of assignment." The nominee must sign and date this statement.
Nomination Submission
Each MAJCOM/FOA/DRU may submit two nominations (one military and one civilian). Send nominations in original format to AFPC/DP1SSP. The only scanned documents that will be accepted are those documents with signatures, such as recommendation letters and public release statements. All other documents must be sent in the original document format.
If nomination package is not received by the established suspense date and an extension has not been approved, the nomination package will not be considered and will be returned with no action.
Award Nomination Transmittal Worksheet.pdf