Regulation size Army Achievement medal.

The Achievement Medal is awarded to the personnel for their outstanding achievement or meritorious service.The Achievement Medal is considered as a means to recognize the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel who were not eligible to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal.

Achievement Medal is awarded to the officers in the pay grade of O-4 and below and enlisted personnel below the grade of E-7.The U.S. Army began awarding the Army Achievement medal along with the U.S. Air Force in 1981.Additional awards of the Achievement Medal are denoted by oak leaf clusters.The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded in a combat area, but for non-combat meritorious service from September 2001.