Each military service issues its own version of the Achievement Medal, with a fifth version authorized by the Department of Defense for joint military activity. The Achievement Medal is awarded for outstanding achievement or meritorious service not of a nature that would not warrant the award the Commendation Medal. Since the Achievement Medal is designated as an award solely for junior personnel, it is generally only awarded to officers in the pay grade of O-4 and below and enlisted personnel below the grade of E-7. Award authority rests with local commanders, granting a broad discretion to when and for what action the Achievement Medal may be awarded. This is a slide on ribbon.

The first service to issue the Achievement Medal was the United States Navy in 1961.

Attachements: Gold Star, Silver Star, and Bronze letter "V".