The Joint Service Achievement Medal. This award was established by the Secretary of Defense on Aug. 3, 1983. It is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense for either outstanding achievement or meritorious service and takes precedence before the achievement medals of the military services. It may not be awarded for any act or period of service which an achievement medal of a military service is awarded, and it should not be awarded for retirement. (US Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kat Bailey)