Awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps, including members of Reserve components on active or inactive duty, of the grade of lieutenant commander/major and junior thereto, for service performed on or after 1 May 1961. The award shall be given for meritorious service or achievement in a combat or noncombat situation based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature, and shall be of such merit as to warrant more tangible recognition than is possible by a fitness report or evaluation sheet, but which does not warrant a Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal or higher. The Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal may also be awarded to members of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation consistent with the eligibility requirements specified in chapter 6.

(1) Professional achievement which merits the award must:
(a) Clearly exceed that which is normally required or expected, considering the individuals grade or rate, training, and experience; and
(b) Be an important contribution of benefit to the United States and the naval service.

(2) Leadership Achievement which merits the award must :
(a) Be noteworthy;
(b) Be sustained so as to demonstrate a high state of development or, if for a specific achievement, be of such merit as to earn singular recognition for the act(s); and
(c) Reflect most creditably on the efforts of the individual toward the accomplishment of the unit mission.

Combat Distinguishing Device. The Combat Distinguishing Device may be authorized.