R 051538Z OCT 15
MARADMIN 491/15
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MM//
SUBJ/ELIMINATION OF AWARDING AUTHORITY QUOTA FOR THE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS COMMENDATION MEDAL//
REF/A/MSGID:DOC/SECNAV/22AUG2006//
REF/B/MSGID:MSG/MM/YMD: 291600ZAPR2005//
NARR/REF A IS SECNAVINST 1650.1H NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AWARDS MANUAL.  REF B IS MARADMIN 203/05 CHANGES TO PEACETIME AWARDING AUTHORITY.//
POC/J. BEGALA/CAPT/HQMC MMMA2/-/TEL:703-784-9342/EMAIL: SMB_HQMC_PERS_AWARDS@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/ 1.  The CMC has authorized the following changes to the awarding authority published in ref (a).  These changes are effective the date of this MARADMIN and will be incorporated in the next revision of ref (a).  Ref (b) will be cancelled by separate MARADMIN.
2.  Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NMCCM, MCTFS Code NC).
     a.  Awarding Authority is subdelegated to commanders in the grade of (O-6) listed on the colonel command slate, to include those frocked.
     b.  Further subdelegation of the NMCCM is not permitted.
         (1) If the acting commander is an (O-6), he or she may be granted authority for the NMCCM and below;
         (2) If the acting commander is an (O-5), he or she may be granted authority to award the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NMCAM); and
         (3) Such temporary authority for the NMCAM may not be granted below the grade of (O-5).
     c.  Elimination of the quota for the NMCCM.  Previously, the number of NMCCM awards that could be approved by commanders in the grade of colonel (O-6) was limited to one per every 50 Marines or Sailors per command per calendar year.  This quota limitation is no  longer in effect as of 21 September 2015.  Commanders in the grade of colonel (O-6) are authorized to approve and present NMCCM without quotas.
     d.  This change is intended to allow commanders appropriate freedom of maneuver to appropriately recognize members under their command for heroism or valor, exceptionally meritorious service, or outstanding achievement and other acts or services which are above and beyond what is normally expected, and which distinguish an individual among those performing similar acts or services.  This change should not be interpreted as a relaxing of the criteria, standards, eligibility requirements, or level of achievement required to earn the distinction of the NMCCM.
3.  Except as modified above, all other provisions of ref (a) remain in effect.
4.  Address questions pertaining to this MARADMIN to Capt J. Begala at (703) 784-9342, DSN 278-9342 or by email: smb_hqmc_pers_awards@usmc.mil.
5.  Release authorized by Mr. C. F. Swain, Director, Manpower Management Division (Acting).//