DA Form 5655 PDF: Meritorious Civilian Service Medal – If you’re a U.S. Army civilian employee, supervisor, or HR professional searching for DA Form 5655, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide explains everything about the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal (formerly the Superior Civilian Service Award), including eligibility, how to nominate someone, the role of DA Form 5655, and where to get the latest official form. Updated for 2026 with information drawn directly from Army Regulation 672-20 (Incentive Awards, certified current as of 6 November 2024).
What Is the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal?
The Meritorious Civilian Service Medal is one of the Department of the Army’s highest honorary awards for civilian employees. It recognizes superior service, outstanding achievement, or heroism of a lesser degree than that required for the Superior Civilian Service Medal.
Awarded since its redesignation in November 2014 (previously known as the Superior Civilian Service Award since 1987), it aligns civilian awards with military equivalents like the Meritorious Service Medal. It is the third-highest award granted by Army commanders at the Major General level or higher (or civilian equivalent).
The award package includes:
- Bronze medal (1 3/8 inches in diameter) featuring the Department of the Army Seal encircled by a laurel wreath.
- Matching lapel button.
- Citation certificate on DA Form 5655 (dated 1 February 2019 – current version).
The ribbon is crimson with four thin white stripes in the center. When bravery is involved, a minimum $500 cash award accompanies the medal.
Who Qualifies for the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal?
Eligibility is limited to U.S. Army civilian employees (appropriated fund positions) who demonstrate:
- Sustained superior performance or a specific achievement of major significance.
- A pattern of excellence, typically shown by prior lower-level awards.
- Contributions such as:
- Exemplary leadership or performance beyond normal duties.
- Innovative improvements to processes, equipment, or efficiency.
- Outstanding results in morale, safety, or mission support.
- Courage or competence in emergencies benefiting the Government or personnel.
Not eligible: Contractors, temporary employees, or routine performance. Nominations must be submitted within 6 months of the act or service period.
Approval Authority
- Primary approvers: Commanders in the rank of Major General (MG) or higher, or civilian equivalent (e.g., Tier II Senior Executive Service).
- Delegation is allowed but no lower than MG-level or equivalent.
This high-level approval ensures only truly meritorious contributions receive the award.
How to Nominate Someone? Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare the nomination package using DA Form 1256 (Incentive Award Nomination and Approval Form).
- Include a detailed justification describing the specific achievements, measurable impacts, and why they exceed normal expectations.
- Route through command channels to the appropriate Major General-level or higher commander.
- Attach supporting documentation (e.g., performance evaluations, prior awards).
- Once approved, the DA Form 5655 citation certificate is prepared and signed by the approving authority.
For DA-wide or higher-level consideration, nominations may go to the Army Incentive Awards Board (AIAB).
DA Form 5655 – The Official Citation Certificate
DA Form 5655 is not the nomination form — it is the prestigious citation certificate presented with the medal and lapel button. Dated 1 February 2019, it is the only authorized version; earlier editions are obsolete.
The form is requisitioned through normal Army supply channels or the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate (APD). It is not available as a publicly fillable PDF on most open websites, but official copies are provided once the award is approved.
Download DA Form 5655 (Official Citation):
Click here for the latest DA Form 5655 PDF (as provided by the requester).
For supply channel ordering, reference the form through your local command or APD.
Why This Award Matters for U.S. Army Civilians?
The Meritorious Civilian Service Medal publicly honors the critical contributions of the Army’s civilian workforce — the backbone of mission readiness. Recipients wear the ribbon with pride and receive permanent recognition in their official personnel files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is DA Form 5655 the same as the Superior Civilian Service Award form?
A: Yes — it was renamed with the medal in 2014. The form number remained the same.
Q: Can I download a fillable DA Form 5655?
A: The certificate itself is prepared by the approving authority after nomination approval. Use official supply channels for the blank certificate stock.
Q: What is the difference between Meritorious and Superior Civilian Service Medals?
A: Meritorious is one level below Superior and requires less extraordinary impact.
Q: Who signs DA Form 5655?
A: The approving Major General-level commander or civilian equivalent.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing a nomination package or researching the award process, DA Form 5655 represents the Army’s commitment to recognizing exceptional civilian service. Follow AR 672-20 guidelines, submit strong justifications on DA Form 1256, and celebrate the outstanding contributions of your team.
Need the form right now? Use the download link above or contact your local Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) or command awards coordinator for assistance.