DA Form 7015: Superior Civilian Service Medal Guide – The Superior Civilian Service Medal, documented via DA Form 7015, is a prestigious Department of the Army honorary award. It recognizes U.S. Army civilian employees for superior performance, outstanding achievements, or acts of heroism that significantly exceed normal job expectations and contribute to mission success.
This award serves as the civil service equivalent of the military Legion of Merit and ranks as one of the higher honorary awards in the Army’s civilian incentive program.
What Is the Superior Civilian Service Medal?
Established originally in 1959 as the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, it was renamed the Superior Civilian Service Medal in November 2014. The change aligned civilian award nomenclature more closely with military equivalents and updated the medal design and ribbon.
The award includes:
- A silver medal (1.5 inches in diameter)
- Lapel button/pin
- Citation certificate (issued on DA Form 7015)
- Ribbon for wear with civilian attire
Medal Description: The obverse features a laurel wreath surrounding the Great Seal of the United States. The reverse is inscribed “FOR DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY SUPERIOR CIVILIAN SERVICE—TO [recipient].” The ribbon is crimson with white and ultramarine blue stripes.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility extends to Army civilian employees (including U.S. citizens and direct/indirect-hire foreign nationals) paid from appropriated or non-appropriated funds. Contractors and military personnel are generally not eligible.
Nominations should demonstrate superior service or achievement (or heroism of a lesser degree than higher awards). Recipients typically show a pattern of excellence, often built on prior lower-level awards. Nominations are ideally submitted within 6 months of the qualifying act or service period.
Key example achievements include:
- Performing assigned duties in a superior manner that boosts team productivity or completes complex projects more effectively than required.
- Showing high initiative in developing new equipment, methods, or procedures that yield substantial savings (manpower, time, materials) or improve safety/health.
- Achieving outstanding improvements in employee morale and performance.
- Demonstrating courage or exceptional competence in emergencies benefiting the government or personnel.
- Providing unique professional or public relations service.
When awarded for bravery, it may include a minimum cash component (historically around $500–$750, subject to current policy).
Approval Authority
Commanders of Army Commands (ACOMs), Army Service Component Commands (ASCCs), Direct Reporting Units (DRUs); Senior Executive Service (SES) members directing a DRU; and the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army (AASA) for HQDA grant the award. This authority can be further delegated to Major General-level commanders or civilian equivalents.
How to Nominate Using DA Form 7015?
DA Form 7015 is the official certificate and nomination document for the Superior Civilian Service Medal. Supervisors or commanders initiate the process by completing the form with detailed justification of the nominee’s contributions.
Typical nomination package elements (per AR 672-20 and command supplements):
- Completed DA Form 7015
- Justification narrative or citation
- Nominee’s biography or resume (as required)
- Previous awards history
- Supervisory endorsements
Submit nominations through command channels to the appropriate approval authority. Consult your local Civilian Personnel Advisory Center or HR for specific command procedures.
Official Sources for the Form: Search Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) or contact your servicing HR office for the latest fillable version dated February 2019.
Why This Award Matters?
The Superior Civilian Service Medal publicly honors dedication that drives Army success. It boosts morale, supports retention, and sets a benchmark for excellence in the Army Civilian Corps. For recipients, it adds prestige to official records and can enhance career progression.
Related Awards
- Higher: Distinguished Civilian Service Medal (DA Form 7014)
- Lower: Meritorious Civilian Service Medal (often associated with DA Form 5655 in updated systems)
- Other tiers: Civilian Service Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, etc.
For the most current policy, refer to Army Regulation 672-20, Incentive Awards (certified current as of late 2024).
Ready to recognize outstanding service? Talk to your supervisor or HR professional about preparing a nomination package with DA Form 7015 today.