1. Description: A bronze medal, 1 3/8 inches in diameter bearing on the
obverse, five annulets interlaced enfiled by a star and environed by a wreath of laurel. On the reverse is a sprig of oak
between the inscription "OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE" at the top and "UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES" at the bottom.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and
consists of the following stripes: 1/8 inch Bluebird 67117; 1/8 inch Goldenlight 67107; 3/16 inch Bluebird; 1/16 inch Green
67129; 5/32 inch Goldenlight; center 1/16 inch Green; 5/32 inch Goldenlight; 1/16 inch Green; 3/16 inch Bluebird; 1/8 inch
Goldenlight; and 1/8 inch Bluebird.
3. Criteria: Awarded to members of the Armed Forces
of the United States who, subsequent to 31 December 1992, performed outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained,
direct and consequential nature. To be eligible, an individual’s service must (1) be to the civilian community, to include
the military family community; (2) be significant in nature and produce tangible results; (3) reflect favorably on the Military
Service and the Department of Defense; and (4) be of a sustained and direct nature. While there is no specific time threshold
to qualify for the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM), approval authorities shall ensure the service to
be honored merits the special recognition afforded by this medal. The MOVSM is intended to recognize exceptional community
support over time and not a single act or achievement. Further, it is intended to honor direct support of community activities.
4. Components: The following are authorized components
of the MOVSM:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/160. NSN 8455-01-400-3295.
b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/160. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/374. Available commercially.
d. Lapel Button: MIL-DTL-11484.
5. Background: a. The Military Outstanding Volunteer
Service Medal was established by Executive Order 12830, dated 9 January 1993. A proposed design, prepared by The Institute
of Heraldry, was submitted to the Office of the Secretary of Defense on 12 April 1993. The design was approved by the Deputy
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Manpower and Personnel Policy on 15 Jun 1993.
b. The interlaced annulets emphasize the interaction of the military
services with the civilian community and symbolize continuity and cooperation. The star commemorates outstanding service;
the wreath of laurel denotes honor and achievement. Oak is symbolic of strength and potential. Medium blue is the color traditionally
associated with the Department of Defense. Gold is for excellence and green alludes to the nurturing of life and growth.