Featured Awards

The Army Headquarters Safety Award is a DA-level unit safety award

Level: Army Commands (ACOMs), Army Service Component Commands (ASCCs), and Direct Reporting Units (DRUs).

Initiated/Nominated or a designated representative will convene a panel to make recommendations for recipients of this award.

Judging: The DASAF or a designated representative will convene a panel to make recommendations for recipients of this award. The panel will consist of at least three senior safety and occupational health professionals.

Timeframe of award: Fiscal Year

Submission deadline: 15 December (annually)

Award: Standing plaque

• Example of submission memo DOCX

The Army Exceptional Organization Safety Award is a DA level unit safety award

Level: Organizations below Army headquarters level down to battalion level; Army headquarters may select one nominee from the following four categories: division, brigade, battalion, and garrison (or equivalent).

Initiated/Nominated by: Unit or facility commander or safety manager, or installation/unit manager.

Criteria: The organization, as selected by its higher levels of command (through Army Headquarters), with the most effective overall safety program.

Judging: The DASAF or a designated representative will convene a panel to make recommendations for recipients of this award. The panel will consist of at least three senior safety and occupational health professionals.

Timeframe of award: Fiscal Year

Submission deadline: 15 December (annually)

Award: Standing plaque

Note: Army headquarters will develop policies and procedures that foster the competitive and progressive nature awards, which is akin to a "Soldier of the Year" competition.

• Example of submission memo DOCX

The Army Individual Award of Excellence in Safety is a DA-level unit safety award

Level: Individual (U.S. Army officer (Field grade, Company grade, and Warrant); U.S. Army NCO (E5-E9) and enlisted (E1-E4); DA Civilian (Senior GS13-GS15, and Junior GS09-GS12), awarded each fiscal year in each of the seven categories.

Initiated/Nominated by: Organizational safety manager/manager or unit commander.

Criteria: An individual having made the most significant contribution to the unit's or activity's mishap prevention effort.

Judging: The DASAF or a designated representative will convene a panel to make recommendations for recipients of this award. The panel will consist of at least three senior safety and occupational health professionals.

Timeframe of award: Fiscal Year

Submission deadline: 15 December (annually)

Award: Standing plaque

Note: Army headquarters will develop policies and procedures that foster the competitive and progressive nature awards, which is akin to a "Soldier of the Year" competition.

• Example of submission memo DOCX

The Army Safety Guardian Award is a DA-level unit safety award

Level: Individual (U.S. Army military personnel and DA civilians). Initiated/Nominated by: DASAF or the unit commander/activity director may send a request for consideration thru the first O-6 (or equivalent civilian grade) in the individuals or unit's chain of command.

Criteria: An individual must have, through extraordinary actions or skills, reacted to an emergency event or an imminently dangerous situation, thereby eliminating or minimizing loss, such as damage to Army property or injury to Army personnel; emergencies or dangerous situations resulting from enemy action may be included for consideration.

Judging: The DASAF or a designated representative will convene a panel to make recommendations for recipients of this award. The panel will consist of at least three senior safety and occupational health professionals. If the nomination is based on the operation of special military equipment, one member of the board must be qualified on that piece of equipment.

Timeframe of award: N/A

Submission deadline: Within two years of event IAW AR 385-10, para 5-11, f

Award: Standing plaque and certificate from the DASAF

• Example of submission memo DOCX

The Director of Army Safety Risk Management Award is a DA-level unit safety award

Level: Individuals or organization.

Nominated by: Army Headquarters commander, safety director/manager, or the DASAF. Initiated/Nominated by: DASAF or the unit commander/activity director may send a request for consideration thru the first O-6 (or equivalent civilian grade) in the individual's or unit's chain of command.

Criteria: An individual or organization must have demonstrated exemplary leadership or made a significant contribution to Army readiness through risk management.

Judging: The DASAF or a designated representative will convene a panel to make recommendations for recipients of this award. The panel will consist of at least three senior safety and occupational health professionals.

Timeframe of award: N/A

Submission deadline: Within two years of event IAW AR 385-10 para 5-11, h

• Example of submission memo DOCX

The Army Aviation Broken Wing Award is a DA-level unit safety award

Level: Individual (U.S. Army military personnel and DA Civilians).

Initiated/Nominated by: The first O-6 in the chain of command.

Criteria: Individuals performing authorized aircrew member flight duties, while on a Department of Defense mission. An aircrew member must, through outstanding airmanship, minimize or prevent aircraft damage or injury to personnel during an emergency situation. Aircrew member must have shown extraordinary skill while recovering an aircraft from an in-flight emergency situation. If more than one crewmember materially contributed to the successful recovery from the emergency, each of those involved should be considered for nomination. Emergencies resulting from enemy action may be included for consideration. An emergency will not be considered for award if:

• It is self-induced.
• It actually occurs during a simulated emergency requiring no added skill to land the aircraft successfully.
• It occurs because of noncompliance with published regulations or procedures.
• It is determined that no emergency actually existed.
• In the panel's opinion, a lack of discipline or aviator judgment may have induced the emergency.
• The aircraft was in a phase of flight with no unfavorable circumstances to prevent a safe landing.

Selection/Judging: The Commander, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center (USACRC) will convene a panel when nominations are received. The panel will consist of the Commander, USACRC, or a designated representative, and at least five senior-level Army aviators; it may include senior enlisted crewmembers when appropriate. At least one panel member will be qualified in the mission type and design of the aircraft involved in the emergency. The Commander, USACRC will be the final approval authority.

Timeframe of award: Submit a nomination for an award to the appropriate approval authority within 2 years of the action or period under consideration. Nominations may be made for actions prior to the 2-year limit, but more current nominations may preclude full consideration IAW AR 385-10 para 5-14, d.

Submission deadline: N/A

Award: A Broken Wing Award Certificate and lapel pin will be the award.

History of the Army Aviation Broken Wing award: Highly regarded and rarely awarded to aircrew members that operate aircraft under Army control. The Broken Wing Award was established in March 1968; since then, hundreds of aircrew members have been awarded the Broken Wing Award through their extraordinary actions. These aircrew members preserved lives and equipment, saving the U.S. Army millions of dollars.

• Example of submission memo DOCX

The Army Industrial Operations Safety Award is a DA-level unit safety award

Level: Army organizations below Army headquarters.

Initiated/Nominated by: Unit or facility commander or safety manager/officer, or installation/unit safety manager/officer. Army headquarters may select and forward one nominee in this award category.

Criteria: The organization, selected by levels of command through Army Headquarters, with the most effective overall industrial operations safety program.

Timeframe of award: Fiscal Year

Submission deadline: 15 December (annually)

Award: Standing plaque

Note: Army headquarters will develop policies and procedures that foster the competitive and progressive nature awards, which is akin to a "Soldier of the Year" competition.

• Example of submission memo DOCX

The Army Excellence in Explosives Safety Award is a DA-level unit safety award

Level: Organizations below Army Headquarters.

Initiated/Nominated by: Unit or facility commander or safety manager, or installation/unit safety manager; Army Headquarters may select and forward one nominee in this award category.

Criteria: The organization, selected by levels of command through Army Headquarters, with the most effective overall explosives safety program.

Timeframe of award: Fiscal Year

Submission deadline: 15 December (annually)

Note: Army headquarters will develop policies and procedures that foster the competitive and progressive nature awards, which is akin to a "Soldier of the Year" competition.

• Example of submission memo DOCX

Army Mishap Prevention Award of Accomplishment is an Army Headquarters and organization-level safety award

Level: TOE or TDA detachments, company-size units, battalions or equivalent; brigades or equivalent; and divisions, installations, or activities.

Initiated/Nominated by: Organization commander, unit director, or safety manager.

Criteria: The organization must complete 12 consecutive months, a major training exercise or complete an actual deployment of greater than 120 days without experiencing a class A, B, or C mishap (mishap classes as defined in AR 385-10) attributable to human error.

Timeframe of award: 12 months

Submission deadline: N/A

• Award Certificate PDF
• Example of submission document DOCX

The Army Aircrew Safety Award is an Army Headquarters and organization-level safety award

Level: Individual

Initiated/Nominated by: Organization commander or their representative.

Criteria: Nominee must be a U.S. Army service member or DA Civilian, who perform aerial flights as an aircrew member, and complete at least 500 flight hours as an aircrew member, in a U.S. Army aircraft without having a contributing role in a human factor-related class A, B, or C aviation mishap (mishap classes as defined in AR 385-10).

Timeframe of award: N/A

Submission deadline: N/A

Award: DA Form 1119-1 or Unit Certificate

• Example of submission document DOCX

A Unit Impact Award is an Army Headquarters and organization-level safety award

Level: Army unit or individual.

Initiated/Nominated by: Unit commander and recommended by unit or local safety manage/officer.

Criteria: Organizations or individuals who demonstrate exceptional support of Army's and unit's safety strategy that result in enhanced mission readiness through risk reduction and management. The recognition highlights the mishap prevention accomplishments and safe performance displayed by individuals within their organization.

Timeframe of award: Continuous

Submission deadline: N/A

Award: Various (DA Form 1119-1 (Certificate of Achievement in Safety), locally produced certificate, or trophy/plaque purchased with non-appropriated funds); Awards will be signed (when appropriate) by the organization's leader and will include, at a minimum, the awardees' name, and the contribution for which the award is given.

Note: Commanders are encouraged to develop and issue policies for Safety Impact Awards to promote safety awareness through on-the-spot recognition of safety related actions which are above and beyond what is required of an individual or organization and would normally go unnoticed.

The Army Safety Excellence Streamer is an Army Headquarters and organization-level safety award

Level: Company size units, battalions, or equivalent; divisions and installations (both Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) and Table of Distribution and Allowances (TDA) type units).

Initiated/Nominated by: Submitted through the unit's chain of command to the appropriate level for screening, verification, and approval organization commander or representative; each level of command must endorse the request and verify that the unit is eligible for the streamer; local safety offices are responsible for ensuring compliance with established eligibility and display criteria in conjunction with the conduct of safety and occupational health inspections.

Criteria:

• Detachment/Company size units that have completed 12 consecutive months without experiencing a Soldier/unit at-fault Class A or B mishap and have 100 percent completion of Risk Management (RM) training within the last 24 months at time of submission. (U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center web-based training fulfills this requirement)
• Battalions, or equivalent, that have completed 12 consecutive months without experiencing a Soldier/unit at-fault Class A or B mishap, and have 100 percent completion of RM training, and the Army Readiness Assessment Program (ARAP) within the last 24 months at time of submission. (U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center web-based training fulfills this requirement)
• Brigades, or equivalent, that have completed 12 consecutive months without a Soldier/unit at fault Class A or B mishap.
• Division and installations that have completed 12 consecutive months without a Soldier/unit at fault Class A or B mishap.
• Eligibility for award of the Army Safety Excellence Streamer accrues from 10 March 2009. Award is not retroactive before that date. The streamer may be displayed for one year after award, at which time the unit must re-qualify and resubmit IAW eligibility criteria.

Timeframe of award: N/A

Submission deadline: N/A

Approval authority: O-6 or higher-level commanders of TOE or TDA organizations may award the Safety Excellence Streamer to units under their command meeting eligibility criteria. This authority may not be further delegated lower than the O-6 level commander.

Award: Streamer

How to get the physical streamer: The streamers come in two sizes. Units can order the streamer through normal supply channels utilizing the following stock numbers:

• 3' x 2 3/4" (NSN 8345-01-576-5855) for unit organizational colors
• 2' x 1 3/8" (NSN 8345-01-576-5875) for unit guidons

• Example of submission document DOCX

Unit Safety Certification Award

Level: Army units, platoon size or larger.

Initiated/Nominated by: Unit or local safety manager.

Criteria: Units that have achieved levels of safety as indicated below.

• A safety officer is appointed in writing and has completed the required level of training.
• Implemented a safety program in accordance with AR 385-10.
• The number of on and off-duty mishaps have been reduced by 50 percent from previous year.
• Have in place a mishap tracking and reporting system that complies with the requirements of AR 385-10.
• Have in place a documented RM process demonstrating risk assessment and resulting implementation and management of controls.
• Sustained the above initiatives for a significant and established period of time, such as one year, two years, and so forth.

Timeframe of award: Continuous

Submission deadline: N/A

Award: Certificate (unit generated)

10,000 Army Aviation Flight Hour Award

Level: Individual (U.S. Army military personnel and DA civilians)

Initiated/Nominated by: Self-Initiated/Nominated; email proof of mishap free flight hours (copies of their previously completed and Commander-signed DA Forms 759 Individual Flight Record and Flight Certificate - Army, and completed DA Forms 7122-R Crew Member Training Record to usarmy.rucker.hqda-secarmy.list.safe-awards@army.mil. If these documents are not available, a copy of the Mishap-Free Flight Hour Recognition Certificate will be accepted.

Criteria: Achieve 10,000 flight hour without experiencing a Class A, B, or C mishap.

Timeframe of award: Continuous

Submission deadline: N/A

Award: Certificate from the DASAF and CSM. Name and unit will be posted to the USACRC website.

• Example of submission document DOCX

GEICO Invites Nominations for 2026 Military Service Awards

Application deadline set for Dec. 30, 2026

BETHESDA, MARYLAND – GEICO is now accepting nominations for its 38th annual Military Service Awards, honoring enlisted service members who make a difference both in uniform and in their communities. Each year, one active-duty or reserve enlisted service member from each of the six branches of the military, along with one member of the National Guard, is recognized for volunteer efforts and mission accomplishments. Past recipients have demonstrated leadership both in their units and in their communities through volunteerism, mentorship and community service.

GEICO Military Service Award honorees receive a certificate of achievement, along with a $5,000 cash honorarium from the GEICO Philanthropic Foundation. Since this program was founded, GEICO has contributed more than $500,000 to honor members of the military.

“Protecting and honoring those who serve has been fundamental to GEICO’s mission for 90 years,” said GEICO Vice President Lona Montgomery. “These awards give us a chance to recognize selfless actions that too often go unnoticed in communities across the country.”

The 2026 GEICO Military Service Award nomination form is due to GEICO no later than Dec. 30, 2026. To submit a nomination or learn more, visit GEICO’s Military Service Awards homepage.

Nomination details

All six branches of the military, and one enlisted member from the National Guard are eligible, including:

• Army
• Marine Corps
• Navy
• Air Force
• Space Force
• Coast Guard

All currently serving enlisted service members (E-7 and below), including Reserve and National Guard with at least one year of obligated service remaining after the submission deadline, are eligible.

Through the individual service's established procedures, each military branch of service may nominate all enlisted members who have provided outstanding service to their military and civilian communities.

Nominees will be judged first on their off-duty volunteer activities, followed by their in-uniform accomplishments. Nomination materials must be submitted in one package consisting of no more than three pages.

Nomination packages must include the following:

• A completed GEICO Military Service Award nomination form.
• A high-resolution digital photo with head and shoulders view of the nominee in service dress uniform without cover/headgear.
• A letter of endorsement from the highest military authority on the assigned installation or the first O-6 commander in the chain of command.

GEICO will make its final selections and notify each recipient and their respective command during the first half of 2027.