National Security Medal

In simple terms

This executive order amends the criteria and process for awarding the National Security Medal, expanding eligibility to any person regardless of nationality and establishing a formal nomination process through the National Security Council Executive Secretary and Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 60793

Record & deadlines

Oct 2, 2015Signed
Signed by the President
Oct 7, 2015FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 80 FR 60793
Federal Register PDF

Key directives

Amend EO 10431 Section 2 to expand National Security Medal eligibility to any person regardless of nationality
Establish that qualifying achievements must have occurred on or after July 26, 1947
Create nomination pathway through Executive Secretary of National Security Council
Require concurrence of employing department/agency where appropriate
Mandate complete documentation including certificates, affidavits, or sworn transcripts
Require draft citation with each recommendation
Direct ODNI to process approved awards and prepare medal for NSC presentation
Supersede 1953 regulations governing the award

Who is ordered

Prior policy

amendEO 10431 Section 2
supersede1953 regulations governing the award of the National Security Medal

Related orders

What to expect

Immediate

EO 10431 amended as specified
1953 superseded regulations replaced

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

Ongoing medal awards under revised criteria and process

Risks & tensions

Vague: 'if appropriate' qualifier on agency concurrence creates discretionary gap in process
No specified timeline for Executive Secretary determination or Presidential approval
Dependent on appropriations may limit actual medal production/presentation
Expanded eligibility to non-citizens may raise political sensitivities in certain award cases