Routing and Endorsements

The Standard Chain

The SECNAV Five-Step Process

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Table 2, every PMD, PH, and CAR follows the same five canonical steps.SECNAV M-1650.1 Tbl 2

1. Nomination is officially originated.
2. Chain of command reviews and makes recommendations on the nomination by endorsing it.
3. Award approval authority takes final action.
4. Approved award (if any) is presented to the awardee.
5. Final action and approved award (if any) is entered into official records.

A skipped step or a step out of order produces a procedurally defective package.

Valor PMD Special Handling

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 1A paragraph 1A.2.b, valor decorations carry a separate timeline.SECNAV M-1650.1 1A.2.b Valor decorations are MOH, NX, SS, and any medal with a "V" device.

Valor packages get priority handling at every level. A leader sitting on a valor nomination past 10 working days breaks the system.

The exact endorsement levels depend on the award tier and the unit's reporting chain. Per MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J Chapter 4 for the full chart. MCO 1650.19J Ch 4 SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Chapter 1 and Table 2 cover the DON General PMD Nomination and Approval Process. SECNAV M-1650.1 Ch 1 Tbl 2 Confirm the chain matches the SECNAV process for any award routing past Marine-only authorities.

What Each Endorsement Does

The endorsement is not a rubber stamp.

• The endorser reads the narrative.
• The endorser concurs, non-concurs, or recommends a tier change.
• The endorser signs.
• The endorser routes to the next level.

A non-concurrence returns the package to the originator with the basis. The originator revises and resubmits. The chain restarts at the level of return.

A tier change recommendation rides with the package through the rest of the chain. The approving authority makes the final call.

What Goes With the Package

A typical package carries:

• The award recommendation form per MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J or unit equivalent.
• The narrative draft.
• Supporting documentation. FitRep excerpts, prior counseling, specific event reports.
• Combat documentation if the award has a combat criterion.
• Any required service member data per the form.

A package missing required attachments returns at the first endorsement. Verify the package against the unit's submission checklist before you route.

Tracking the Package

Maintain a section awards tracker.

Review weekly. A leg over 14 days without movement deserves a phone call to the named point of contact at that level.

Special Routing Cases

• Joint service awards. Different chain. The joint command originates and routes through the joint chain. Service representative signs. Per the joint awards instruction.
• Foreign awards. Acceptance authorization through DoD before the Marine wears it. Per 5 USC 73425 USC 7342 and DoD guidance.
• End-of-tour awards. The package follows the Marine through the chain even after PCS. Coordinate with the gaining unit if the chain stalls.

When the Chain Says No

Three responses.

• Disapproval. The award is denied. Document the basis. Recognize the Marine outside the formal system.
• Downgrade. The chain approves a lower tier. Accept the lower tier and route to ceremony.
• Non-concurrence with revision request. Revise the narrative and resubmit through the chain.

A disapproval is not the end of recognition. The Marine still earned the work. Pivot to Letter of Commendation, Page 11 commendatory entry, or other internal recognition.

After Approval

The approved award routes back through the chain to the section.

• Receipt of approval. Schedule the ceremony.
• Citation generation. Match the approved tier and signed authority.
• OMPF entry. The post-approval verification leaf covers the records check.

The approval is not the end. The OMPF entry is.

Where to Go Next

• Drafting narrative covers the upstream writing.
• End-of-tour timing covers the PCS routing window.
• OMPF verification covers the post-approval check.