The Joint Meritorious Unit Award was established by Department of Defense Directive 1348.27 dated July 22, 1982, and is awarded to units involved in Joint Activities of the Armed Forces of the United States which have subsequent to January 23, 1979, distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious achievement or service in pursuit of joint military missions of great significance.

Ribbon

     A bronze oak leaf cluster is added to the ribbon to denote each subsequent award.

     A silver oak leaf cluster is added to the ribbon to denote the 5th, 10th, etc.

The current components of the Joint Meritorious Unit Award are the emblem awarded to members of the unit and the streamer for display on the unit flag/guidon.