USSTRATCOM Awarded Joint Meritorious Unit Award

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - The United States Strategic Command was awarded a Joint Meritorious Unit Award on August 8, 2007 by Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for meritorious achievement during the period of July 2004 to July 2007.

The command earned the award during a dynamic period of the command's history while under the leadership of Gen. James E. Cartwright, the newly appointed Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In the wake of the changing international security environment of the 21st Century as identified by the Quadrennial Defense Reviews of 2002 and 2006, USSTRATCOM assumed the roles of US Space Command and other duties which had been previously assigned under numerous commands.

Over the period covered by the award, USSTRATCOM assumed global responsibility for the integration of Department of Defense assets for missile defense, information operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space and combating weapons of mass destruction.

To meet these strategic challenges, the command implemented organizational changes to operationalize eight Unified Command Plan missions and developed a new triad of capabilities to serve as a deterrent in the post Cold-War era.

In addition, USSTRATCOM moved to distribute command and control and capitalize on technological advancements, enabling greater collaboration over a dispersed network.

Members of the Armed Forces of the United States present between July 10, 2004 and July 15, 2007, who were permanently assigned or attached by official orders to US Strategic Command and who directly participated in the service or achievement for 30 days or are eligible to wear the device. Oak-leaf clusters are authorized for wear if the individual has previously earned a JMUA.

Civilians assigned or attached to units awarded the JMUA during the citation period are authorized to wear a civilian JMUA lapel pin.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Questions on this or other USSTRATCOM releases should be directed to the U.S. Strategic Command Public Affairs office, LT Denver Applehans, (402) 294-5659 or (402) 294-4130.