[CHDIRAUX-L] AUXILIARY LEGION OF MERIT (ALOM) -004/07

[Chief Director of the Auxiliary Announcement List]

To:   ALAUX
From: CHDIRAUX
Subj: AUXILIARY LEGION OF MERIT (ALOM) -004/07


1.  Creation of the Auxiliary Legion of Merit (ALOM) was approved by the
Auxiliary National Board in 2005.  With Coast Guard concurrence, associated
ribbon, medal, and certificate creation was completed in 2006.  Given
recent queries about ALOM status, applicability, etc, and the likelihood
that its description and criteria will not appear in the Auxiliary Manual
until later this year, the following guidance about nomination and award of
the ALOM is herein provided.  

2.  The most noteworthy consideration about the ALOM is found in paragraph
5.a. below.  This eligibility requirement closely parallels that for the
Coast Guard Legion of Merit (LOM)...with the additional Auxiliary-focused
provision that, "Recognized performance must clearly be much higher than
expected and have a measurable, positive effect on the Auxiliary across
multiple Auxiliary regions or at Auxiliary Area or National level."  This is
meant to focus ALOM recognition on performance whose impacts have a broad
reach and affect more than one region. 

3.  The designated awarding authority is set at the level of Vice Admiral
(i.e. - Commandant / all Coast Guard Vice Admirals), again to emphasize
recognition of broad-reaching performance.  This establishes awarding
authority above the Plaque of Merit (which can be awarded by any Coast Guard
Flag Officer) and below the Auxiliary Distinguished Service Medal (ADSM -
which can only be awarded by the Commandant).  There is also a requirement
for Auxiliary review of ALOM packages up to the NACO level prior to routing
to District Commander and above (as the ALOM effectively becomes the second
highest level Auxiliary award, it is appropriate to ensure national level
awareness and review).

4.  ALOM certificates and ribbon/medal sets are available through ANSC.

5.  The following text is what will appear in section 11.A. of the Auxiliary
Manual (COMDTINST M16790.1 series):

	Auxiliary Legion of Merit

The Auxiliary Legion of Merit (ALOM) is awarded for service comparable to
the ADSM but in a duty of lesser, though considerable, responsibility.  The
Commandant or any Coast Guard Vice Admiral may award the ALOM.  All ALOM
packages must be submitted through the appropriate Auxiliary chain of
leadership to NACO for review and approval.  This applies prior to District
review and subsequent routing of nominations to Area or Headquarters level. 

	a. Eligibility Criteria

In general, the ALOM will be awarded to Auxiliarists in leadership positions
who have performed such exceptionally meritorious service as to justify the
award of the ADSM, except as to degree of merit.  Recognized performance
must clearly be much higher than expected and have a measurable, positive
effect on the Auxiliary across multiple Auxiliary regions or at Auxiliary
Area or National level.  This should not be interpreted to preclude the
award of the ALOM to any Auxiliarist whose acts or services meet the
requirements.  When the degree of achievement or service rendered, although
meritorious, is not sufficient to warrant award of the ALOM, the AMSM should
be considered.

	b. Award Elements

This award consists of a citation, a ribbon, miniature medal, and
certificate. The operational "O" attachment is not authorized for this
award. Subsequent awards are signified by 5/16-inch gold or silver stars as
appropriate.

	c. Award Format

The ALOM follows the same format as all other landscape format citations.  

Opening phrase:  "....is cited for outstanding meritorious service as....
from....to...."

Closing phrase:  "....ability, diligence, and devotion to duty are most
heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary."

6. The purpose of this list is to keep Auxiliarists as well as all other
interested parties abreast of current developments, policies, manuals, etc.
All information contained herein and linked is OFFICIAL policy and
information.

7. Internet Release and Distribution is Authorized.

8. CG-3PCX, sends