Your command is invited to nominate its most outstanding members for the Coast Guard's prestigious Inspirational Leadership Awards. This is your chance to get your leader the major recognition they’ve earned.
The Ultimate "Thank You": Why This Is a Huge Deal
This is more than just a handshake and a plaque. Winning one of these awards can be a career-defining moment. Check out the incredible perks:
- A Merit Advancement! Yes, for real. E-6 and below who win the SM1 Douglas A. Munro Award are eligible for a merit advancement to the next paygrade.
- A Call from the Top! All winners get a personal congratulatory call from the Commandant, Vice Commandant, or the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.
- A Serious Trophy! An engraved trophy worthy of their legacy.
- A Trip to Norfolk, VA! Winners of the Navy League awards get to attend the annual Navy League convention to be recognized on a national stage.
The Award Lineup: The Coast Guard's Hall of Fame
These awards are named after giants of our service. Think about who at your unit embodies their spirit:
Award
- The CAPT John G. Witherspoon Award
- The MCPO Angela M. McShan Award
- The Mr. George R. Putnam Award
- The COMO Charles S. Greanoff Award
- The CAPT David H. Jarvis Award (Navy League)
- The SM1 Douglas A. Munro Award (Navy League)
Who’s It For
- Officers (Active Duty & Reserve)
- E-7s (Active Duty & Reserve)
- Civilian Employees (GS & NAF)
- Auxiliary Flotilla Commanders
- Officers (Active Duty)
- Enlisted Members (Active Duty)
How to Make a Nomination Happen
Only your command can officially submit a nomination, but the best packages start with you. Here’s how you can be the catalyst:
- Talk to Your Chain of Command: This is step one. Tell your supervisor or Chief who you think deserves an award and why. Be their eyes and ears for spotting excellence.
- Provide the "Why": The best nominations are packed with powerful stories. Help your command build a killer package by providing specific examples of how your leader mentored you, crushed a mission, or upheld our Core Values.
- Encourage Submission! Remind your leadership that nominations are submitted via a new, easier MS Form, with full details on the FC-LDR Leadership Awards website.
Don't Miss the Deadline!
All official command nominations must be submitted by Friday, March 6, 2026.
Bonus Round: Want to Be a Judge?
If you have a passion for leadership, consider applying to be on the selection panel! It’s an incredible opportunity to see what excellence looks like across the entire Service.
Great leaders build a great Coast Guard. Let’s make sure they get the recognition they've earned. Start the conversation at your unit today.
-USCG-