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."