The Navy announced Aug. 21 in ALNAV 055/17 that it is implementing changes to the letter-type devices worn on certain medals and ribbons.

The ALNAV provides Sailors and Marines guidance on the proper authorization and wear of the more restrictive bronze letter V (Valor) as well as the newly created bronze letters C (Combat Conditions) and R (Remote Impact).

The devices are intended to provide more distinctive recognition of acts of valor (V device), meritorious achievement or service under combat conditions (C device), and meritorious achievement that had direct impact on combat operations, albeit from a location where the awardee was not at significant risk of exposure to hostile action (R device).

"All previous decorations that had a V device remain valid and are in no way diminished or called into question by the new policy," said Jim Nierle, president, Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals. "Additionally, none of these awards will be rescinded, altered, or otherwise reconsidered as a result of this ALNAV."

The devices only apply to personal decorations. They are not authorized on any unit awards or any campaign, expeditionary, or service medals and ribbons.

The new policy for the C and R devices is retroactive only to Jan. 7, 2016, which is when then-Secretary of Defense Ash Carter approved the recommended changes following a 2016 Department of Defense review of the military awards program.

Any Sailor or Marine who received a personal decoration for meritorious achievement or service after Jan. 7, 2016, and who believes the circumstances met the criteria for the C device or R device, may directly contact the command that issued the award and request reconsideration. However, because the new policy for the V device is more restrictive than the previous policy, no consideration will be given to adding a V device to any previously approved award.

For specific details about which awards are authorized with the three devices, read ALNAV 055/17 at www.npc.navy.mil.