Who is the JMUA awarded in the name of?

The JMUA, or Joint Meritorious Unit Award, is conferred in recognition of a unit's exceptional meritorious service. It is awarded by the Secretary of Defense, acknowledging the outstanding achievements of military units that have demonstrated extraordinary performance while functioning under the Department of Defense. This award is meant to highlight collective excellence and is not given based on individual contributions, which distinguishes it from other accolades that may involve personal recognition. The focus on Department of Defense leadership underscores the collaborative efforts among various military branches and units.