Army Good Conduct Medal Hat Pin

The Army Good Conduct Medal (AGCM) is awarded to enlisted U.S. Army personnel who exhibit three consecutive years of "honorable and faithful service." This signifies that they have completed a standard enlistment without any non-judicial punishments, disciplinary infractions, or court martial offenses. If a service member commits an offense, the three-year requirement restarts, and they must fulfill an additional three years of exemplary service to qualify for the Good Conduct Medal. During times of war, the AGCM can be granted for one year of faithful service. It is also possible for the medal to be awarded posthumously to soldiers who are killed in the line of duty. To indicate additional achievements within the award, Good Conduct Knots are attached to the decoration. It is important to note that the AGCM is earned through active duty service and is not conferred upon Army Reserve or National Guard personnel unless they are activated for federal service. However, for Reserve and Guard personnel who successfully complete annual training and drill duty, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal may be bestowed instead.