Title 10 — Armed ForcesRelease 119-73

§313 Bilateral or regional cooperation programs: awards and mementos to recognize superior noncombat achievements or performance

Title 10 › Subtitle Subtitle A— - General Military Law › Part PART I— - ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL MILITARY POWERS › Chapter CHAPTER 16— - SECURITY COOPERATION › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER II— - MILITARY-TO-MILITARY ENGAGEMENTS › § 313

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary of Defense can give awards and small keepsakes, bought with operation and maintenance funds, to members of friendly foreign militaries and other foreign nationals whose noncombat actions clearly support the U.S. National Security Strategy. Examples of actions that can be honored include work that protects U.S. interests abroad; strengthens U.S. presence and peacetime cooperation (such as defense cooperation, security assistance training, and joint exercises); helps deter aggression and build coalitions for stability; or models proper military conduct in new democracies. The cost of any keepsake must not exceed the minimal value in effect under section 7342(a)(5) of title 5.

Full Legal Text

Title 10, §313

Armed Forces — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)The Secretary of Defense may present awards and mementos purchased with funds appropriated for operation and maintenance of the armed forces to recognize superior noncombat achievements or performance by members of friendly foreign forces and other foreign nationals that significantly enhance or support the National Security Strategy of the United States.

(b)Activities that may be recognized under subsection (a) include superior achievement or performance that—

(1)plays a crucial role in shaping the international security environment in ways that protect and promote United States interests;

(2)supports or enhances United States overseas presence and peacetime engagement activities, including defense cooperation initiatives, security assistance training and programs, and training and exercises with the armed forces;

(3)helps to deter aggression and coercion, build coalitions, and promote regional stability; or

(4)serves as a role model for appropriate conduct by military forces in emerging democracies.

(c)Expenditures for the purchase or production of mementos for award under this section may not exceed the minimal value in effect under section 7342(a)(5) of title 5.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–328 renumbered section 1051b of this title as this section.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

10 U.S.C. § 313

Title 10 — Armed Forces

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73