Posted on Mar 7, 2023
Do you have to be under a non-profit organization when volunteering off post for MOVSM?
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I have been told to volunteer off post (for VMIS and MOVSM) it has to be under the umbrella of a non-profit organization. I have not found this in writing anywhere. Maybe I am just looking in the wrong place. Anyone have a reference?
Posted in these groups: 
Volunteer
Community Service
Volunteer Community Service
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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Don't overthink it. The regulation is vague and broad because the objective is broad. No, there isn't a specific group, organization or specific activity to earn this achievement. Support your community and provide volunteer service. You can use your imagination and go from there.
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SFC (Join to see)
Thank you, I have read the requirements for the MOVSM. ACS has said that in order for off post hours to count they must be under a non-profit organization. I get that they want a liability blanket, but I have not found anything to back their position.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
SFC (Join to see) ACS has no authority over military awards programs. The regulation says nothing about it. However, it does reference the intensity of the program as it relates to definable/quantifiable results.
You would not be able to put your hours in for the local xxx club for which you are member, could be construed as a conflict of interest. In any case meet the standard of the regulation. You should contact the convening authorities Personnel section and ask for specific guidance. There is always sone subjectivity, that is with the command not ACS.
You would not be able to put your hours in for the local xxx club for which you are member, could be construed as a conflict of interest. In any case meet the standard of the regulation. You should contact the convening authorities Personnel section and ask for specific guidance. There is always sone subjectivity, that is with the command not ACS.
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SFC (Join to see)
CSM Darieus ZaGara I agree with everything you are saying. There is no requirement for hours to be logged in VMIS, just that this helps as supporting documentation. ACS runs VMIS that is how they get in the loop with this one, but all the forms can be filled out manually and documentation given without ACS.
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Below is a snippet from the regulation and although it does not specifically mention non-profit, normally volunteer work is best logged through one. Does what you do fall under the criteria? Can you tell us what you're doing for your community? Maybe we can give you a general consensus on whether you qualify or not.
To qualify for award of the MOVSM a Servicemember’s service must meet the following requirements:
(1) Be voluntary.
(2) Be to the civilian community, to include the military Family community.
(3) Be significant in nature and produce tangible results.
(4) Reflect favorably on the Army and DOD.
(5) Be of a sustained and direct nature.
c. The MOVSM is not authorized for the following:
(1) A single act or achievement, as this does not constitute sustained community service.
(2) Merely attending membership meetings or social events of a community service group or organization, as this does
not constitute significant and direct community service.
(3) Volunteer service performed while deployed to a combat theater.
(4) Service that is detailed or tasked, or performed as part of a military mission (for example, unit project; command
sponsored project) as this service is not voluntarily in nature or is part of the command’s mission.
(5) Service that results in personal gain for the Soldier.
g. Approval authority for award of the MOVSM will be commanders (overseas and CONUS) serving in the rank of
lieutenant colonel (LTC/O–5) and above. Before the recommendation is forwarded to the award approval authority, the
recommender must certify that the Servicemember meets the eligibility criteria for award of the MOVSM. Substantiating
documentation, such as record of hours contributed, letters or certificates from activity supervisors, or other proof of the
Servicemember's volunteer services may be attached as enclosures to the recommendation.
To qualify for award of the MOVSM a Servicemember’s service must meet the following requirements:
(1) Be voluntary.
(2) Be to the civilian community, to include the military Family community.
(3) Be significant in nature and produce tangible results.
(4) Reflect favorably on the Army and DOD.
(5) Be of a sustained and direct nature.
c. The MOVSM is not authorized for the following:
(1) A single act or achievement, as this does not constitute sustained community service.
(2) Merely attending membership meetings or social events of a community service group or organization, as this does
not constitute significant and direct community service.
(3) Volunteer service performed while deployed to a combat theater.
(4) Service that is detailed or tasked, or performed as part of a military mission (for example, unit project; command
sponsored project) as this service is not voluntarily in nature or is part of the command’s mission.
(5) Service that results in personal gain for the Soldier.
g. Approval authority for award of the MOVSM will be commanders (overseas and CONUS) serving in the rank of
lieutenant colonel (LTC/O–5) and above. Before the recommendation is forwarded to the award approval authority, the
recommender must certify that the Servicemember meets the eligibility criteria for award of the MOVSM. Substantiating
documentation, such as record of hours contributed, letters or certificates from activity supervisors, or other proof of the
Servicemember's volunteer services may be attached as enclosures to the recommendation.
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