On a device consisting of 4 conjoined hexagons, 2 vertically and 2 horizontally, of green enamel, an eagle with outspread wings charged on its breast with the shield of the United States and grasping in its talons 3 arrows (as depicted on the seal of the Department of Defense) all in gold between at top 13 gold stars and in base a gold stylized heraldic delineation representing land, sea and air, all within a gold circular laurel wreath bound with gold bands 1 5/8 inches (4.13 cm) in diameter, and with the areas between the inside of the wreath and the device pierced.

The four hexagons (representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Commendation Medals) are joined to symbolize the joint service nature of the award as does the stylized heraldic delineation representing land, sea and air. The eagle, shield of the United States, arrows and thirteen stars are taken from the seal of the Department of Defense and refer to the medal being awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense. The gold laurel wreath and gold color signify achievement and award. The color green is symbolic of faithfulness and unity.

A ribbon 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) in width, composed of a 1/4 inch (.64 cm) Bluebird stripe, a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) White stripe, a 3/32 inch (.24 cm) Myrtle Green stripe, a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) White stripe, a 3/16 inch (.48 cm) Myrtle Green stripe, a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) White stripe, a 3/32 inch (.24 cm) Myrtle Green stripe, a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) White stripe and a 1/4 inch (.64 cm) Bluebird stripe.

The green (same shade as the green enamel on the pendant) and white stripes of the ribbon were suggested by the ribbons of the Army and Navy Commendation Medals. The broad stripes of blue (Bluebird) flanking the white and green stripes refer to the Department of Defense.

The Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) was authorized by the Secretary of Defense on 25 June 1963. It is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after 1 January 1963, distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service. The prescribing directive for the JSCM is DOD 1348.33-M, Manual of Military Decorations & Awards.