Medal: A bronze and enamel disc 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) in diameter with the central device of the Department of the Army Plaque encircled by a blue band inscribed DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY at top and ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL at bottom. The reverse of the medal is inscribed "FOR CIVILIAN SERVICE at top and contains two crossed laurel branches at bottom all incised.

Ribbon: The medal is suspended from a ribbon 1 3/8 inches in width consisting of the following vertical stripes: 35/64" Blue 1/64 White, 1/64 Red, 1/64 White, 1/32 Blue, 1/64 White, 1/64 Red, 1/64 White, 1/32 Blue, 1/64 White, 1/64 Red, 1/64 White, 1/32 Blue, 1/64 White, 1/64 Red, 1/64 White and 35/64 Blue.

The central portion of the Department of the Army Plaque represents the efforts of individuals to achieve objectives of the Department.  Blue has been a traditional color to reflect recognition of civilian accomplishments since World War II.  The red, white and blue used on the ribbon are the National colors.