Which of the following is considered a service award and can be found in your service record?

The Good Conduct Medal is categorized as a service award and is significant because it recognizes a member's exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active federal military service. This award is specifically designed to highlight a service member's adherence to military standards and their ability to maintain discipline across a specified period of service, typically three years.

In the context of a service record, the Good Conduct Medal carries weight as it serves as a testament to a member's performance and conduct in their role, which can be a crucial factor in promotions and future assignments. It is an award distinctly associated with the Navy, and the criteria for earning it focus on the member's length of service and positive behavior, reflecting the values and standards of the naval service.

While the other options are indeed awards presented within the military, they do not fit the definition of a service award as clearly as the Good Conduct Medal does. For instance, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal are awarded for specific acts of merit rather than general service conduct. The Army Achievement Medal, similar to these medals, recognizes specific accomplishments rather than the overall conduct or service of the member. Thus, the Good Conduct Medal stands out as the proper answer in this context.