The Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award is the highest honorary award the Secretary of the Navy can confer on a Department of the Navy civilian employee. The Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award will be granted only to those employees who have given distinguished or extraordinary service. The achievements or service must be truly exceptional when measured against the position requirements of the employee and should far exceed the contributions and service of others with comparable responsibilities. The Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award should be reserved for contributions that are so unusual or significant that recognition at the Secretary of the Navy level is deserved. Additional qualifiers include: