The Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service (AFDECS) is granted to Air Force civilian employees that have achieved their required duties for at least one year, resulting in profound Air Force-wide impact to programs as documented by the following: development of improved methods or procedures, initiation of revolutionary ideas, or unprecedented achievements or benefits to the government. Nominees for this award can be recommended as long as they have previously received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.