It is presented to retiring career employees in the Department who, over a period of 25 years or more, of U.S. Government and/or military service, have performed with dedication and distinction.

[1] The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary.

While the Foreign Affairs Manual still stipulates award of a medal set, per a 2007 ALDAC (a cable intended for distribution to all diplomatic and consular posts), medals are no longer issued.

The Secretary’s Career Achievement Award was initially issued as the ‘Wilbur J. Carr Award’’, named after former Minister Wilbur J. Carr, who has been referred to as the "father of the Foreign Service.

"[2] Minister Carr served as the head of the legation to the former Czechoslovakia in 1937 before the mission was closed.