Public Health Service Special Assignment Award RibbonCriteria:The Public Health Service Special Assignment Service Award is an award of the Department of Health and Human Services that is presented to officers of the PHS. Requirements include that the service must be for at least 30 consecutive days to a special federal or state program and that it must not be for an assignment that is a routine function of the service members position. While this is considered a civilian award it is authorized for wear on all military uniforms.