The Military Intelligence Corps Association Awards Program
The Military Intelligence Corps Association (MICA) functions as the leading professional association for the United States Army’s Military Intelligence Corps. MICA’s mission is to preserve and honor military intelligence history, while at the same time preparing future generations to lead. MICA recognizes extraordinary work by sponsoring four awards: the LTC Thomas Knowlton Award, the Golden Rose Award, the MG Ralph H. Van Deman Award, and the Order of the Sphinx Award.
The LTC Thomas Knowlton Award was created in 1995 as a collaboration between MICA and the MI Corps. MICA functions as the sponsoring organization, provides financial resources, and oversees award administration and publicity. The Knowlton Award can be given to officers, warrant officers, enlisted soldiers, and civilians that have demonstrated excellence in military intelligence or a related area of MI support. Nominees must have a track record of high moral character and superior professional competence, particularly within the context of an MI unit leadership position.
Holders of the Knowlton Award should observe all relevant service regulations for wearing military awards, such as Army Regulation 670–1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. There are several aspects regarding how and when to wear the award, but in short, it should be worn at appropriate formal and military intelligence gatherings. The ribbon should be worn around the neck, outside the shirt collar but inside the coat collar.
The Golden Rose Award, meanwhile, was established in 2004 to recognize military spouses for exceptional volunteer services, specifically efforts that markedly contribute to the success of a military intelligence unit mission or project. That said, the award is not intended to recognize a single volunteer activity, but many services over an extended period, benefiting many soldiers and families. At the same time, lengthy service should not be awarded if there are minimal tangible benefits for the military intelligence community.
The Golden Rose Award is available to the spouse of any professional working in the military intelligence profession, from high-ranking officers to civilians. Nomination forms should outline at least 12 months of military intelligence volunteer service. The nominee should have a lead role in all listed activities, allowing them to demonstrate both initiative and innovation.
The MG Ralph H. Van Deman Award is one of the newest MICA awards. Introduced in 2013, the Van Deman Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the military intelligence community from foreign intelligence professionals and partners. The award is named after MG Van Deman, who pioneered intelligence-sharing protocols during World War I. The Order of the Phoenix is even newer — in 2018, the program began recognizing non-intelligence military professionals and civilians who have had a direct impact on the Military Intelligence Corps’ success.
Only MICA members can make nominations, and nominees must also maintain active MICA membership. All MICA awards are once in a lifetime awards. Nominators can check eligibility by visiting mica-national.org. After purchasing and filling out a nomination form, individuals should allow at least 10 business days for processing. Once the award is approved, the certification and medal are forwarded via USPS priority mail. Whenever possible, the award should be presented by a member of the local or national MICA leadership team.
