U.S. service (campaign) medals and service and training ribbons army

U.S. service (campaign) medals and service and training ribbons authorized for wear on the uniform are listed below, in their order of precedence. Personnel may wear service medals and service and training ribbons awarded by other U.S. Services on the Army uniform, except for the Air Force Longevity Service Award ribbon and Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard marksmanship medals and ribbons. Personnel will wear service and training medals and ribbons awarded by other U.S. Services after U.S. Army service and training ribbons, and before foreign awards.

Prisoner of War Medal

The criteria for award of the POW Medal is codified in 10 USC 1128. It is authorized for any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken prisoner and held captive after 5 April 1917.

The POW Medal is to be issued only to those U.S. military personnel and other personnel granted creditable U.S. military service, who were taken prisoner and held captive—

(1) While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.
(2) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
(3) While serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

The POW Medal may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces,who was held captive under circumstances not covered by paragraph 2–9b but which the SECARMY finds were comparable to those circumstances under which persons have generally been held captive by enemy armed forces during periods of armed conflict. Award of the POW Medal under comparable conditions provisions is the exception and not the rule. Authority to award the POW Medal under this provision may not be delegated below the SECARMY.

U.S. and foreign civilians who have been credited with U.S. military service which encompasses the period of captivity are also eligible for the medal. The Secretary of Defense authorized on 27 January 1990, the POW Medal for the Philippine Commonwealth Army and recognized Guerrilla Unit Veterans who were held captive between 7 December 1941 and 26 September 1945.

The POW Medal will be issued only to foreign military and civilian personnel who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces, meet the eligibility criteria contained in paragraph 2–9b. While no minimum time period of captivity exists as eligibility criteria for the POW Medal, the Services should determine each case on its own merit.

For purposes of this medal, past armed conflicts are defined as World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam Conflict, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia (SWA) Conflict, Somalia, and Iraq. Hostages of terrorists and persons detained by governments with which the United States is not engaged actively in armed conflict are not eligible for the medal. For the procedures to award the POW Medal for Afghanistan and Iraq see paragraph 2–9l.

Any person convicted of misconduct or a criminal charge by a U.S. military tribunal, or who receives a less than honorable discharge based upon actions while a POW, or whose conduct was not in accord with the Code of Conduct, and whose actions are documented by U.S. military records is ineligible for the medal. The SECARMY is the authority for deciding eligibility in such cases. Cases involving questionable character of service or misconduct during captivity will be processed through the receiving command channels to Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408 for coordination with the Repatriation and Family Affairs Division and final decision by the SECARMY.

No more than one POW Medal will be awarded. For subsequent award of the medal, service stars will be awarded and worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal. A period of captivity terminates on return to U.S. military control. Escapees who do not return to U.S. military control and are recaptured by an enemy do not begin a new period of captivity for subsequent award of the POW Medal (see para 6–8 for further information on the bronze service star).

The POW Medal may be awarded posthumously.

The primary next of kin of eligible POWs who die in captivity may be issued the POW Medal regardless of the length of stay in captivity.

Personnel officially classified as missing in action are not eligible for award of the POW Medal. The POW Medal will only be awarded when the individual’s POW status has been officially confirmed and recognized as such by DA. Likewise, the return of remains, in and of itself, does not constitute evidence of confirmed POW status.

The following rules apply for processing award of the POW Medal:

(1) Active military personnel. Award of the POW Medal to military personnel on active duty in an active war will be processed by Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408.

(2) Veterans, retirees and their primary next of kin. All requests for award of the POW Medal for past armed conflicts will be initiated by former POWs, or their primary next of kin, using a personal letter. The following documents, as applicable, will be submitted with POW Medal applications to assist in validating the award: Army separation documents; casualty reports; messages, letters, or telegrams sent home; unit journals; diaries; sworn eyewitness statements or affidavits; photos, identification card, or other documents taken or obtained while in captivity; news clippings and other evidence in support of the request. Applications or personal letters will be forwarded to National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138–1002. Soldiers who retired or were discharged after 1 October 2002 and the next of kin of Soldiers who died after 1 October 2002 will send their requests to Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408.

(3) Time limits. Statutory and regulatory time limits pertaining to award of the POW Medal do not apply. Award of the POW Medal may be made at any time after submission of documented evidence that all criteria have been met. (4) The Prisoner of War Medal. This medal is classified as a personal service medal; as such, no orders are issued to announce its approval.

Good Conduct Medal

Good Conduct Medals from the other Services follow the Army Good Conduct Medal in order of precedence. The Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal and equivalents awarded by other Service Reserve Components follow the Army Good Conduct Medal and Good Conduct Medals from the other U.S. Services, in order of precedence.

Personnel eligible

Active component enlisted Soldiers. Enlisted AGR personnel serving on extended periods of active duty (other than for training) 10 USC and 32 USC, are eligible for award of the AGCM for qualifying service beginning on or after 1 September 1982, provided no period of the service has been duplicated by the same period of service for which the Soldier has been awarded the ARCAM. The AGCM qualification period may commence anytime during the 3 years immediately preceding the 1 September 1982 effective date provided no portion of service for the AGCM is included in a period of service for which the ARCAM was awarded.

Retroactively, to eligible Army of the United States enlisted personnel. c. Other Army enlisted personnel as directed by the SECARMY.

Ready Reserve enlisted personnel ordered to active duty under 10 USC.

American Defense Service Medal

The ADSM was established by EO 8808, announced in War Department Bulletin 17, 1941. It is awarded for service between 8 September 1939 and 7 December 1941 under orders to active duty for a period of 12 months or longer.

A clasp, with the inscription "Foreign Service", is worn on the ADSM to denote service outside the continental limits of the United States, including service in Alaska, as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters, flights over ocean waters, or as an assigned member of an organization stationed outside the continental limits of the United States. Possession of a clasp is denoted by the wearing of a bronze service star on the service ribbon. (See chap 6 for descriptions of the clasp and service stars.)

Women’s Army Corps Service Medal

The Women’s Army Corps Service Medal was established by EO 9365, announced in War Department Bulletin 17, 1943. It is awarded for service in both the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps between 10 July 1942 and 31 August 1943 and the Women’s Army Corps between 1 September 1943 and 2 September 1945.

American Campaign Medal

The American Campaign Medal was established by EO 9265 (War Department Bulletin 56, 1942), as amended by EO 9706, 15 March 1946. It is awarded for service within the American Theater between 7 December 1941 and 2 March 1946 under any of the following conditions:

(1) On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States.

(2) Permanently assigned as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.

(3) Outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on TDY for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.

(4) In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the CG of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the Soldier actually participated in combat.

(5) Within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of 1 year.

The boundaries of American Theater are as follows:

(1) The eastern boundary is located from the North Pole, south along the 75th meridian west longitude to the 77th parallel north latitude, then southeast through Davis Strait to the intersection of the 40th parallel north latitude and the 35th meridian west longitude, then south along the meridian to the 10th parallel north latitude, then southeast to the intersection of the Equator and the 20th meridian west longitude, then south along the 20th meridian west longitude to the South Pole.

(2) The western boundary is located from the North Pole, south along the 141st meridian west longitude to the east boundary of Alaska, then south and southeast along the Alaska boundary to the Pacific Ocean, then south along the 130th meridian to its intersection with the 30th parallel north latitude, then southeast to the intersection of the Equator and the 100th meridian west longitude, then south to the South Pole.

One bronze service star is authorized for wear on the American Campaign Medal to denote participation in the antisubmarine campaign. The individual must have been assigned or attached to, and present for duty with, a unit credited with the campaign.

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was established by EO 9265 (War Department Bulletin 56, 6 November 1942), as amended by EO 9706, 15 March 1946. It is awarded for service with the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between 7 December 1941 and 2 March 1946 under any of the following conditions:

(1) On permanent assignment in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

(2) In a passenger status or on TDY for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.

(3) In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the CG of a corps or higher unit or independent force showing that the Soldier actually participated in combat.

Boundaries of Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

(1) The eastern boundary is coincident with the western boundary of the American Theater (see para 5–15). (2) The western boundary is from the North Pole south along the 60th meridian east longitude to its intersection with the east boundary of Iran, then south along the Iran boundary to the Gulf of Oman and the intersection of the 60th meridian east longitude, then south along the 60th meridian east longitude to the South Pole.

One bronze service star is authorized for each campaign under the conditions outlined in paragraph 5–12c (see para 6–8 for further information on the bronze service star).

The arrowhead is authorized for wear on this medal to denote participation in a combat parachute jump, helicopter assault landing, combat glider landing, or amphibious assault landing, while assigned or attached as a member of an organized force carrying out an assigned tactical mission.

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was established by EO 9265, announced in War Depart- ment Bulletin 56, 1942, as amended by EO 9706, 15 March 1947. It is awarded for service within the European- African-Middle Eastern Theater between 7 December 1941 and 8 November 1945 under any of the conditions as prescribed in this paragraph.

The boundaries of European-African-Middle Eastern Theater are as follows:

(1) The eastern boundary is coincident with the western boundary of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater (see para 5–14). (2) The western boundary is coincident with the eastern boundary of the American Theater (see para 5–15). c. One bronze service star is authorized for each campaign under the following conditions:

(2) Assigned or attached to, and present for duty with, a unit during the period in which it participated in combat. (2) Under orders in the combat zone and in addition meets any of the following requirements:

(a) Awarded a combat decoration.

(b) Furnished a certificate by a CG of a corps or higher unit or independent force that the Soldier actually participated in combat.

(c) Served at a normal post of duty (as contrasted to occupying the status of an inspector, observer, or visitor). (d) Aboard a vessel other than in a passenger status and furnished a certificate by the home port commander of the vessel that the Soldier served in the combat zone.

(3) Was an evadee or escapee in the combat zone or recovered from a prisoner-of-war status in the combat zone during the time limitations of the campaign. Prisoners of war will not be accorded credit for the time spent in confinement or while otherwise in restraint under enemy control.

World War II Victory Medal

The World War II Victory Medal was established by an Act of Congress 6 July 1945 (59 Stat 461). It is awarded for service between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946, both dates inclusive.

Army of Occupation Medal

The Army of Occupation Medal was established by War Department General Orders 32, 1946. It is awarded for service for 30 consecutive days at a normal post of duty (as contrasted to inspector, visitor, courier, escort, passenger, TDY, or detached service) while assigned to any of the following:

(1) Army of Occupation of Germany (exclusive of Berlin) between 9 May 1945 and 5 May 1955. (Service between 9 May and 8 November 1945 will be counted only if the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for service before 9 May 1945.)

(2) Service for the prescribed period with a unit, which has been designated in DAGOs as having met the requirement for the Berlin Airlift device.

(3) Service for which the individual was awarded the Berlin Airlift device in orders issued by appropriate field authority.

(4) Army of Occupation of Austria between 9 May 1945 and 27 July 1955. (Service between 9 May and 8 November 1945 will be counted only if the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for service before 9 May 1945.)

(5) Army of Occupation of Berlin between 9 May 1945 and 2 October 1990. (Service between 9 May and 8 November 1945 will be counted only if the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for service before 9 May 1945.)

(6) Army of Occupation of Italy between 9 May 1945 and 15 September 1947 in the compartment of Venezia Giulia E. Zara or Province of Udine or with a unit in Italy as designated in DAGO 1947–4. (Service between 9 May and 8 November 1945 will be counted only if the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for service before 9 May 1945.)

(7) Army of Occupation of Japan between 3 September 1945 and 27 April 1952 in the four main islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, the surrounding smaller islands of the Japanese homeland, the Ryukyu Islands, and the Bonin-Volcano Islands. (Service between 3 September 1945 and 2 March 1946 will be counted only if the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for service before 3 September 1945. In addition, service that meets the requirements for the KSM as prescribed in para 5–8 will not be counted in determining eligibility for this medal.)

(8) Army of Occupation of Korea between 3 September 1945 and 29 June 1949, inclusive. (Service between 3 September 1945 and 2 March 1946 will be counted only if the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for service before 3 September 1945.)

The Army of Occupation Medal Clasps and the Berlin Airlift device are authorized for wear on the Army of Occupation Medal. They are as follows:

(1) The Army of Occupation Medal Clasp. Soldiers who served in the European Theater during the occupation of Europe will wear the clasp inscribed "Germany." Soldiers who served in the Far East Theater during the occupation of the Far East will wear the Clasp inscribed "Japan." Clasps bearing other inscriptions are not authorized. (The Army of Occupation Medal Clasp is described in para 6–7.)

(2) The Berlin Airlift device. This device is awarded for service of 92 consecutive days with a unit credited with participation in the Berlin Airlift, or by competent field authority on an individual basis. Qualifying service must have been entirely within the period from 26 June 1948 to 30 September 1949, inclusive. Orders announcing award of the Berlin Airlift device will specifically award the Army of Occupation Medal to persons not otherwise eligible.

Medal for Humane Action

The Medal of Humane Action was established by an Act of Congress 20 July 1949 (63 Statue (Stat) 477). It is awarded to Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States and to other persons when recommended for meritorious participation, for service while participating in the Berlin Airlift or in direct support thereof.

Service must have been for at least 120 days during the period between 26 June 1948 and 30 September 1949, inclusive, with the following prescribed boundaries of area of Berlin Airlift operations:

(1) The northern boundary is the 54th parallel north latitude.

(2) The eastern boundary is the 14th meridian east longitude.

(3) The southern boundary is the 48th parallel north latitude.

(4) The western boundary is the 5th meridian west longitude.

Posthumous award may be made to any person who lost his life while, or as a direct result of, participating in the Berlin Airlift, without regard to the length of such service, if otherwise eligible.

National Defense Service Medal

The NDSM was established by EO 10448, 22 April 1953, as amended by EO 11265, 11 January 1966; EO 12776, 18 October 1991, as amended by EO 13293, 28 March 2003 and Secretary of Defense Memorandum, dated 26 April 2002; and EO 13293, dated 28 March 2003.

It is awarded for honorable active service for any period between:

(1) 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954 (Korea), both dates inclusive.

(2) 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974 (Vietnam), both dates inclusive.

(3) 2 August 1990 and 30 November 1995 (Persian Gulf).

(4) 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined (Global War on Terrorism).

During the periods listed in paragraph 2–10b(1) and (2) for Korea and Vietnam, Servicemembers in the following categories will not be eligible for the NDSM:

(1) Members of the ARNG and USAR on short tours of duty to fulfill training obligations under an inactive duty training program.

(2) Any Servicemember on temporary duty (TDY) or temporary active duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions, and like organizations.

(3) Any Servicemember on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination.

During the period listed in paragraph 2–10b(3) for Persian Gulf, Servicemembers on active duty, members of the Selected Reserve in good standing, and Servicemembers of other than the Selected Reserve who were called to active duty will also be eligible. Servicemembers in the following categories will not be eligible for the NDSM:

(1) Any Servicemember on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination.

(2) Any Soldier of the Individual Ready Reserve, Inactive National Guard, or the Standby or Retired Reserve whose active duty service was for training only, or to serve on boards, courts, commissions, and like organizations.

During the period listed in paragraph 2–10b(4) for Global War on Terrorism, Servicemembers on active duty, which includes extended eligibility for award of the NDSM to the Selected Reserve in good standing will also be eligible.

Notwithstanding these limitations, any member of the USCG or the USAR or ARNG Forces of the Armed Forces who, between 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974, became eligible for award of either the AFEM or the VSM; or between 2 August 1990 and 30 November 1995, became eligible for award of the SWASM will be eligible for award of the NDSM.

To signify receipt of a second or subsequent award of the NDSM, a bronze service star will be worn on the Service ribbon by U.S. Army personnel so qualified. A second or third award of the NDSM is authorized for Soldiers who served in two or more of the four time periods listed in paragraph 2–10a. It is not authorized for Soldiers who met the criteria in a one-time period, left active duty, and returned during the same period of eligibility (see chap 6 for service stars).

Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy are eligible for the NDSM, during any of the inclusive periods listed above, upon completion of the swearing-in ceremonies as a cadet.

The NDSM may be awarded posthumously.

Korean Service Medal

The KSM was established by EO 10179, dated 8 November 1950, as amended by EO 13286, 28 February 2003. It is awarded for service between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954, under any of the following conditions:

(1) Within the territorial limits of Korea or in waters immediately adjacent thereto.

(2) With a unit under the operational control of the Commander in Chief, Far East, other than one within the territorial limits of Korea, which has been designated by the Commander in Chief, Far East, as having directly supported the military efforts in Korea.

(3) Was furnished an individual certificate by the Commander in Chief, Far East, testifying to material contribution made in direct support of the military efforts in Korea.

The service prescribed must have been performed under any of the following conditions:

(1) On permanent assignment.

(2) On TDY for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.

(3) In active combat against the enemy under conditions other than those prescribed in paragraphs 5–9b(1) and (2), provided a combat decoration has been awarded or an individual certificate has been furnished by the commander of an independent force or of a division, ship, or air group, or comparable or higher unit, testifying to such combat credit.

One bronze service star is authorized for each campaign under the following conditions:

(1) Assigned or attached to and present for duty with a unit during the period in which it participated in combat. (2) Under orders in the combat zone and in addition meets any of the following requirements:

(a) Awarded a combat decoration.

(b) Furnished a certificate by a CG of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the Soldier actually participated in combat.

(3) Was an evader or escapee in the combat zone or recovered from a prisoner-of-war status in the combat zone during the time limitations of the campaign. Prisoners of war will not be accorded credit for the time spent in confinement or while otherwise in restraint under enemy control.

The arrowhead device is authorized for wear on the KSM to denote participation in a combat parachute jump, helicopter assault landing, combat glider landing, or amphibious assault landing, while assigned or attached as a member of an organized force carrying out an assigned tactical mission.

Antarctica Service Medal

The Antarctica Service Medal is awarded to any person who, after 2 January 1946 and before a date to be announced, meets any of the following qualifications:

(1) Any Servicemember of the Armed Forces of the United States or civilian citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States who is a member of a direct support or exploratory operation in Antarctica.

(2) Any Servicemember of the Armed Forces of the United States or civilian citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States who participates in or has participated in a foreign Antarctic expedition in Antarctica in coordination with a United States expedition and who is or was under the sponsorship and approval of competent U.S. Government authority.

(3) Any Servicemember of the Armed Forces of the United States who participates in or has participated in flights as a member of the crew of an aircraft flying to or from the Antarctic continent in support of operations in Antarctica.

(4) Any Servicemember of the Armed Forces of the United States or civilian citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States who serves or has served on a U.S. ship operating south of latitude 60 degrees south in support of U.S. programs in Antarctica.

(5) Any person, including citizens of foreign nations, not fulfilling any of the above qualifications, but who participates in or has participated in a U.S. expedition in Antarctica at the invitation of a participating U.S. agency. In such cases, the award will be made by the Secretary of the Department under whose cognizance the expedition falls, provided the commander of the military support force, as the senior U.S. representative in Antarctica, considers that the individual has performed outstanding and exceptional Service and shared the hardships and hazards of the expedition.

Personnel who remain on the Antarctic continent during the winter months will be eligible to wear a clasp or a disc as described below:

(1) A clasp with the words "Wintered Over" on the suspension ribbon of the medal. A “Wintered Over” clasp is awarded to those who have spent the winter months (March through October) in Antarctica.

(2) A 5/16 inch diameter disc with an outline of the Antarctic continent inscribed thereon fastened to the bar ribbon representing the medal.

The appurtenances in paragraphs 2–11c(1) and (2) are awarded in bronze for the first winter, in gold for the second winter, and in silver for personnel who "winter over" three or more times.

Subsequent to 1 June 1973, minimum time limits for the award are 30 days under competent orders to duty at sea or ashore, south of latitude 60 degrees south. Each day of duty under competent orders at any outlying station on the Antarctic continent will count as 2 days when determining award eligibility. Effective 1 July 1987, flight crews of aircraft providing logistics support from outside the Antarctic area may qualify for the award after 15 missions (one flight in and out during any 24-hour period equals one mission). Days need not be consecutive.

No person is authorized to receive more than one award of the Antarctica Service Medal. No more than one clasp or disc will be worn on the ribbon. Antarctica is defined as the area south of latitude 60 degrees south. The Antarctica Service Medal takes precedence immediately after the KSM.

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

The AFEM was established by EO 10977, dated 4 December 1961, as amended by EO 10977, 3 May 2000, and may be awarded to Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after 1 July 1958—

(1) Participate, or have participated, as members of the U.S. military units in a U.S. military operation in which Servicemembers of any military department participate, in the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in significant numbers.

(2) Encounter during such participation foreign-armed opposition, or are otherwise placed, or have been placed, in such position that, in the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hostile action by foreign armed forces were imminent even though it did not materialize.

The AFEM may be authorized for the following three categories of operations:

(1) U.S. military operations.

(2) U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations (UN).

(3) U.S. operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations.

Servicemembers must be bona fide members of a unit participating in or be engaged in the direct support of the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations (or for the full period when an operation is less than 30 days duration) or for 60 nonconsecutive days provided this support involved entering the area of operations or and meets one or more of the following criteria:

(1) Be engaged in actual combat, or duty, which is equally as hazardous as combat duty, during the operation with armed opposition, regardless of time in the area.

(2) Is wounded or injured and requires medical evacuation from the area of eligibility while participating in the operation, regardless of time.

(3) Accumulates required days service (consecutive or nonconsecutive) while participating as a regularly assigned air crewmember of an aircraft flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the area in direct support of the military operation. One day’s service is credited for the first sortie flown on any day. Additional sorties flown on the same day receive no further credit.

The AFEM will be awarded only for operations for which no other U.S. campaign medal is approved. However, this does not prevent award eligibility for subsequent ongoing operations if the associated campaign medal has been terminated. No individual will be eligible for both the AFEM and a campaign medal awarded during a single tour in the designated operation. For operations in which personnel of only one military Service participate, the medal will be awarded only if there is no other suitable award available to that Service. The military service of the Servicemember on whom qualification for the award of the AFEM is based will have been honorable.

Servicemembers who earned the AFEM for service in Vietnam between 1 July 1958 and 3 July 1965 may elect to receive the VSM instead of the AFEM. However, no Servicemember may be issued both medals for service in Vietnam.

Servicemembers who earned the SWASM and subsequently became eligible, at any time, for the AFEM for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH may wear both awards, with the exception of those who became eligible for both awards during one tour in SWA. Servicemembers who become eligible for both awards during their initial tour in SWA may elect to receive either the SWASM or the AFEM, but may not be issued both medals for a single tour in SWA. Servicemembers who become eligible for both awards during their initial tour in SWA and elect to receive the SWASM may be awarded the AFEM for participation in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH during a subsequent tour in SWA under the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel Readiness Memorandum, dated 7 February 1996.

Servicemembers who earned the AFEM for Operation FREQUENT WIND, between 29 and 30 April 1975, may elect to receive the VSM instead of the AFEM. No Servicemember may be issued both medals for service in Vietnam.

After 1 July 1958, the Joint Chiefs of Staff will designate U.S. military operations that qualify for the AFEM, and they will specify the degree of participation in designated operations warranting award of the medal.

No more than one medal will be awarded to any one Servicemember. For each succeeding operation, conducted in a different theater of operations or against a different enemy or armed force, justifying a subsequent award, a bronze service star is worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal (see para 6–8 for further information on the bronze service star).

The AFEM may be awarded posthumously.

Definitions of “area of operation” and “direct support” are in the glossary.

The AFEM is worn immediately after the Antarctica Service Medal.

The designated U.S. military operations, areas, and dates are provided in table 2–3, U.S. military operations in direct support of the UN operations are provided in table 2–4, and U.S. military operations of assistance to a friendly foreign nation are provided in table 2–5.

Vietnam Service Medal

The VSM was established by EO 11231, 8 July 1965, as amended by EO 13286, 2 February 2003. It is awarded to all Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam and its contiguous waters or airspace there over, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace there over, during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam are also eligible for this award.

To qualify for award of the VSM an individual must meet one of the following qualifications:

(1) Be attached to or regularly serve for 1 or more days with an organization participating in or directly supporting military operations.

(2) Be attached to or regularly serve for 1 or more days aboard a U.S. naval vessel directly supporting military operations.

(3) Actually participate as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights into airspace above Vietnam and contiguous waters directly supporting military operations.

(4) Serve on TDY for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that time limit may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.

No person will be entitled to more than one award of the VSM.

Individuals qualified for the AFEM for reason of service in Vietnam between 1 July 1958 and 3 July 1965 (inclusive) will remain qualified for that medal. Upon request (unit personnel officer) any such individual may be awarded the VSM instead of the AFEM. In such instances, the AFEM will be deleted from the list of authorized medals in personnel records. No person will be entitled to both awards for Vietnam service.

Servicemembers who earned the AFEM for Operation FREQUENT WIND between 29 and 30 April 1975, may elect to receive the VSM instead of the AFEM. No Servicemember may be issued both medals for service in Vietnam. f. Vietnam and contiguous waters, as used herein, is defined as an area which includes Vietnam and the water adjacent thereto within the following specified limits: from a point on the East Coast of Vietnam at the juncture of Vietnam with China southeastward to 21 degrees north latitude, 108 degrees, 15 minutes longitude; then southward to 18 degrees, north latitude, 108 degrees, 15 minutes east longitude; then southeastward to 17 degrees, 30 minutes north latitude, 111 degrees east longitude; then southward to 11 degrees north latitude, 111 degrees east longitude; then southwestward to 7 degrees north latitude, 105 degrees east longitude; then westward to 7 degrees north latitude, 103 degrees east longitude; then northward to 9 degrees, 30 minutes north latitude, 103 degrees east longitude; then northeastward to 10 degrees, 15 minutes north latitude, 104 degrees, 27 minutes east longitude; then northward to a point on the West Coast of Vietnam at the juncture of Vietnam with Cambodia.

The VSM may be awarded posthumously.

The boundaries of the Vietnam combat zone for campaign participation credit are as defined in paragraph 2–13f. i. One bronze service star is authorized for each campaign under the following conditions:

(a) Awarded a combat decoration.

(b) Furnished a certificate by a CG of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that Soldier actually participated in combat.

(d) Aboard a vessel other than in a passenger status and furnished a certificate by the homeport commander of the vessel that he or she served in the combat zone.

(3) Was an evadee or escapee in the combat zone or recovered from a POW status in the combat zone during the time limitations of the campaign. POWs will not be accorded credit for the time spent in confinement or while otherwise in restraint under enemy control.

Southwest Asia Service Medal

The SWASM was established by EO 12754, 12 March 1991, as amended by EO 12790, 3 March 1992. It is awarded to all Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in SWA and contiguous waters or airspace there over, on or after 2 August 1990 to 30 November 1995. SWA and contiguous waters, as used herein, is defined as an area which includes the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates.

Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including the airspace and territorial waters) between 17 January 1991 and 30 November 1995, will also be eligible for this award. Servicemembers serving in these countries must have been under the command and control of the U.S. Central Command or directly supporting military operations in the combat theater.

To be eligible, a Servicemember must meet one or more of the following criteria:

(1) Be attached to or regularly serving for 1 or more days with an organization participating in ground or shore (military) operations.

(2) Be attached to or regularly serving for 1 or more days aboard a U.S. naval vessel directly supporting military operations.

(3) Be actually participating as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations in the areas designated above.

(4) Be serving on TDY for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. These time limitations may be waived for people participating in actual combat operations.

The SWASM may be awarded posthumously to any person who lost his or her life while, or as a direct result of, participating in Operation DESERT SHIELD or Operation DESERT STORM without regard to the length of such service, if otherwise eligible.

One bronze service star will be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the SWASM for participation in each designated campaign.

Kosovo Campaign Medal

The KCM was established by EO 13154, 3 May 2000. It is awarded to Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after 24 March 1999, meet the following criteria:

(1) Participated in or served in direct support of Kosovo Operation(s): ALLIED FORCE; JOINT GUARDIAN; ALLIED HARBOUR; SUSTAIN HOPE/SHINING HOPE; NOBLE ANVIL; or Kosovo TASK FORCE(S): SABER, HUNTER, HAWK, or FALCON within the Kosovo Air Campaign or Kosovo Defense Campaign areas of eligibility.

(a) Kosovo Air Campaign. The Kosovo Air Campaign began on 24 March 1999 and ended on 10 June 1999. The area of eligibility for the air campaign includes the total land area and airspace of Serbia (including Kosovo), Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, and Slovenia; and the waters and airspace of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea north of the 39th north latitude.

(b) Kosovo Defense Campaign. The Kosovo Defense Campaign began on 11 June 1999 to 31 December 2013. The area of eligibility for the defense campaign includes the total land area and airspace of Serbia (including Kosovo), Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, and the waters and airspace of the Adriatic Seas within 12 nautical miles of the Montenegro, Albania, and Croatia coastlines south of 42 degrees and 52 minutes north latitude.

(2) Servicemembers must be bona fide members of a unit participating in or be engaged in direct support of the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of eligibility or for 60 nonconsecutive days provided this support involves entering the operations area of eligibility or meets one or more of the following criteria:

(a) Be engaged in actual combat, or duty that is equally as hazardous as combat duty, during the operation with armed opposition, regardless of time in the area of eligibility.

(b) While participating in the operation, regardless of time, is wounded or injured and requires medical evacuation from the area of eligibility.

(c) While participating as a regularly assigned air crewmember flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the area of eligibility in direct support of the military operations.

The KCM may be awarded posthumously to any person who lost his or her life without regard to the length of such service.

One bronze service star will be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the KCM for participation in each campaign (Kosovo Air Campaign and Kosovo Defense Campaign). Qualification for a second bronze service star requires meeting the criteria for both campaigns. The 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days that begin during the air campaign and continues into the defense campaign entitles a Servicemember to only one bronze service star.

Any Servicemember who qualified for AFEM and AFSM by reasons of service in Kosovo between 24 March 1999, and 1 May 2000, will remain qualified for those medals. Upon application, any such Servicemember may be awarded the KCM in lieu of the AFEM or the AFSM, but no person may be awarded more than one of these three medals by reason of service in Kosovo, and no person will be entitled to more than one award of the KCM for the same action, time period or service.

Afghanistan Campaign Medal

The ACM is authorized by PL 108–234, 28 May 2004, and EO 13363, 29 November 2004, as amended by EO 13289, 12 March 2003. PL 109–163, 6 January 2006, amended the beginning date for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) and the date of eligibility for the ACM to 11 September 2001.

Individuals authorized the ACM must have served in direct support of OEF from 11 September 2001 to 31 December 2014, and Operation FREEDOM’s SENTINEL (OFS) from 1 January 2015 to a future date to be determine. The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Afghanistan and all airspaces above the land. The ACM period of eligibility is on or after 11 September 2001 to a future date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense or the cessation of OEF.

Servicemembers must have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days or meet one of the following criteria:

(1) Be engaged in combat during an armed engagement, regardless of the time in the area of eligibility.

(2) While participating in an operation or on official duties, is wounded or injured and requires medical evacuation from the area of eligibility.

(3) While participating as a regularly assigned air crewmember flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the area of eligibility in direct support of the military operations; each day of operations counts as 1 day of eligibility.

The following rules apply to award the ACM:

(1) The ACM may be awarded posthumously.

(2) Only one award of this medal may be authorized for any individual.

(3) Under no condition will personnel or units receive the ACM, the GWOTEM, the GWOTSM, the ICM, or the AFEM for the same action, time period, or Service.

(4) One bronze service star will be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the ACM for participation in each designated campaign.

(5) Servicemembers qualified for the GWOTEM by reasons of service between 11 September 2001 and 30 April 2005 in Afghanistan, will remain qualified for the medal. Any such Soldier may be awarded the ACM in lieu of the GWOTEM for such service. Additionally, any such Soldier authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the ACM with arrowhead in lieu of the GWOTEM with arrowhead device. Soldiers that elect to receive the GWOTEM in lieu of the ACM are not authorized bronze service stars for those campaigns in which the GWOTEM is awarded. No Soldier will be entitled to both medals for the same act, achievement, or period of service.

Precedence for the ACM will be positioned below the KCM and above the ICM.

Veterans requesting bronze service star approval will send their letter of request, along with a copy of their DD Form 214 or DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), as well as supporting documents to Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408. Examples of adequate supporting documents include but are not limited to: service award, DD Form 1610 (Request and Authorization for TDY Travel of DOD Personnel), officer or enlisted evaluation reports, memorandum signed by the former battalion (BN) commander, deployment and redeployment orders (including Soldier’s full name), Certificate of Appreciation, and so forth.

Iraq Campaign Medal

The ICM is authorized by PL108–234, 28 May 2004 and EO 13363, 29 November 2004, as amended by EO 13289, 12 March 2003.

Individuals authorized the ICM must have served in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) or Operation NEW DAWN (OND). The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq, and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all airspaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles. The ICM period of eligibility is on or after 19 March 2003 to 31 December 2011, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.

(1) Be engaged in combat during an armed engagement, regardless of the time in the area of eligibility.

(2) While participating in an operation or on official duties, is wounded or injured and requires medical evacuation from the area of eligibility.

The following rules apply to award the ICM:

(1) The ICM may be awarded posthumously.

(2) Only one award of this medal may be authorized for any individual.

(3) Under no condition will personnel receive the ICM, the GWOTEM, the GWOTSM, the ACM, or the AFEM for the same action, time period, or service.

(4) One bronze service star will be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the ICM for participation in each designated service (see para 6–8 for further information on the bronze service star). (The designated campaigns for Iraq are listed in app B.)

(5) Servicemembers qualified for the GWOTEM by reasons of service between 19 March 2003 and 30 April 2005, in Iraq, will remain qualified for the medal. Any such Soldier may be awarded the ICM in lieu of the GWOTEM for such service. Additionally, any such Soldier authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the ICM with arrowhead device in lieu of the GWOTEM with arrowhead device. Soldiers that elect to receive the GWOTEM in lieu of the ICM are not authorized bronze service stars for those campaigns in which the GWOTEM is awarded. No Soldier will be entitled to both medals for the same act, achievement, or period of service.

Precedence for the ICM will be positioned below the ACM and above the GWOTEM.

Veterans requesting bronze service star approval will send their letter of request, along with a copy of their DD Form 214 or DD Form 215, as well as supporting documents to Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408. Examples of adequate supporting documents include but are not limited to: service award, DD Form 1610 (Travel Order), officer or enlisted evaluation reports, memorandum signed by the former BN commander, deployment and redeployment orders (including Soldier’s full name), certificates of appreciation, and so forth.

Global War on Terrorism-Expeditionary Medal

The GWOTEM was established by EO 13289, 12 March 2003. It is authorized for award to Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States who are deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. Operations approved the GWOTEM are provided in paragraph 2–18d.

Areas of eligibility are designated as follows:

(1) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will designate approved operations on a case-by-case basis when requested by the combatant commanders.

(2) The general area of eligibility encompasses all foreign land, water, and airspaces outside the 50 states of the United States and outside 200 nautical miles of the shores of the United States. The Secretary of Defense, when recommended by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will designate the specific area of eligibility per qualifying operation.

(3) The GWOTEM will not be awarded to Soldiers who are deployed and/or mobilized to an approved area of eligibility for the purpose of staging operations, with follow on movement into Iraq or Afghanistan in support of Operation NOMAD SHADOW (ONS), OFS, OIF, OEF, Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR) and OND.

(4) Because counter-terrorism operations are global in nature, the area of eligibility for an approved operation may be deemed to be noncontiguous. The combatant commander has the authority to approve award of the medal for units and personnel deployed within his or her theater. Under no conditions will units or personnel within the United States, the general region excluded in paragraph 2–18b(2), be deemed eligible for the GWOTEM.

Servicemembers must be assigned, attached, or mobilized to a unit participating in designated operations for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in the area of eligibility or meet one of the following criteria:

(1) Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy and under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of time in the area of eligibility.

(2) While participating in the designated operation, regardless of time, is killed, wounded, or injured, requiring medical evacuation from the area of eligibility.

(3) Servicemembers participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the area of eligibility in direct support of ONS, OEF, OIF, or OND are eligible to qualify for award of the GWOTEM. Each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria will count as 1 day toward the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement.

Initial award of the GWOTEM is limited to Servicemembers deployed abroad in support of OEF, OIF, and OND in the following designated specific geographic area of eligibilitys: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Bulgaria (Bourgas), Burkina Faso, Chad, Columbia, Crete, Cyprus, Diego Garcia, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guantanamo Bay (Cuba), Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo (only specific Global War on Terrorism operations not associated with operations qualifying for the KCM), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Romania (Con- stanta), Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, that portion of the Arabian Sea north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68o longitude, Bab El Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Suez, that portion of the Mediterranean Sea east of 28o east longitude and boarding and searching vessel operations, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz, and Suez Canal.

Servicemembers qualified for the GWOTEM by reasons of service before 30 April 2005 in Afghanistan and Iraq, will remain qualified for the medal. Any such Soldier may be awarded the ACM or the ICM in lieu of the GWOTEM for such service. Additionally, any such Soldier authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the ACM or ICM with arrowhead in lieu of the GWOTEM with arrowhead device. Soldiers who elect to receive the GWOTEM in lieu of the ACM or ICM are not authorized service stars for those campaigns in which the GWOTEM is awarded. No Soldier will be entitled to both medals for the same act, achievement, or period of service.

Effective 30 April 2005, the GWOTEM is no longer authorized to be awarded for service in Afghanistan and/or Iraq. Soldiers are only authorized award of the ACM and ICM after this date.

Effective 15 June 2014 to a date to be determined, the GWOTEM is authorized for Servicemembers deployed abroad in support of OIR in the following designated specific geographic area of eligibilitys: Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mediterranean Sea (est of 25 degree longitude), Qatar, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

Battle stars are awarded as follows:

(1) Battle stars (bronze service stars) may be applicable for Servicemembers who were engaged in actual combat against the enemy and under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action. Only the combatant commander can initiate a request for a battle star. The request will contain the specific unit(s) or individual(s) engaged in actual combat, the duration for which actual combat was sustained, and a detailed description of the actions against the enemy.

(2) The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the approving authority for battle stars.

(3) The approval of battle stars by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is authority for the SAC in the combat theater to approve campaign participation credit (see para 7–18).

The following rules apply to the GWOTEM:

(1) The GWOTEM may be awarded posthumously.

(2) Servicemembers may be awarded both the GWOTEM and the GWOTSM if they meet the criteria for both awards; however, the qualifying service used to establish eligibility for one award cannot be used to justify eligibility for the other award.

(3) The GWOTEM will be worn before the GWOTSM and both will directly follow the KCM (that is, KCM, GWOTEM, GWOTSM, KDSM, and so forth).

Only one award of the GWOTEM may be authorized to any individual; therefore, second or subsequent awards will not be awarded.

Global War on Terrorism-Service Medal

The GWOTSM was established by EO 13289, 12 March 2003. It is authorized for award to Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States who have participated in or served in support of a Global War on Terrorism operations outside of the designated area of eligibility defined in paragraph 2–19d on or after 11 September 2001 to a future date to be determined. Operations approved for the GWOTSM are provided in paragraph 2–19c.

Areas of eligibility are designated as follows:

(1) The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will designate approved operations on a case-by-case basis when requested by the combatant commanders.

(2) At the request of the combatant commander, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff may approve specific efforts that are rendered by unit(s) or individual(s) who meet all other requirements for award of the GWOTSM but are not issued specific orders for the approved operation(s).

(3) All BN commanders and commanders of separate units have the authority to award the GWOTSM to units and personnel within their command for approved operations.

Servicemembers must be assigned, attached, or mobilized to a unit supporting designated operations listed in paragraph 2–18d for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days, or meet one of the following criteria:

(1) Initial award of the GWOTSM is limited to airport security operations (from 27 September 2001 through 31 May 2002) and Soldiers who supported Operation NOBLE EAGLE (11 September 2001 to date to be determined), OEF (11 September 2001 to date to be determined), OIF (19 March 2003 through August 31, 2010), OND (1 September 2010 through 31 December 2011), OIR (15 June 2014 to date be determined) and OFS (1 January 2015 to date to be decided).

(2) Service in an operationally deployed status abroad within a designated area of eligibility (as outlined in para 2–18d) merits primary eligibility for the GWOTEM; personnel supporting the Global War on Terrorism in a non- deployed status, whether stationed at home (in the United States) or overseas, are eligible only for the GWOTSM.

All Soldiers on active duty, including RC Soldiers mobilized, or ARNG Soldiers activated on or after 11 September 2001 until a date to be determined and having served 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days are authorized the GWOTSM. All Soldiers in a training status (basic or advanced individual training) are not eligible for receipt of this award until assigned to their first duty station and meet the requirements in paragraph 2–19c.

The following rules apply to the GWOTSM:

(1) The GWOTSM may be awarded posthumously.

(2) Servicemembers may be awarded both the GWOTEM and the GWOTSM if they meet the criteria for both awards; however, the qualifying period used to establish eligibility for one award cannot be used to justify eligibility for the other award.

(3) The GWOTSM will be worn after the GWOTEM and will be followed by the KDSM (that is, GWOTEM, GWOTSM, KDSM).

Only one award of the GWOTSM may be authorized to any individual; therefore, second and subsequent awards will not be awarded.

Korean Defense Service Medal

Authorization. The KDSM was authorized by Section 543, National Defense Authorization Act, 2003, PL 107–314. It is authorized for award to Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States who have served on active duty in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea. The area of eligibility and period of eligibility are as follows:

(1) The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the Republic of Korea, and the contiguous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all airspaces above the land and water areas.

(2) The period of eligibility is 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense.

Criteria. Servicemembers must have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility for 30 consecutive or for 60 nonconsecutive days, or meet the following criteria:

(1) Be engaged in combat during an armed engagement, regardless of the time in the area of eligibility.

(2) Wounded or injured in the line of duty and requires medical evacuation from the area of eligibility.

(3) While participating as a regularly assigned air crewmember flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the area of eligibility in direct support of military operations. Each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria will count as 1 day toward the 30- or 60-day requirement.

(4) Personnel who serve in operations and exercises conducted in the area of eligibility are considered eligible for the award as long as the basic time criteria is met. Due to the extensive time period for KDSM eligibility, the nonconsecutive service period for eligibility remains cumulative throughout the entire period.

Special provisions. Servicemembers qualified for the AFEM by reasons of service between 1 October 1966 and 30 June 1974, in an area for which the KDSM was authorized subsequently, are eligible for both the AFEM and the KDSM. Award of the KDSM for this time period is a one-time exception to policy to comply with section 543, National Defense Authorization Act, 2003, PL 107–314.

General.

(1) The OSR is authorized to be awarded with the KDSM.

(2) The KDSM may be awarded posthumously to any Soldier who lost his or her life without regard to length of such service.

(3) Only one award of the KDSM is authorized for any individual.

(4) The KDSM will be worn after the GWOTSM and will be followed by the AFSM (that is, GWOTSM, KDSM, and AFSM).

Armed Forces Service Medal

The AFSM was established by EO 12985, 11 January 1996, as amended by EO 13286, 28 February 2003. It is awarded to Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after 1 June 1992, meet the following criteria:

(1) Participate or have participated, as Servicemembers of U.S. military units, in a U.S. military operation that is deemed to be a significant activity.

(2) Encounter no foreign-armed opposition or imminent threat of hostile action.

The AFSM may be authorized for significant U.S. military activities for which no other U.S. campaign or service medal is appropriate, such as:

(1) Peacekeeping operations.

(2) Prolonged humanitarian operations.

The AFSM may be awarded for U.S. military operations in direct support of the UN or North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and for operations of assistance to friendly foreign nations.

Servicemembers must be bona fide members of a unit participating in or engaged in direct support of the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations (or for the full period when an operation is less than 30 days duration) or for 60 consecutive days provided this support involves entering the area of operations or meet the following criteria:

(1) While participating as a regularly assigned air crewmember, accumulates 15 days service (consecutive and/or nonconsecutive) flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the area in direct support of military operations.

(2) One day’s service is credited for the first sortie flown on any day. Additional sorties flown on the same day receive no further credit.

The AFSM provides recognition to participants who deploy to the designated area of eligibility for the qualifying operation. Outstanding or meritorious performance of nondeployed or remotely located support units and individuals is not justification for award of the AFSM. Such performance may be recognized by appropriate unit and/or individual decorations.

Because the AFSM may be awarded for a prolonged humanitarian operation, distinction between the AFSM and the HSM must be maintained. The following rules apply:

(1) The HSM is an individual U.S. service medal, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian action. The HSM is only awarded for service during the identified “period of immediate relief”; eligibility for the HSM terminates once (if) the humanitarian action evolves into an “established ongoing operation beyond the initial emergency condition.”

(2) The AFSM is a theater award, authorized for presentation to all participants who meet the eligibility require- ments established for a designated operation.

(3) For operations in which all deployed participants are awarded the HSM and for which the “period of immediate relief” coincides with the duration of significant deployed operations, award of the AFSM is not authorized.

(4) Humanitarian operations for which some (or all) participants are awarded the HSM, which continue beyond the “period of immediate relief,” may be recognized by award of the AFSM. The AFSM may be awarded for the entire period of the operation; individuals awarded the HSM for direct participation during the “period of immediate relief” are also eligible for the AFSM, if awarded.

The following limitations apply when determining whether the AFSM should be awarded for a particular mission or operation or when determining eligibility for award to an individual:

(1) The AFSM will be awarded only for operations for which no other U.S. campaign or service medal is approved.

(2) For operations in which personnel for only one Service participate, the AFSM will be awarded only if there is no other suitable award available to that Service.

(3) The military Service of the individual on which qualification for the award of the AFSM is based will have been honorable.

(4) Award of the AFSM is not authorized for participation in national or international exercises.

(5) The AFSM will not be awarded for NATO or UN operations not involving significant, concurrent U.S. military support operations.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will designate U.S. military operations on or after 1 June 1992 that qualify for the AFSM.

No more than one medal will be awarded to any one Servicemember. One bronze service star is worn to denote second and subsequent awards of the AFSM. To be eligible for additional awards, service must be rendered in more than one designated area and period of service. No two awards will be made for service in the same designated area (see para 6–8 for further information on the bronze service star).

The AFSM will take precedence immediately after the SWASM.

The AFSM may be awarded posthumously to eligible Soldier’s primary next of kin.

See AR 672–20 for the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal.

Humanitarian Service Medal

The HSM was established by EO 11965, 19 January 1977. It is awarded to Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after 1 April 1975, distinguished themselves by meritorious direct participation in a DOD or DA approved significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature.

The following types of military acts or operations may qualify for award of the HSM:

(1) Significant assistance in the event of national or international disasters, natural or manmade, such as, but not limited to, earthquakes, floods, typhoons, or conflagrations.

(2) Relief to a starvation area.

(3) Evacuation of personnel from an area threatened by a hostile force.

(4) Support to and resettlement of refugees and evacuees.

(5) Other significant military activities, directly related to humanitarian service, as designated by DA. These must be above and beyond routine actions. For example, normal search and rescue operations conducted by specifically trained search and rescue units would not be eligible for HSM consideration.

(6) Acts or operations of a similar nature, as determined by the award approval authority.

Services rendered in the act or operation being considered must meet the following criteria:

(1) Be of a major significance.

(2) Provide immediate relief, relieve human suffering, and should save lives (property may be a factor).

(3) Must have affected the outcome of the situation (nonaction could produce definite consequences).

(4) Must have specific dates and must be restricted to the period of "immediate relief." Periods beyond immediate relief are considered established ongoing operations beyond the initial emergency conditions and these periods are no longer eligible for the HSM.

(5) Must have evidence that the emergency assistance was—

(a) Authorized by the President of the United States for assistance in the United States (such as a Presidential Emergency Declaration or established contingency plans issued under Presidential authority).

(b) Requested by the Department of State for overseas areas.

To qualify for award of a DOD or DA approved HSM operation, Soldiers must meet the following requirements: (1) Must be on active duty at the time of direct participation in a DOD or DA approved humanitarian act or

operation (see app C for list of approved DOD and DA HSM operations).
(a) "Active duty" means full-time duty in the active military service of the United States. It includes duty on the active duty list, full-time training duty, annual training duty, and attendance, while in the active military service, at a school designated as a Service school by law or by the SECARMY. Such term does not include full-time National Guard duty per 10 USC 101(22) (see para 2–22f(5)).

(b) This includes service as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy. Servicemembers of the ARNG are eligible provided, that the use of active forces has been authorized in the act or operation.

(2) Must have directly participated in the humanitarian act or operation within the designated geographical area of operation and within specified time limits.

(a) Direct participation is defined as being physically present at the designated location, having directly contributed to and influenced the action.

(b) Specifically excluded from eligibility are Servicemembers or elements remaining at geographically separate locations or who were assigned to the location but did not make a direct contribution to nor influenced the action. (c) Designated location is the immediate site(s) of the humanitarian operations as defined by the Presidential request for assistance in the United States or the Department of State for overseas areas. When appropriate, the local commander in his or her recommendation may propose specific clarification of designated boundaries based on the intent of the Presidential or Department of State request.

(3) Must provide evidence that substantiates direct participation in a DOD or DA approved humanitarian act or

operation. Acceptable evidence includes the following:

(a) Certificates and letters of commendation or appreciation.

(b) Officer or enlisted evaluation reports.

(c) Copies of TDY or special duty orders reflecting participation within the specified timeframe and geographical location cited.

(d) After action reports, situation reports, rosters, unit files, or any other records or documentation which verifies the Servicemember’s participation.

Statements from commanders, supervisors, or other officials who were in a position to substantiate the Ser- vicemember’s direct participation in the area of operation.

The following rules apply to awarding the HSM:

(1) Award of the HSM does not prevent or conflict with other medals or ribbons awarded on the basis of unit achievement, or of individual valor, achievement, or meritorious service.

(2) No Servicemember will be entitled to more than one award of the HSM for participation in the same military act or operation of a humanitarian nature.

(3) A service star will be worn to denote direct participation in second or subsequent humanitarian acts or operations.

(4) The Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service is prescribed in AR 672–20.

(5) The HSM is categorized as a service medal and, as such, no orders are issued to announce its approval.

(6) Retroactive award of the HSM to Active Army Soldiers will be based on an administrative decision of the servicing personnel officer. However, the burden of proof rests with each potentially eligible Soldier to furnish appropriate source documents, per paragraphs 2–22d(3)(a) through (e) to his or her personnel officer.

(7) Approved HSM will be posted to DA Form 4037 for officers and on the ERB for enlisted Soldiers. (8) The HSM may be awarded posthumously to eligible Soldiers’ primary next of kin.

The following rules apply when submitting recommendations for the HSM:

(1) The President must have declared the act or event of a Federal disaster, or the Secretary of State must have requested emergency assistance from DOD for any act or operation to be considered for designation as a humanitarian act or operation.

(2) Recommendations must be entered into command channels within 2 years of the military act or operation to be recognized.

(3) A written justification fully explaining and attesting to the humanitarian aspects of the services rendered by Servicemembers in the act or operation being recommended. The HSM is an individual award, as such, only those individuals who meet the specific requirements in paragraph 2–22b will be eligible for award of the HSM.

(4) The HSM may not be awarded for services rendered in domestic disturbances involving law enforcement, equal rights demonstrations, or protection of properties.

(5) The HSM is not the appropriate award to recognize humanitarian operations performed solely by Servicemem- bers on 32 USC orders under the authority of a State governor. In these instances, the appropriate level of recognition is provided by the applicable State governor.

(6) Recommendations will contain the following two enclosures: (a) Enclosure one will contain the following information:
1. Name of operation and date or period of operation.
2. Federal Disaster Assistance Control Number.

3. A full explanation of the humanitarian aspects of the military assistance or operation to include the specific nature of the duties performed that were beyond normal duty expectations.

4. The names of the units and location involved.
5. The estimated number of military participants listed by unit.
(b) Enclosure two will contain supporting documents such as after action reports.

(7) HSM recommendations for operations or acts performed outside the continental United States (CONUS) will have the endorsement of the combatant commander.

Award approval authorities are as follows:

(1) The Secretary of Defense is the approval authority for recommendations of the HSM originating within a Defense agency.

(2) The SECARMY is the approval authority for recommendations of the HSM originating with the Army. The ASA (M&RA) has the authority to disapprove recommendations for the HSM being forwarded to the SECARMY. Recommendations for the HSM involving unified combatant commands will be submitted to the Director, Joint Staff. (3) Recommendations for the HSM involving USCG units or personnel will be submitted to the Commandant, USCG.

Who may award.

(1) Once the recommendation for an operation has been approved by the appropriate authority as qualifying for award of the HSM, determination of individual eligibility is delegated to the commander having operational control over the military assistance being provided in the humanitarian act or operation. Such authority will not be delegated below the command level of COL/O–6 or civilian equivalent.

(2) Approval authority for Army veterans and retirees prior to 1 October 2002 is the NPRC. Individuals who retired or were discharged after 1 October 2002 and the primary next of kin of Soldiers who died after 1 October 2002 should send their requests to Commander , U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408.

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

The MOVSM was established by EO 12830, 9 January 1993, as amended by EO 13286, 28 February 2003. It may be awarded to Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States and their RCs who, subsequent to 31 December 1992, perform outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained, direct, and consequential nature.

To qualify for award of the MOVSM a Servicemember’s volunteer service must meet the following requirements:

(1) Be to the civilian community, to include the military Family community.

(2) Be significant in nature and produce tangible results.

(3) Reflect favorably on the Army and DOD.

(4) Be of a sustained and direct nature.

There is no specific time period to qualify for award of the MOVSM; however, volunteer service must exceed 3 years and/or 500 hours of service. Approval authorities will ensure the service to be honored merits the special recognition afforded by this medal. The MOVSM is intended to recognize exceptional community support over time and not a single act or achievement. Further, it is intended to honor direct support of community activities. For the purpose of this award, attending membership meetings or social events of a community service group is not considered qualifying service, while manning a community crisis action telephone line is considered qualifying service.

Approval authority for award of the MOVSM will be commanders (overseas and CONUS) serving in the rank of AR 600–8–22 • 25 June 2015 41 lieutenant colonel (LTC/O–5) or higher. Before the recommendation is forwarded to the award approval authority, the recommender must certify that the Servicemember meets the eligibility criteria for award of the MOVSM. Substantiat- ing documentation, such as record of hours contributed, letters or certificates from activity supervisors, or other proof of the Servicemember’s volunteer services may be attached as enclosures to the recommendation.

The rules for processing award of the MOVSM are as follows:

(1) Recommendations for award of the MOVSM will be submitted through official military channels using memo- randum format. The MOVSM template is available at https://www.hrc.army.mil//tagd/awards/%20AND%20Decora- tions%20Templates.

(2) The Soldier’s commander will certify that the eligibility requirements have been met and that the service was honorable throughout the award period.

(3) When contemplating award of the MOVSM, the following issues should be taken into consideration:
(a) Servicemember must be performing services on a voluntary basis, not detailed or tasked.
(b) Services performed may not be part of any military mission (for example a unit project), and may not result in any personal gain for the Servicemember.

(4) No more than one MOVSM will be awarded to any Servicemember. For subsequent periods of community service justifying award of the medal, a bronze service star will be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal.

(5) The MOVSM may be awarded posthumously.

(6) The MOVSM will be worn immediately after the HSM.

(7) The MOVSM is categorized as a service medal and, as such, no orders are issued to announce its approval. In addition, there is no award certificate for the MOVSM.

(8) The MOVSM is not authorized for award to foreign personnel.

Army Sea Duty Ribbon

On 17 April 2006, the Principal Deputy ASA (M&RA) approved the establishment of the ASDR. It is awarded to Servicemembers of the Active Army, and members of the ARNG and USAR for completion of designated periods of sea duty aboard Class A and Class B U.S. Army Vessels, as defined in AR 56–9. The ASDR is also authorized to be awarded for duty aboard other qualifying vessels when the vessels meet the requirements of AR 600–88 (see other qualifying vessels).

Description. The ASDR consists of the basic ribbon with service star appurtenances, which signify the comple- tion of respective periods of qualifying sea duty.

Requirements for award.

(1) For active duty Servicemembers. Active duty Servicemembers must complete 2 years of qualified sea duty on a Class A or B U.S. Army Vessel or duty aboard other qualifying vessels when such vessels meet the requirements of AR 600–88, to be awarded the ASDR. Subsequent awards are authorized upon completion of each additional 2 years of qualified sea duty up to 20 years of sea duty, as outlined in table 5–2.

(2) For Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve members. Members of the ARNG and USAR must have 2 creditable years in a U.S. Army watercraft unit, which must include a minimum of 25 days underway during each year and two annual training exercises underway on a Class A or B U.S. Army Vessel or a 90-day deployment aboard a U.S. Army Vessel, underway. Subsequent awards are authorized upon completion of additional qualifying periods of sea duty as outlined above.

(3) For mobilized Soldiers. One year of sea duty as a mobilized Soldier will be credited toward 1 creditable year as long as the minimum underway requirement is met.

(4) For Servicemembers of other Services. Servicemembers of other Services are authorized to be awarded the ASDR as outlined in paragraphs 5–7b(1) and (2), consistent with their respective Service policies and concurrence, in accordance with paragraph 1–36.

Posthumous award. For first award only, an individual may be posthumously awarded the ASDR prior to completion of service criteria as defined above, provided the individual’s death is ruled in the line of duty.

Award approval authority. The Chief, Maritime Qualification Division, is the approval authority for award of the ASDR to eligible Servicemembers. Eligible Servicemembers or their next of kin may submit requests for the ASDR to Chief, Maritime Qualification Division, Career Sea Pay Office, 461 Kerr Road, Fort Eustis, VA 23604–5403.

Retroactive award. The ASDR may be awarded retroactively to those personnel who were credited with service as defined in paragraph 5–7b after 1 August 1952, the activation date of the first heavy boat company in the Transportation Corps. Eligible personnel or their next of kin may submit requests for the ASDR to Chief, Maritime Qualification Division, Career Pay Office, 461 Kerr Road, Fort Eustis, VA 23604–5403. Requests should include the individual’s full name, social security number or serial number, dates of service, DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) (if applicable), and information concerning the individual’s qualifying sea service duty.

Armed Forces Reserve Medal

The AFRM was established by EO 10163, as announced in DA Bulletin 15, 1950, and was amended by EO 10439, announced in DA Bulletin 3, 1953 and EO 13013, dated 6 August 1996. The reverse of this medal is struck in two designs for award to personnel whose RC service has been primarily in the organized Reserve or primarily in the National Guard. The first design portrays the Minute Man from the Organized Reserve Crest; the other design portrays the National Guard insignia.

The AFRM is awarded for honorable and satisfactory Service as a member or former member of one or more of the RCs of the Armed Forces of the United States, including the USCG Reserve and the USMC Reserve, for a period of 10 years under the following conditions:

(1) Such years of service must have been performed within a period of 12 consecutive years.

(2) Each year of active or inactive status honorable service prior to 1 July 1949 in any RC listed in AR 135–180, will be credited toward award. For service performed on or after 1 July 1949, a member must accumulate, during each anniversary year, a minimum of 50 retirement points as prescribed in AR 135–180.

(3) Service in a Regular Component of the Armed Forces, including the USCG, is excluded except that service in a RC which is concurrent in whole or in part with service in a Regular Component will be included. (Officers holding Reserve commissions serving on the active duty list are, by statute, members of the RC. Time served as a Reserve officer on the active duty list counts toward eligibility for the AFRM. For example, if a Reserve officer on active duty list serves 10 active years prior to going Active Army, or also received retirement points for other RC service, which, when added together with their active duty list service adds up to 10 years, then that officer is eligible for the AFRM.)

(4) Any period during which Reserve service is interrupted by one or more of the following will be excluded in computing, but will not be considered as a break in the period of 12 years:

(a) Service in a Regular Component of the Armed Forces.
(b) During tenure of office by a State official chosen by the voters of the entire State, territory, or possession.

(c) During tenure of office of member of the legislative body of the United States or of any State, territory, or possession.

(d) While serving as judge of a court of record of the United States, or of any State, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia.

(5) On or after 1 August 1990, the member was called to active duty and served under 10 USC 12301(a), 12302, 12304, 12406, or, in the case of the USCG Reserve, 14 USC 712. The member volunteered and served on active duty in support of specific U.S. military operations or contingencies designated by the Secretary of Defense, as defined in 10 USC 101(a)(13). An AGR member who receives orders changing his or her current duty status (legal authority under which he or she performs duty), duty location, or assignment to support a contingency operation is eligible for the award of the “M” device.

The 10-year-device is authorized for wear on the AFRM to denote each 10-year-period as follows: (1) A bronze hourglass will be awarded upon completion of the first 10-year-period award.

(2) A silver hourglass will be awarded upon completion of the second 10-year-period award.

(3) A gold hourglass will be awarded upon completion of the third 10-year-period award.

(4) A gold hourglass, followed by a bronze hourglass will be awarded upon completion of the fourth 10-year-award.

The “M” device is authorized for wear on the AFRM by members of the RCs who are called to or who volunteer and serve on active duty in support of specific U.S. military operations or contingencies designed by the Secretary of Defense, as defined in 10 USC 101(a)(13).

(1) When a member qualifies for the “M” device, the Bronze “M” will be awarded, positioned on the ribbon and medal, and a number will be included on the ribbon and medal. No more than one AFRM may be awarded to any one person. Multiple periods of service during one designated contingency (under provisions of paragraph 5–8b(4)(a) and (b)) will count as one “M” device award. Designated contingency operations are outlined in table 6–1.

(2) If no “M” device is authorized, the appropriate hourglass will be positioned in the center of the ribbon. If no hourglass is authorized, the “M” device will be positioned in the center of the ribbon, followed by Arabic numerals indicating the number of times the device has been awarded, starting with the second award, no number is worn for the first award.

(3) If both the hourglass and the “M” device are awarded, the hourglass will be positioned in first position on the ribbon (at the wearer’s right), the “M” device in the middle position, and the number of times the “M” device has been awarded in the remaining position (at the wearer’s left).

NCO Professional Development Ribbon

The NCOPDR was established by the SECARMY on 10 April 1981 as announced in DAGO 1990–15. It is awarded to members of Active Army, ARNG, and USAR Soldiers for successful completion of designated NCO professional development courses.

Soldiers must successfully complete one or more of the courses listed in AR 350–1, chapter 3, which are further described on the Army Training Requirements and Resources System Web site (https://www.atrrs.army.mil/).

Acceptable evidence of graduation is a diploma, certificate, or a letter signed by an appropriate Service school official. Graduates of NCO Academy courses conducted prior to 1976 for the Active Army, and 1980 for RCs, will be given credit for the primary level only.

Effective 1 August 1981, all Active Army, ARNG, and USAR Soldiers in an active status are eligible for this award for satisfactory completion of the respective NCO Education System or RC–NCO Education System courses.

The NCOPDR consists of the basic ribbon with numeral devices of 2, 3, or 4, which signify satisfactory completion of the respective levels of NCO professional development courses as outlined in table 5–1.

Soldiers who have been authorized by their local commanders to attend local NCO courses or training conducted by the other Services, except the Sergeants Major Course and who qualify for or are awarded another Service’s training ribbon will not wear the other Service’s ribbons on the Army uniform nor will they be granted Army course equivalency recognition.

A change approved in February 1989 completely revised the wear policy of numerals on ribbons and award suspension elements. Simultaneously, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) announced that the First Sergeant Course was not a recognized element of the NCO Professional Development Training System. Because of the impact of these two far-reaching policy changes, no grandfathering is allowed for Active Army or RC Soldiers concerning the wear of numerals on the NCOPDR. Only the numerals 2, 3, and 4 are authorized for wear on the ribbon.

Army Service Ribbon

The Army Service Ribbon was established by the SECARMY on 10 April 1981 as announced in DAGO 1990–15. It is awarded to Servicemembers of the U.S. Army for successful completion of initial entry training.

Effective 1 August 1981, all members of the Active Army, ARNG, and USAR in an active Reserve status are eligible for this award. The ribbon may be awarded retroactively to those personnel who completed the required training before 1 August 1981 provided they had an Active Army status as defined above on or after 1 August 1981.

Officers will be awarded this ribbon upon successful completion of their basic and/or orientation or higher level course. For those officer personnel assigned a specialty, specialty skill identifier (SSI), or MOS based on civilian or other service acquired skills, this ribbon will be awarded upon honorable completion of 4 months active service.

Enlisted Soldiers will be awarded this ribbon upon successful completion of their initial MOS producing course. For those enlisted Soldiers assigned a MOS based on civilian or other service- acquired skills, this ribbon will be awarded on honorable completion of 4 months active service.

Only one award of the Army Service Ribbon is authorized, regardless of whether a Soldier completes both officer and enlisted initial entry training.

An individual may be posthumously awarded (on or after 1 August 1981) the Army Service Ribbon prior to completion of the requisite training or time in service, provided the Soldier’s death is ruled "Line of duty-Yes."

Overseas Service Ribbon

The OSR was established by the SECARMY on 10 April 1981 as announced in DAGO 1990–15. It is awarded to Servicemembers of the U.S. Army for successful completion of overseas tours.

Effective 1 August 1981, all Servicemembers of the Active Army, ARNG, and USAR in an active Reserve status are eligible for this award. The ribbon may be awarded retroactively to those personnel who were credited with a normal overseas tour completion before 1 August 1981 provided they had an Active Army status as defined above on or after 1 August 1981.

Soldiers must be credited with a normal overseas tour completion in accordance with AR 614–30. Servicemem- bers who have overseas service with another branch of the U.S. Armed Forces must be credited with a normal overseas tour completion by that Service to qualify for award of the Army OSR.

As an exception to paragraph 5–4c, RC Soldiers who were mobilized and dispatched overseas to locations outside the theater of operations during Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM (2 August 1990 to 11 April 1991) are eligible for award of the OSR without regard to the time served overseas as long as the overseas service is not recognized with another U.S. service medal.

Numerals will be used to denote second and subsequent awards of the OSR (see para 6–4).

For first award of the OSR only, an individual may be posthumously awarded (on or after 1 August 1981) the OSR before completion of the overseas tour, provided the Soldier’s death is ruled "Line of duty-Yes."

Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon

The ARCOTR was established by the SECARMY on 11 July 1984 as announced in DAGO 1990–15. It is awarded to members of the RC of the Army (ARNG and USAR), for successful completion of annual training or ADT for a period not less than 10 consecutive duty days on foreign soil. All ARNG and USAR Soldiers who accompany the RC unit (including unit cells) to which they are assigned or attached as active duty for operational support during overseas training are also eligible for the award. Effective 11 July 1984, all members of the ARNG and USAR are eligible for this award if they were active Reserve status members of the ARNG, USAR (not on active duty in the Active Army), or AGR Soldiers at the time their unit underwent annual training or ADT on foreign soil.

All AGR personnel, not assigned to a TPU, are also eligible for award of the ARCOTR provided they are ordered overseas specifically as advance party to, simultaneously with, or in support of operations of RC units training overseas. Ten consecutive days overseas must be met. Other AGR members overseas for any other reason are not eligible for the ARCOTR.

The ARCOTR may be awarded retroactively to those personnel who successfully completed annual training or ADT on foreign soil in a Reserve status prior to 11 July 1984 provided they have an active status as defined above on or after 11 July 1984.

Soldiers must be credited with completion of at least 10 consecutive duty days outside the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions and territories in the performance of duties in conjunction with Active Army, Joint services, or Allied Forces. The day of departure counts; the day of return does not.

The ARCOTR is a training ribbon, which does not conflict with service medals or decorations.

Numerals will be used to denote second and subsequent awards of the ARCOTR.

Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon

Eligibility requirements. Awarded to personnel of the Armed Forces of the U.S. serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary members, and certain other uniformed individuals who, after 1 July 1987, participated in significant numbers in a major Coast Guard operation of a special nature, not involving combat. The member must not have been recognized by another service award, such as the Humanitarian Service Medal, for the same operation during the same period of service. See enclosure (19) for a listing of approved operations.

Specific. The Coast Guard Special Operations Service (SOS) Ribbon may be authorized for any of the following categories of multi-unit or multi-service operations, but may not be awarded for training:

(1) Coast Guard operations of a special nature with multiple-agency involvement pertaining to national security or law enforcement.

(2) Coast Guard operations or involvement with foreign governments in all areas of saving life and property at sea.

(3) Coast Guard operations of assistance for friendly and/or developing nations.

Definitions and guidelines. Service rendered in the act or operation being considered must meet the following criteria:

(1) The area of operations shall consist of such water, land, and air space as defined by the operational commander;

(2) Personnel must be attached to a participating unit and be present for not less than 21 non-consecutive days during the period the unit is engaged in the special operation or serve for the full period if the operation is less than 21-days duration;

(3) Personnel must be engaged in direct support of an operation for 21 consecutive days, or for the total operation if less than 21 days. Direct support is defined as the supply by personnel, vessels, or aircraft, of service and/or supplies and equipment, in sole support of special operations;

(4) Personnel must serve at shore-based units specifically recommended by the operational commander as having participated in and significantly contributed to the accomplishment of the operation; or

(5) Personnel must be specifically recommended by the tactical commander within the appropriate Area Commander’s AOR.

Recommendations. Recommendations for this award will be submitted to the Area Commander or Commandant (CG-1221) via the appropriate chain of command, within two years of the military act or operation to be recognized. Recommendations must be in letter form and include the following:

(1) A narrative justification;

(2) A specifically defined geographic area;

(3) A listing of ships and or units that directly participated in the military act or operation, specifying dates of involvement;

(4) A listing of individuals, detailing full name, rank or rate, EMPLID, branch of service, and permanent unit at the time of the act or operation;

(5) Forwarding endorsements making a specific recommendation for approval or disapproval.

Procurement, issuance, and manner of wear. The awarding authority will distribute initial issue quantities; recipients may purchase replacement ribbon bars. There is no citation to accompany the SOS Ribbon. Enclosure (22) indicates the precedence of the award.

Subsequent awards. A 3/16-inch bronze star is authorized for subsequent awards of the SOS Ribbon. A 3/16-inch silver star denotes the sixth award.

Air Force Combat Readiness Medal

BACKGROUND

This medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on March 9, 1964, and amended Aug. 28, 1967. Originally created as a personal decoration ranking above the Commendation Medals, Lifesaving Medals and the Purple Heart, its current status has been changed to an achievement/service medal.

CRITERIA

It is awarded to members of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, and to members of other services after Aug. 1, 1960, for sustained individual combat or mission readiness or preparedness for direct weapon-system employment.

Specifically, a service member must meet the following criteria: complete an aggregate 24 months of sustained professional performance as a member of U.S. Air Force combat or mission-ready units subject to combat readiness reporting; or be individually certified as combat or mission ready and have maintained individual readiness the entire period according to a major headquarters; or subject to an individual positional evaluation program according to a higher headquarters standard.

The term Combat Ready is defined as being professionally and technically qualified in an aircraft crew position in an aircraft that can be used in combat.

MEDAL DESCRIPTION

This striking medal (pictured below) was designed by the Institute of Heraldry. On the obverse, it has an inverted triangle on top of a delta-swept wing-like object, both representing supersonic aircraft. This design is enclosed by a stylized compass rose with triangles at the points indicating the worldwide nature of the mission of the Air Force. The reverse of the medal has the inscription, “For Combat Readiness - Air Force,” in a circle near the outer edge of the medal.

RIBBON DESCRIPTION

The ribbon has a wide center stripe of red, flanked on either side by a narrow stripe of light blue, thin stripe of dark blue, narrow stripe of light blue with a stripe of red at the edge.

AUTHORIZED DEVICES

Oak Leaf Cluster

WEIGHTED AIRMAN PROMOTED SYSTEM POINT VALUE: 0

Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

The Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon was approved by the Secretary of the Navy in 1981 and made retroactive to August 15, 1974. The ribbon was created to recognize the unique and demanding nature of sea service and the arduous duty attendant with such service deployments. The award is made to Navy and Marine Corps personnel for twelve months of accumulated sea duty or duty with the Fleet Marine Force, which includes at least one, ninety day deployment.

The ribbon consists of a wide center stripe of light blue, bordered on either side by a narrow stripe of medium blue and equal stripes of gold, red and navy blue. Additional awards are denoted by three-sixteenth inch bronze stars.

U.S. Service (campaign) Medals and Service and Training Ribbons