This announcement details critical updates regarding eligibility for U.S. military service medals, specifically the Global War On Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) and the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM). These changes, directed by the Secretary of Defense, reflect the evolving landscape of military operations and the ongoing fight against terrorism. It is crucial for all service members to understand these revised criteria to ensure proper recognition for their service.
Key Changes to Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) Eligibility
Effective September 11, 2022, the eligibility requirements for the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) have been updated to more precisely recognize direct contributions to counter-terrorism operations. Previously, the GWOTSM could be awarded for a broader range of support activities. The revised policy narrows the criteria to focus on service members directly engaged in the fight against terrorism.
Here are the updated eligibility criteria for the GWOTSM:
- Direct Participation in Designated Counter-Terrorism (CT) Operations: To qualify for the GWOTSM, service members must now directly participate in a designated military counter-terrorism operation. This service must be for a minimum of 30 days, which can be accumulated consecutively or non-consecutively.
- Engagement in Combat: Regardless of the duration of service, any service member who, while on active duty, engages in physical combat with or is attacked by a foreign terrorist, or an individual inspired or motivated by a foreign terrorist organization, is also eligible for the GWOTSM. This clause recognizes the inherent risks and direct engagement in countering terrorism, even in shorter deployments or specific incidents.
What constitutes qualifying service?
- Deployment Orders for CT Operations: Service members deployed under official orders specifically for a designated counter-terrorism operation meet the eligibility criteria.
- Direct Support within a CT Organization: Individuals assigned full-time to an organization actively conducting designated CT operations and directly supporting these operations are also eligible.
Important Clarification: Indirect Support No Longer Qualifies
A significant change is the removal of “indirect support” as a qualifying factor for the GWOTSM. Previously defined in NAVADMIN 273/04, indirect support is no longer sufficient for GWOTSM eligibility. This revision emphasizes direct and active participation in counter-terrorism efforts as the basis for awarding this medal. This change reflects a more focused approach to recognizing service directly contributing to the Global War on Terrorism.
Closure of the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM)
Another significant update is the termination of the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM). Effective December 31, 2022, the authorization to award the NDSM to members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, will cease.
Reason for NDSM Closure:
The NDSM was initially authorized to recognize the service of all members of the Armed Forces during periods of significant military operations. The current global security environment, while presenting ongoing challenges, is no longer considered to involve combat operations of a comparable scale to those for which the NDSM was historically intended.
Continued Recognition through Campaign and Service Medals:
While the NDSM is being discontinued, it is important to note that Navy personnel who serve in support of specific designated operations will continue to be eligible for campaign, expeditionary, or service medals directly associated with those particular operations. This ensures that service members continue to be recognized for their contributions to specific missions and theaters of operation.
Changes to Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal (IRCM) Eligibility
Finally, there is a geographical update to the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal (IRCM). Effective July 1, 2022, eligibility for the IRCM is now specifically limited to service within the country of Syria, its associated airspace, and contiguous waters extending out to 12 nautical miles. This adjustment refines the area of eligibility for the IRCM, aligning it with the ongoing operations within Syria against ISIS.
Understanding the Updates
These changes to service medal eligibility are important for all members of the U.S. Navy and broader Armed Forces to understand. The revised GWOTSM criteria ensure that this medal is awarded for direct and substantial contributions to counter-terrorism efforts, while the closure of the NDSM reflects the evolving nature of U.S. military engagements. Service members are encouraged to review these updated guidelines and understand how they impact potential medal eligibility for their service. For further information, consult official military personnel resources and administrative channels.
