The Honor Of Dual Afghanistan Service Ribbons: Understanding The Eligibility And Pride

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award for members of the US Armed Forces who have served in Afghanistan. The ACM is awarded to those who have served within Afghanistan's borders (or its airspace) for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days. The medal is also awarded to those who have engaged in combat or been wounded in combat, regardless of the number of days spent in the country. In the case of a soldier's death, the ACM is awarded posthumously. While the ACM is a significant honour, the question arises as to whether individuals can wear two Afghanistan service ribbons at the same time. According to regulations, there is a four-device limit on any ribbon. Once an individual receives a fifth award, they can switch to wearing two ribbons.

Criteria for receiving the Afghanistan Campaign Medal

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award created by Executive Order 13363 by President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004, and became available for general distribution in June 2005. The medal was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry.

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal is awarded to any member of the United States military who has performed duty within the borders of Afghanistan (or its airspace) for a period of thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days. The medal is retroactive to October 24, 2001, and was active until the conclusion of Operation Allies Refuge on August 31, 2021.

Personnel who have been engaged in combat with an enemy force, or personnel who have been wounded in combat within Afghanistan, may receive the ACM regardless of the number of days spent within the country. The medal was also awarded posthumously to any service member who died in the line of duty within Afghanistan, including from non-combat injuries such as accidents and mishaps.

The ACM replaces the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOT-EM) for service in Afghanistan. Personnel who previously received the GWOT-EM for Afghanistan service may elect to exchange the medal for the ACM. Both medals may not be received for the same period of service in Afghanistan, and any current Afghanistan service will only be recognized with the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal replaces the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award for members of the United States Armed Forces who have served in Afghanistan. It was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004, and became available in June 2005. The medal is awarded to those who have performed duty within the borders of Afghanistan (or its airspace) for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. It is also awarded to those who have engaged in combat with enemy forces or have been wounded in combat within Afghanistan, regardless of the number of days spent in the country. The ACM is further awarded posthumously to any service member who died in the line of duty in Afghanistan, including from non-combat injuries.

The ACM is retroactive to October 24, 2001, and was active until Operation Allies Refuge concluded on August 31, 2021. The following ribbon devices are authorized to be worn on the ACM: campaign stars (all branches), an arrowhead device (Army, Air Force, and Space Force), and the Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia (for Navy personnel assigned to a Marine Corps unit in combat).

The ACM replaces the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOT-EM) for service in Afghanistan. The GWOT-EM was created by President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003, through Executive Order 13289. It recognizes military service members who have deployed overseas in direct service of the War on Terror from September 11, 2001, to a date to be determined. The GWOT-EM was awarded for service within Iraq and Afghanistan until April 30, 2005, when it was replaced by the Iraq Campaign Medal and the ACM.

Personnel who previously received the GWOT-EM for service in Afghanistan may choose to exchange it for the ACM. It is important to note that both medals cannot be received for the same period of service in Afghanistan, and any current service in the country will only be recognized with the ACM.

The Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon is made to official government standards

The Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon is a military award of the United States Armed Forces. The ribbon is made to the highest official government standards and is uniform approved. It is awarded to military personnel who have served active duty within the borders of Afghanistan (including its airspace) for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. The Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry and was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004. It became available for general distribution in June 2005 and is retroactive to October 24, 2001. The ribbon is awarded to those who have been engaged in combat with an enemy force or wounded in combat within Afghanistan, regardless of the number of days spent in the country. It is also awarded posthumously to any service member who died in the line of duty within Afghanistan, including from non-combat injuries.

The Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon is awarded for participation in specific campaign phases, each of which has its own authorized ribbon device:

• Enduring Freedom: September 11, 2001 - December 31, 2014
• Freedom's Sentinel: January 1, 2015 - to be determined
• Liberation of Afghanistan: September 1, 2001 - November 30, 2001
• Consolidation I: December 1, 2001 - September 30, 2006
• Consolidation II: October 1, 2006 - November 30, 2009
• Consolidation III: December 1, 2009 - June 30, 2011
• Transition I: July 1, 2011 - December 31, 2014
• Transition II: January 1, 2015 - to be determined

The Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon replaces the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for personnel who served in Afghanistan. Personnel who have previously received the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal can choose to exchange it for the Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon. However, it is important to note that both medals cannot be awarded for the same period of service in Afghanistan.

The Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of military personnel who have served in the country. It is a recognition of their contributions to the mission and their commitment to protecting the values and interests of the United States. The ribbon serves as a symbol of honour and a reminder of the bravery and resilience of those who have served in Afghanistan.

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal is awarded to any member of the US military who has served in Afghanistan for 30 consecutive days

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush in 2004 and became available for general distribution in June 2005. The Afghanistan Campaign Medal is awarded to any member of the United States military who has served within the borders of Afghanistan (or its airspace) for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. The medal is also awarded to those who have engaged in combat with an enemy force or have been wounded in combat within Afghanistan, regardless of the number of days spent in the country. The ACM is further awarded posthumously to any service member who died in the line of duty within Afghanistan, including from non-combat injuries.

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal is a recognition of the service and sacrifice of US military personnel in the conflict in Afghanistan. The medal was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry and is a testament to the bravery and dedication of those who served. The ACM is a way to honour those who put their lives on the line in the performance of their duty.

The eligibility criteria for the ACM encompass all land areas of Afghanistan and its airspace. Service members must have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in these areas and meet the required number of days. The ACM is retroactive to October 24, 2001, and was active until the conclusion of Operation Allies Refuge on August 31, 2021. This means that any eligible service member who served during this period can receive the ACM.

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal holds a significant meaning for those who receive it. It represents their commitment, courage, and contribution to the mission in Afghanistan. The medal is a symbol of their dedication to serving their country and protecting its values, even in the face of adversity. The ACM is a reminder of the hardships endured and the bonds forged with fellow service members during their deployment.

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal is a testament to the service and sacrifice of US military personnel in Afghanistan. It recognises the challenges they faced and the impact they made. The ACM is a source of pride and honour for those who receive it and a reminder of their invaluable contribution to a historic chapter in US military history.

Personnel who have been wounded in combat within Afghanistan may receive the ACM regardless of the number of days spent in the country

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award for members of the United States Armed Forces. It was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush in 2004 and became available for general distribution in June 2005. The ACM is awarded to military personnel who have served active duty within the borders of Afghanistan (or its airspace) for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. The medal is retroactive to October 24, 2001, and was active until Operation Allies Refuge ended on August 31, 2021.

The ACM is a recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of those who have served in Afghanistan. It is a testament to their dedication, bravery, and commitment to their duty, regardless of the length of their deployment. The medal serves as a symbol of their service and a reminder of the importance of their mission.

The ACM is just one of several awards and decorations available to members of the United States military. It recognises the unique challenges and dangers faced by those serving in Afghanistan and acknowledges their courage and resilience in the face of adversity. The medal is a way to honour those who have served and sacrificed for their country.

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