Posted on Sep 6, 2022
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Previously we saw that the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) is being further restricted.

SECDEF claimed that we will continue to conduct anti-terror operations but that we are no longer conducting large scale operations. The GWOTSM and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) will still be awarded inside certain operations or areas.

The Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal (IRCM) is being removed from Iraq and will only be eligible for operations in Syria, all others will receive the GWOTEM.

Now after 31 December 2022 the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) will no longer be awarded thus giving a final end date for the TBD in the regulation.

So as we continue to wind things down, will we continue to support operations in the Middle East? Should we? Will Iraq fall just like Afghanistan or will we maintain an advisory force in Iraq to prevent an ISIS takeover after the world observed what the Taliban did with Afghanistan?

Are we just shifting operations to prepare for Europe and Asia?

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/09/06/national-defense-service-medal-wont-be-awarded-after-december/

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/09/06/national-defense-service-medal-wont-be-awarded-after-december/
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 11
MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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Are we truly done with GWOT? No. We will never be done with global terrorism. But, it's just another shift in strategic focus.
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MSgt Operations Intelligence
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Unfortunately the war on terror will never be over.
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CPT Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
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Maybe you might not remember but we did pull out of Iraq and it nearly fell. We went back in and cleaned up to wipe out ISIS. Just because we are in a country doesn't mean we are at war. I think it is time we realize we are a peacetime Army that needs to be prepared for War.
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CPT (Join to see) Definitely doesn't feel like peace. Over 20 years of war, dead friends, colors things I suppose. You're right though sir, need to be prepared for the next conflict wherever it may be.
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CPT Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
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SPC (Join to see) I'm a bit taken back how this doesn't feel like peace. Maybe I'm missing the mark. At one point over 150,000 soldiers deployed. Just think of that rotations required to maintain that. Just because someone shoots a bullet somewhere doesn't mean we are at war.
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CPT (Join to see) - Troops still deployed, anti-terror operations ongoing, Iran is playing chicken with us, Russia and China are threatening us, and we're funneling billions to effectively wage an undeclared war against Russia over Ukraine. Have we technically declared war? No, but we are definitely involved. Doesn't feel like peace, or at the least peace looks like it won't last long.
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CPT Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
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SPC (Join to see) - After a while you will see that there will always be tensions and Soldiers will always be deployed. We are not at war. GWOT was a flashy name. It seems you have only known GWOT. We really haven't had war time conditions in a while. The past few years have been more of government stabilization in other counties. Just remember, that the Cold War occurred during a time of piece. Some think it was an actual war and want a campaign medal. I don't agree with that at all. To many that have been to war I doubt this feels like war to them.
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