Are LTs with no deployments authorized to wear the GWOTSM?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 13:59:18 -0400

Upon graduation of FA BOLC in 2020, we were instructed by the school house to wear the GWOTSM on our ASUs. However, I felt as if I had not earned that award and refused to wear it. It’s also not on my ORB. Now that I’m in my unit, I’ve noticed all other LTs wear it on their ASUs, even though the most exciting thing we’ve experienced was JRTC/NTC. Is the GWOTSM earned post IET for officers? The verbiage on HRC’s website is throwing me off.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Aug 21 at 2021 2:26 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 14:26:42 -0400

Everyone that has served during the War on Terrorism receives the Global War on Terrorism Service medal. I think you are confusing it with its cousin the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal which you earn being deployed in support of the operations. During WWII there were two medals that were pretty much the same as these two medals. The American Defense Service Medal and the American Campaign Medal. Everyone earned the former and only those that served in the Battle of the Atlantic and during the defense of the west coast, received the latter. So wear it with pride.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 2:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 14:33:43 -0400

The GWOTSM is earned once you've served 30 days at your new unit. You have earned it.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 2:36 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 14:36:52 -0400

Per AR 600-8-22 Awards reg: Servicemembers must be assigned, attached, or mobilized to a unit supporting designated operations listed in paragraph 2–20d for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days. Or, regardless of time served while on active duty in the Military Services on or after September 11, 2001. I joined in 2007 and everyone was earning it automatically. My understanding was that with the latest award reg (the one I quoted is from 2018 as I’m answering from a tablet without access to the latest one) was that this had changed and was limited now to the following: 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 to be determined) and OFS (1 January 2015 to date to be determined). I would def reference the latest AR 600-8-22. Additionally, if after graduating BOLC, it wasn’t automatically added to your DD214 then I think you are NOT entitled to it. Typically, the DD214 issuing office/staff does a good job on giving you the awards entitled to for that active duty timeframe. P.S. I reference DD214 as I work mostly with US Army Reservists. I understand that active duty will not get one until finalizing your time but if you have doubts reference the reg and ask your S1 to clarify. You do not want to get caught wearing something you did not earn!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 3:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 15:08:24 -0400

No deployment required for the GWOTSM just an O5 commander that thinks your active service helped the war on terror.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 21 at 2021 5:50 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 17:50:21 -0400

There's no deployment requirement for the GOWTSM. it's a participation trophy, much like the National Defense Service Medal.
I think you're confusing it for the Global War on Terrorism EXPEDITIONARY Medal, which does have a deployment requirement.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Aug 21 at 2021 7:21 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 19:21:20 -0400

It's a "thanks for signing up" award, just like the Army Service Ribbon. It's stupid, but you may as well wear it.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Aug 21 at 2021 11:55 PM

LTC John Mohor — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 23:55:05 -0400

Active Duty presently once the time required and school completion is met your automatically wearing three ribbons in the Army National Defense Service Ribbon, Global War Service Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. Best of luck to you LT/ RedLeg!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2021 12:19 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 00:19:07 -0400

Awarded by a BC or higher, some units still hand it out like candy. Others want you to have contributed to the GWOT in some fashion per the verbiage in the reg.