Can National Guard soldiers still receive GWOTSM?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 13:52:12 -0500

My Active buddies have been questioning why I don't have a GWOTSM. To which I was under the impression that I had to deploy or be part of an Operation involving the War on Terror.

It has been suggested that I go to my Supervisor and ask to have this corrected on my ERB and be awarded the medal. I have checked AR 600-8-22 and HRC online which seems a bit vague so looking for confirmation.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2016 1:53 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 13:53:21 -0500

Double Post

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2016 1:54 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 13:54:10 -0500

This is the information I have found, any Guard SM's able to offer advice or further reference?

Army Regulation 600-8-22 Military Awards
2-19 Global War on Terror Service Medal

c. Criteria. Service members must be assigned, attached, or mobilized to a unit supporting designated operations listed in 2–18g for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days, or meet one of the following criteria:
(1) Initial award of the GWOTSM. Limited to airport security operations (from 27 September 2001 through 31 May 2002) and Soldiers who supported Operations NOBLE EAGLE, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM.
(2) All Soldiers on active duty, including Reserve Component Soldiers mobilized, or National Guard Soldiers activated on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined having served 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days are authorized the GWOTSM.
_____________________________________________________________________________

https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Global%20War%20on%20Terrorism%20Expeditionary%20Medal%20GWOTEM%20and%20Global%20War%20on%20Terrorism%20Service%20Medal%20GWOTSM

Q6: Is the GWOTSM authorized to be awarded to Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Soldiers under Title 10 and Title 32?

A6: Yes. Reserve Component Soldiers serving on “active duty” in an AGR status (Title 10 and/or Title 32), Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW) (Title 10 and/or Title 32), Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS), and Full-time National Guard Duty (FTNGD) (Title 32) under ADSW orders are authorized award of the GWOTSM. Refer to paragraph 2-19 of AR 600-8-22, Military Awards, for specific requirements.

HRC Homepage

Toll-Free: 1-888-ARMY-HRC (1-888-276-9472) DSN: 983-9500 askhrc.army@us.army.mil

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2016 4:30 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 16:30:09 -0500

Unless you have supported an operation on Title 10 or 32 orders your not authorized they GWOT. If you've been a traditional drilling status solider since your completion of BCT/AIT your allowed to wear it. Spent 6 years in the guard now on the reserve side and spent 3 + years in the honor guard.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 5 at 2016 8:42 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 08:42:56 -0500

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=12111

DoD Announces Criteria for Global War on Terrorism Medals

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 8:49 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 08:49:27 -0500

Here is your challenge: U.S. Army regulations state that all soldiers "on active duty, including Reserve Component Soldiers mobilized, or Army National Guard Soldiers activated on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined having served 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days are authorized the GWOTSM." The GWOTSM was awarded automatically to all service members on Active Duty between September 11, 2001 and March 31, 2004. While the award is no longer automatic, the termination "date to be determined" has not been set. The Battalion Commander is the approval authority for the GWOTSM. Service members are still eligible for the medal provided they meet the criteria in AR 600-8-22.

So, 60 days of active duty, including Annual Training periods but not Basic Training, AIT, NCOES or OES, could meet the requirement. The problem is with the additional language about supporting the named operation (Operation Noble Eagle ("ONE"), Operation Enduring Freedom ("OEF"), Operation Iraqi Freedom ("OIF"), Operation New Dawn ("OND"), Operation Inherent Resolve ("OIR"), and Operation Freedom's Sentinel ("OFS")).

The final decision is with the Battalion Commander.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 9:34 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:34:50 -0500

If you were in Title 10 status, Federal duty, not Title 32 status, State duty, then you should be awarded the medal.

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Dec 6 at 2016 9:37 AM

SPC Geoffrey Jenkins — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:37:31 -0500

Good morning PV2 Robert Benjamin,
did you know they made a movie staring Goldie Hawn named Private Benjamin/lol
To answer your question you have to be deployed with a unit to received GWOTSM.If you deployed it would be on your DD-214 Members 4 form when you return from theater.I talked with other veterans I served with in Iraq and we all came to the conclusion why would go through all the trouble to get one if you didn't serve in theater?????

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 4:47 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 16:47:00 -0500

Unfortunately your AD friends are mistaken as the GWOTSM is not an automatic award. As alluded to by others, you have to honorably serve on federal active duty for the consecutive 30 days or cumulative 60 days for the GWOTSM. Any "training" orders or schools do not count. Others have said AT counts, but I dispute that claim. The intention is that you have stood ready to deploy either as a member of a QRF or preparing for your deployment, mobilized stateside, or are serving in an AGR position. Unless that has been done, as a reservist you have not served the time required for award of the GWOTSM. The BN CDR is the award authority for the GWOTSM.

Refer to the Army HRC website for a few Q&A explanations for further details.

Response by SPC Kari Grove Wright made May 1 at 2017 4:19 PM

SPC Kari Grove Wright — Mon, 01 May 2017 16:19:31 -0400

Just go AD problem solved.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 10:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 May 2017 22:27:17 -0400

Here is another question... I served on ADOS for a training academy in the National Guard for over 2 years after my deployment to Afghanistan as CIED. Would I be eligible for both? Are soldiers eligible for both or is it a one or the other type award situation?

Response by PFC Jesse Stinton made May 2 at 2017 12:06 AM

PFC Jesse Stinton — Tue, 02 May 2017 00:06:05 -0400

I'm confused is this the firewatch medal or what we called in the marine corps the pizza stain? Or is this something else?

Response by MSgt Bill Loveli made May 2 at 2017 9:21 AM

MSgt Bill Loveli — Tue, 02 May 2017 09:21:06 -0400

What is a GWOT? Sounds like a fart gone bad

Response by SPC Daryl Powell made May 2 at 2017 10:41 AM

SPC Daryl Powell — Tue, 02 May 2017 10:41:24 -0400

You have to be on active duty orders (mobilized), to get it.

Response by SPC Craig Miller made May 2 at 2017 1:02 PM

SPC Craig Miller — Tue, 02 May 2017 13:02:53 -0400

I think mine came in the right pocket of my Class A's in Basic. Thank God in America we have so many NCO's ready to dig in and beat this to death. If only this much effort was put into weapons qual and PT.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 2:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 May 2017 14:32:37 -0400

To my recollection it was awarded automatically after bct/osut graduation up until 2010-2011. It was around that time frame that guard/reserve soldiers began to receive it once they deployed.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 3:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 May 2017 15:35:31 -0400

After basic training in 2008 I was given the GWOT, Army Service Ribbon, and the National Defense ribbon. Every person graduating from basic was given those 3 awards.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 3:55 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 May 2017 15:55:33 -0400

And on top of that don't you qualify for your National Defense service medal?

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 2 at 2017 11:37 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 02 May 2017 23:37:31 -0400

1. GWOTSM: The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) was established by Executive Order 13289, 12 March 2003. It is authorized for award to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have participated in or served in support operations in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) operations outside of the designated areas of eligibility (AOE) for the GWOTEM (see GWOTEM Q&A), on or after 11 September 2001 to a future date to be determined. Battalion commanders and commanders of separate units have the authority to award the GWOTSM for approved operations to units and personnel within his or her command. Service members must be assigned, attached, or mobilized to a unit supporting designated operations for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days, or meet one of the following criteria:

a. Initial award of the GWOTSM. Limited to airport security operations (from 27 September 2001 through 31 May 2002) and Soldiers who supported Operations NOBLE EAGLE, ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF).

b. All Soldiers on active duty, including Reserve Component Soldiers mobilized, or National Guard Soldiers activated on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined having served 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days are authorized the GWOTSM.

c. Service members 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. The GWOTSM will be worn after the GWOTEM and both will directly follow the Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) (that is, KCM, GWOTEM, GWOTSM, Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM), and so forth.)

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

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 11:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 May 2017 23:44:46 -0400

You don't just get the global war on terror service medal. You would have had to mobilize and deploy in support of oef/oif/ond and been awarded the medal. Otherwise, you're only eligible for your national defense service medal, etc.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2017 2:24 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 May 2017 14:24:52 -0400

My NCO support channel told me I was awarded the GWOTSM during AIT. I mean it's in my DD 214 now but idk when I got it. I was on orders as a resverist activated for 11 months.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made May 3 at 2017 7:50 PM

MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht — Wed, 03 May 2017 19:50:06 -0400

I have no idea,. being Air Force, I wish all Rally troops would stop using accronyms. Never could spell. has to be a spell check on this system some place!! Help.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2017 7:39 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 May 2017 07:39:56 -0400

It was awarded to most BCT/AIT classes until 2013. Active or reserve. however, as it's been said before, the BN CMDR is the approval authority. My unit is on rotation in Korea right now and ours gave every soldier the GWOT.

Response by LTC Stephen B. made May 4 at 2017 4:16 PM

LTC Stephen B. — Thu, 04 May 2017 16:16:43 -0400

Your State G1 office should have an awards section that would also have access to all your personnel records. I would recommend having them run through your orders and make a determination for you. I had to do that after they changed the dates for campaign stars on some of mine so my DD-214 would be as up to date as possible as I retired. Very helpful people, at least in the Great State of Arizona.

Response by 1SG James Calamare0 made May 18 at 2017 4:16 PM

1SG James Calamare0 — Thu, 18 May 2017 16:16:14 -0400

I believe you have
To be part of an operation against terrorism. Force Protection or in designated parts of countriea

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2017 8:38 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 20:38:42 -0400

Not to hijack the thread but if you are guard activated to OEF Horn of Africa you will get both GWOT medals?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2018 12:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 12:05:02 -0500

The U.S. Army's regulations state that all soldiers "on active duty, including Reserve Component Soldiers [sic] mobilized, or Army National Guard Soldiers activated on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined having served 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days are authorized the GWOTSM." The GWOT-SM was awarded automatically to all service members on Active Duty between 11 September 2001 and 31 March 2004. While the award is no longer automatic, the termination "date to be determined" has not been set. The Battalion Commander is the approval authority for the GWOT-SM. Service members are still eligible for the medal provided they meet the criteria in AR 600-8-22.

U.S. Army soldiers serving on active duty primarily in a training status (basic training, advanced individual training, officer training courses, etc.…) are not authorized award of the GWOT-SM for the active duty time they are in training. The criteria for the awards specifically states that a Soldier has to serve on active duty in support of a designated GWOT operation (Operation Noble Eagle ["ONE"], Operation Enduring Freedom ["OEF"], Operation Iraqi Freedom ["OIF"], Operation New Dawn ["OND"], Operation Inherent Resolve ["OIR"], and Operation Freedom's Sentinel ["OFS"]) for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. Army soldiers in a training status are not considered to be supporting these designated operations.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 8 at 2018 10:32 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 22:32:08 -0500

For a medal that "everybody" gets the regs are unnecessarily complex. Basically, you need 30 days of active service in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Sorry, but you time in drill status does not count as active service. If you are a medal hound I suggest you volunteer to go on a deployment or an active duty tour on MOBCOP and you should get it then.