Do I qualify for the Forces Service Medal? Is the Global War on Terrorism Medal awarded automatically for everyone who is active duty?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 10:58:52 -0400

I read the requirements for the Forces Service Medal and I've been on 2 different 9 month rotations, one to Europe and one to Korea, according to what I read in the requirements, I qualify for the AFSM but I never received anything, also is Global War on Terrorism Medal awarded automatically for everyone who is active duty?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2020 11:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 11:04:08 -0400

There are two GWOT medals, the Expiditionary medal and the Service medal. The Service medal at one time was awarded to everyone who had a pulse. The Expedition medal is much more selective. As for the AFSM, if you qualify you won't receive anything except a notation on your SRB and DD214 afterwards

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 22 at 2020 11:25 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 11:25:29 -0400

Are you asking about the Armed Forces Service Medal? That award is issued for participation in specific operations which have been authorized the Armed Forces Service Medal for that specific operation. It's not for rotational units doing their rotations.
It's functionally a placeholder campaign medal for operations that have not been deemed significant enough to warrant the creation of a new campaign medal.

Here are the ONLY operations authorized the AFSM.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 22 at 2020 12:18 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 12:18:26 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member You are ineligible for GWOTEM and the AFSM as explained by SFC Private RallyPoint Member and SFC Michael Hasbun. Review Para 2-22 of AR 600-8-22 for the KDSM.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2020 12:47 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 12:47:56 -0400

The GWOT needs 30 consecutive days in support of one of 6 different operations.

Basically, if you are eligible for either of the medals you'd be holding a set of orders in your hands with an any one of those operations, campaigns, spelled out in your published orders.

Now, you should have the Korean Defense medal.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2020 9:50 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 21:50:42 -0400

Wheres the "read the regulation" button?