Should we be awarded the Afghan Freedom Medal?

This is probably more of a political issue than a defense issue. That being typed, you see how far the Iraq Commitment Medal turned out for service members. This could be a similar fate, though both in my opinion, should be accepted by the US government and service members be allowed to wear it on their uniform. I understand that it's customary for the issuing government to manufacture and send them to D.C., etc. Also realize that Iraq and Afghanistan aren't wealthy nations either, unlike say South Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. All four of those have a decent amount of money. Iraq's government does too in a way, but also realize their government is trying to be overthrown by ISIL/ISIS, so this has a very low priority. I'd recommend if money is the sole issue, which seems rather petty, the issuing country can send the US the design or prototype and we can manufacture it. It gives a few Americans jobs in the short term. Politicians though may penalize the issuing country by sending less aid or whatever. I don't agree with that, but could see that being discussed, if approved.

Foreign service medals are authorized for acceptance and wear only if said medal is awarded to members of the awarding nation's armed forces. For example, the ROK authorized a Korean Defense Medal(May not be the exact name) for US service members who met the qualifications for what would eventually be the KDSM. A small number were actually presented. BUT some staff wienie figured out that the medal was not awarded to ROK service members and therefore was not authorized for acceptance or wear by US personnel. If the medal in question here is not awarded to Afghan Armed forces the could be the fly in the ointment here.

Or, as in the case of the Cold War Victory Medal(CWVM), it could be political. One of the reasons for resistance to the CWVM was the reluctance to poke the Russians in the eye by declaring that we had actually won the Cold War. Maybe we don't want to insult the Taliban by implying that Afghanistan wasn't free when they controlled the country - or something.

For those who are interested in requesting reconsideration to the approval of the Afghan Freedom Medal, please read, sign and FOWARD (cut and paste) this petition to other sites for maximum exposure:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/approve-afghan-freedom-campaign-medal-us-service-members-support-operation-freedoms-sentinel

Please note, you may need to register before you sign the petition.

We need 99,999 signatures by June 30, 2017 to get a response from the White House.

I think the US should accept the Afghan Freedom Medal offered by GIRoA and authorize it for Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS). In Iraq, after OIF was completed the authorization for the Iraq Campaign medal closed. Now with Operation Inherent Resolve a new medal was authorized for service members to cover this campaign; (the medal is ugly as hell, but they have one to represent service during that operation).

However, at the close of OEF-A in Dec 2014, DOD decided not to authorize a new medal for OFS, but rather just give service members a choice between the GWOTEM or the ACM. That's not the right answer and surely not the same standard.

Furthermore, similar to this situation with the Afghan Freedom Medal for foreign soldiers, after the Gulf War in 1991, Kuwait offered the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal. Although hesitant at first, the US finally accepted the medal as not to seem rude or stuck up. My advise to the DOD would be to humble yourself and accept the Afghan Freedom Medal for those deployed in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel who currently do not have an award that specifically represents this campaign.

yes, it would be sign of the afghan reconnaissance for our participation to stabilize their country

we already earn a NATO ribbon and campaign stars for the Afghan medal are we Warriors or looking to show who's more alpha male through our dress uniforms? what would we gain that we already have not yet earned by having another medal that represents where we already go?

LTC (Join to see) Sir I think we should considering all we did for them and they are willing to give it to us. I see no reason why we shouldn't. Again my opinion and I will probably receive flack for it, but yes I think we should be allowed to wear it.

LTC (Join to see), there is an Iraq one as well. Only one was made, and it was presented to Joe Biden, if memory serves.

The problem with foreign medals is that they are technically supposed to be manufactured by the awarding government. Afghanistan doesn't have any money.

As for my opinion, I don't really think we need a fourth medal to recognize I've been there. One was enough.

I have enough medals for being there..... I mean though it is nice that the Afghans want to show their thanks... And I do believe if they offered we should accept, but on the other hand I wouldn't push for it just to put another ribbon on my rack...

Reminds me of the awards given by Kuwait in 1991.
If I remember correctly, there were debates then as well about authorization and priority.