How are recruits receiving the NDSM without being assigned overseas?

Had to chuckle because my PN took it on herself to ensure my service record had the two bronze stars added because she wanted my crew to recognize a living fossil when they saw it. I handed her a diet beer at the next command BBQ.

I remember getting it in boot. The CC made us recite what the colors were for: "Red is for the blood I haven't shed, blue is for the seas I've never sailed, white for the skies I never flew, and yellow is the reason why." He made us recite more colorful stuff too, not unlike the Gunny in FMJ.

PFC Zanie Young Any Soldier that joins during conflict.....and until such time as an end date is assigned to the current issuing of the NDSM, ALL new recruits are authorized it. AR 600-8-22, Section 2-10 on page 28. It states:

2–10. National Defense Service Medal
a. The NDSM was established by EO 10448, 22 April 1953, as amended by EO 11265, 11 January 1966; EO 12776, 18 October 1991, as amended by EO 13293, 28 March 2003 and Secretary of Defense Memorandum, dated 26 April 2002; and EO 13293, dated 28 March 2003.
b. It is awarded for honorable active service for any period between:
(1) 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954 (Korea), both dates inclusive.
(2) 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974 (Vietnam), both dates inclusive.
(3) 2 August 1990 and 30 November 1995 (Persian Gulf).
(4) 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined (Global War on Terrorism).
c. During the periods listed in paragraph 2–10b(1) and (2) for Korea and Vietnam, Servicemembers in the following categories will not be eligible for the NDSM:
(1) Members of the ARNG and USAR on short tours of duty to fulfill training obligations under an inactive duty training program.
(2) Any Servicemember on temporary duty (TDY) or temporary active duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions, and like organizations.
(3) Any Servicemember on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination.
d. During the period listed in paragraph 2–10b(3) for Persian Gulf, Servicemembers on active duty, members of the Selected Reserve in good standing, and Servicemembers of other than the Selected Reserve who were called to active duty will also be eligible. Servicemembers in the following categories will not be eligible for the NDSM:
(1) Any Servicemember on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination.
(2) Any Soldier of the Individual Ready Reserve, Inactive National Guard, or the Standby or Retired Reserve whose active duty service was for training only, or to serve on boards, courts, commissions, and like organizations.
e. During the period listed in paragraph 2–10b(4) for Global War on Terrorism, Servicemembers on active duty, which includes extended eligibility for award of the NDSM to the Selected Reserve in good standing will also be eligible.
f. Notwithstanding these limitations, any member of the USCG or the USAR or ARNG Forces of the Armed Forces who, between 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974, became eligible for award of either the AFEM or the VSM; or between 2 August 1990 and 30 November 1995, became eligible for award of the SWASM will be eligible for award of the NDSM.
g. To signify receipt of a second or subsequent award of the NDSM, a bronze service star will be worn on the Service ribbon by U.S. Army personnel so qualified. A second or third award of the NDSM is authorized for Soldiers who served in two or more of the four time periods listed in paragraph 2–10a. It is not authorized for Soldiers who met the criteria in a one-time period, left active duty, and returned during the same period of eligibility (see chap 6 for service stars).
h. Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy are eligible for the NDSM, during any of the inclusive periods listed above, upon completion of the swearing-in ceremonies as a cadet.
i. The NDSM may be awarded posthumously

There is no deployment required for the NDSM. Simple service during the specified dates of conflict is all that is required for eligibility.