Do you believe that Soldiers that are forward deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve should be awarded a specific medal?

SSG(P) Chris T. — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 08:17:12 -0400

Do you believe that Soldiers that are forward deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve should be awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Do you feel they should award those Soldiers with a new medal for that specific campaign?

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Oct 30 at 2014 2:45 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 14:45:57 -0400

Not sure if the policy makers are going to lean that way or not SSG(P) Chris T.. It is a new campaign. That may warrant a new pretty little ribbon for one's chest. I found this article on the topic. It's a few weeks old, but still relevant to the discussion I believe.

http://thehill.com/policy/defense/219867-no-medal-yet-for-troops-fighting-isis

No medal yet for troops fighting ISIS

The Pentagon said "no decisions have been made" about deployment or campaign medals.

Response by SSG Jason Cherry made Oct 31 at 2014 5:31 AM

SSG Jason Cherry — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 05:31:36 -0400

Expeditionary medal is done with. I think there should be a new medal for campaign/operation though.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Oct 31 at 2014 3:35 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 15:35:03 -0400

Here is the latest...

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20141031/NEWS05/310310058/OIR-troops-eligible-GWOT-E-medal?sf33207801=1

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 9:10 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 09:10:29 -0500

Give it time, neither the OIF or OER Campaign Medals happened overnight. Both the OIF and OEF Campaign Medals were not approved until November 2004, so roughly 3 years after conflict in OEF started and about a year late for OIF. As always, if it happens, anyone serving in the approved campaign will be allowed wear (so from 15JUN14 until a date to be determined).

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made Jan 7 at 2015 11:59 AM

SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 11:59:05 -0500

SSG Chris Thurston, In my opinion, yes to both. I would like to see the award benefit specialist's and below for promotion points.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 6:29 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 06:29:54 -0400

We need to stop creating a new medal for every campaign we start. Imagine our WWII forefathers if they had a medal or ribbon for every campaign they were involved in? We really don't need all these "been there" ribbons. End of tour awards need to go away too.