How do you recognize deployment to Syria/Iraq?

2014-10-08T17:10:16-04:00

Which medal do we give those who are in the campaigns against ISIS and ebola?

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/10/08/pentagon-reverses-course-on-oef-medal-for-iraq-syria.html?ESRC=army-a.nl

Pentagon Reverses Course on OEF Medal for Iraq, Syria

The Pentagon has issued an about-face on statements last week saying that troops involved in current operations to combat Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria would be eligible for the Global War on Terror Expeditionary medal.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Oct 8 at 2014 5:18 PM

2014-10-08T17:18:19-04:00

Is there not a generic expeditionary medal? Everything doesn't have to be a campaign. What were troops deployed in support of the revolution in Libya given? In fact, what "campaign" medal were troops deployed to Somalia in '93 given? or Panama? We don't have campaign medals for those conflicts as far as I know.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 7:09 PM

2014-10-22T19:09:13-04:00

I thought I heard somewhere that they going to be recognized under the same as in Afghanistan

Response by Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn made Oct 22 at 2014 11:56 PM

2014-10-22T23:56:26-04:00

GWOT Expeditionary Medal seems like a decent work-around, considering that we officially ended OIF after Iraq refused to extend our troops' legal immunity and basing privileges. OEF doesn't fit because it isn't Afghanistan, and the anti-ISIL campaign hasn't reached the critical mass to merit its own separate medal yet. So long as the men and women who serve honorably in the campaign are recognized, I'm happy.

BTW, the Marine Corps has its own Expeditionary Medal, but then we are an expeditionary service by nature.

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?94451-Qualifying-Expeditions-for-Marine-Corps-Expeditionary-Medal