What opportunities exist to earn the Antarctica Service Medal?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 21:26:33 -0500

The qualification for this medal is that the soldier "must train or serve ten days stationed on the Antarctic continent". I'd like to know what opportunities are available to do this. Are there any TDYs for this? Can I take leave and attend a school there???

Response by TSgt David L. made Mar 2 at 2019 9:29 PM

TSgt David L. — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 21:29:59 -0500

An AF CMSgt friend of mine is the Chief of Safety at a guard unit and she spent 3 weeks there. Weather folks and admin types can do it as well. I'm not sure what other fields can do it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2019 9:33 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 21:33:05 -0500

I think it’s pretty much a Air Force opportunity.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2019 9:46 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 21:46:38 -0500

Pretty much just LC-130 crew members assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing, who are responsible for flying everyone and everything on and off Antarctica.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Mar 2 at 2019 10:10 PM

SFC William Farrell — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 22:10:41 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I’d say fly down there, spend two weeks and tell them you were doing research! Just kidding. I’d love to have gone there and while there are cruises there, they are very expensive. It’s a nice and rare medal.

Response by LCDR Arthur Whittum made Mar 2 at 2019 10:48 PM

LCDR Arthur Whittum — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 22:48:28 -0500

Join the Coast Guard and request ice breaker duty (If we have any still in working condition, maybe one heavy icebreaker). Operation Deep Freeze it used to be called.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 2 at 2019 11:01 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 23:01:47 -0500

They cheapened it down since I made my three deployments. So it's one flight for crew or 10 days south of 60 LAT. Rarer would be the medal with the Winter Over Clasp. Much rarer would be the NZ Special Service Medal (Erebus). You can't unsee that event.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2019 11:04 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 23:04:02 -0500

I didn’t even know this was a thing outside the Navy.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2019 10:41 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 10:41:09 -0500

Award and badge chasing doesn't reflect selfless service.
Well, unless it's the Pathfinder badge, but only because it's so cool.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2019 5:58 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 17:58:53 -0500

As one who has earned the Antarctic Service Medal, (Air Force) it is also awarded to Civilians. You could apply to work for rhe National Science Foundation or one of its contractors. After completing 30 days on the ice, you become eligible.