While visiting troops for a ceremony in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced that all military personnel who have served in Iraq during Operation Inherent Resolve will receive a new campaign medal.
Carter released the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal during a change-of-command ceremony at U.S. Central Command, the military command responsible for all forces in the Middle East, North Africa and surrounding areas.
New design for the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal. (Source: U.S. Department of Defense)
“It is fitting then, that as we mark the change of command between these two leaders, that we introduce the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal,” said Carter during the ceremony that saw U.S. Army Gen. Joseph Votel take command from Army General Lloyd Austin. “I am pleased to announce today, by the president’s order and upon the chairman’s and my recommendation, that our sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines serving in Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve are now eligible for this medal and distinction.”
The medal will be given to personnel based in Iraq or Syria or those who flew missions above them, and those “who served in contiguous waters for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.” The medal will be given to those who served in the operation after June 15, 2014. Service members who received the Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal can exchange it for the new medal for “qualifying service in Iraq or Syria during the period of June 15, 2014, to March 30.”
Those who died while fighting ISIS and other terror groups and suffered wounds will also be eligible to receive the new medal.
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