Global War on Terrorism (Expeditionary)
The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal was one of two early medals of America created by President George W. Bush in March of 2003, by Executive Order. These US military medals recognize service personnel who have deployed overseas for direct service in the War on Terrorism after September 11, 2001. These military medals have not been given for service in Iraq or Afghanistan since April of 2005 when both theaters were granted their own Campaign Medals. To receive these military ribbons and medals service members must be deployed in an anti-terrorism duty which is based in a nation which is currently recognized as a base for anti-terrorism operations for either 30 consecutive days, or 60 cumulative days, of active duty. The time requirement is waived for all personnel who engage in combat, or are wounded or killed in action.
The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal was created at the same time as the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal. The primary difference between the two awards is that the service medals are intended for those who performed support duty within the United States, while the expeditionary medals recognize those who were deployed to foreign countries. It is possible to earn both medals, but not for duty during the same period of time. The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is only given one time. However, Service Stars may be granted by commanders to members of all five branches of the military for those who participated in extremely dangerous combat operations while performing service entitling them to the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. The Arrowhead Device may also be granted for certain assault operations, and the Fleet Marine Combat Operation Insignia can be earned by sailors for certain qualifying duty.
These military awards are worn below the Kosovo Campaign Medal and are worn above the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal in the general order of precedence which the military service has established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals. These military decorations can be worn as traditional full size military medals and mini medals, military ribbons, and lapel pins. Like most military medals, it is available as traditional slide-on, full size military medals or mini-medals, and slide-on military ribbons. Nowadays however, more and more military service personnel are realizing the value to their career goals of always having their uniform decorations looking their best, and have turned to the slimmer and trimmer thin military medals and mini medals and the ultra thin ribbon racks to provide them with the smartest looking military award displays possible.
