1. This message will expire on 10 JUL 18.
2. The purpose of this message is to announce recent Department of Defense changes effecting
the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM), the Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal (GWOTSM), and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal (IRCM).
3. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) has
announced the award of the GWOTEM and the GWOTSM for Operation ODYSSEY LIGHTNING
(OOL). The GWOTEM and GWOTSM are approved for the period of 1 Aug 16 through 19 Dec 16.
a. The associated GWOTEM Area Of Eligibility (AOE) for OOL is: Algeria, Chad, Egypt, France,
Greece, Italy, Libya, Niger, Spain, Tunisia, and the Mediterranean Sea from the Straits of Gibraltar
to 25 East Longitude. In accordance with reference B, paragraph 2-18b(2), all foreign land, water,
and airspaces in the designated AOE are included.
b. The seven approved GWOTEM operations are as follows:
Enduring Freedom (OEF) —————-> 11 Sep 01 – To Be Determined (TBD)
Iraqi Freedom (OIF) ———————–> 19 Mar 03 – 31 Aug 10
Nomad Shadow (ONS) ——————> 5 Nov 07 – TBD
New Dawn (OND) ————————–> 1 Sep 10 – 31 Dec 11
Inherent Resolve (OIR) ——————-> 15 Jun 14 – TBD
Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS) —————> 1 Jan 15 – TBD
Odyssey Lightning (OOL) —————-> 1 Aug 16 – 19 Dec 16
The GWOTEM is authorized for Soldiers who deploy in support of an approved operation in the
designated AOE. There is no associated deployment requirement in order to qualify for the award
of the GWOTSM. Soldiers must meet the criteria for the award of the GWOTEM in reference B,
paragraph 2-18 and the criteria for award of the GWOTSM in reference B, paragraph 2-19, before
being awarded either medal. Soldiers may be awarded both the GWOTEM and GWOTSM if they
meet the criteria for both awards; however, the qualifying period used to establish eligibility for one
award cannot justify eligibility for the other award.
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