Is it a medal you are eligible for?
On March 30th, 2016, President Barack Obama established an Executive Order creating the newest campaign medal that United States Armed Forces members can receive for service to our nation. It is called the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal. The medal depicts a hand holding a dagger upward impaling a scorpion.
In today’s post, I am going to explain more about the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal. I will first explain what the Inherent Resolve Campaign is. And, I will also explain what the requirements are for service members to attain the Inherent resolve Campaign Medal. I will also share some units who just may have members who are eligible for the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
What Operation Inherent Resolve Is
For approximately 2 years, the United States along with multiple allies have been battling against a terrorist organization that many call ISIS. In all actuality, the proper term is ISIL, which stands for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
In this battle, there have been campaigns run both in Iraq and in Syria.
When the campaigns first began, the United States gave no name to this, but in October of 2014 the term Inherent Resolve came up. Since we have worked so hard to help create a free and safe Iraq, we are determined to wipe out the terroristic evils of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant…hence, Inherent Resolve.
In October of 2014, the Department of Defense had made an announcement that all service members who were in operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve would be eligible for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. But, due to the ambiguous nature of U.S. involvement, many service members have not been approved for that medal.
Any members who have been approved for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and meet the requirements for the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal can apply for the new award to replace the other.
Other posts you may enjoy:
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Requirements To Receive The Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal
While United States troops have been kept at a minimum in Iraq, it seems things have been ramping up higher so we can put a stop to this “parent tumor,” as Defense Secretary Ash Carter describes ISIL. On the medal is a different description. We see a sword plunging through a scorpion, with the scorpion depicting ISIL and the hand and sword depicting the U.S. and coalition forces.
Thus far, we have primarily attacked ISIL via airstrikes, but when Marines were attacked at a fire base in Northern Iraq in March, it seems the Department of Defense and the President may be considering hard and fast measures against this enemy.
The requirements for the new medal state that service members are eligible from June of 2014 until a date yet to be determined, and they were:
Based in Iraq or Syria for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days
Killed or injured while serving in those countries
Flew missions over those countries
Or served in attaching waters for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days
Are You Eligible
I started examining different units and divisions that have served. Now there is a good chance I am missing some, but if you are serving, or have served with any of these divisions and meet any of the above requirements, you are probably eligible to receive this distinguished medal.
U.S. Army
1st Infantry Division
82nd Airborne Division
1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
U.S. Marines
Marine All-Ground Task Force
Attached to USS Essex
Attached to USS Kearsarge
U.S. Navy
Attached to USS George H.W. Bush
Attached to USS Carl Vinson
Be attached to USS Theodore Roosevelt
Attached to USS Harry S. Truman
U.S. Air Force
I don’t find any listings for Air Force units, but if any pilots flew into the zones, they may be eligible.
These are the basic ones I found that could be eligible. There could be many others, so if you meet any of the requirements, I suggest you check with your chain of command.
Final Thoughts
ISIL or ISIS…whatever you want to call them…have caused havoc in Iraq and Syria, and we have been seeing attacks in Europe as well as a shooter in Orlando, Florida who claimed he worked in behalf of this terrorist outfit.
It is time we stab the scorpion and also destroy any offspring it may have.
To all who are serving in these areas, we thank you. While a Medal is not nearly enough thanks, it does reflect your patriotism and devotion to keeping a safe and united States of America.
Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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