Afghanistan Campaign Medal

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award established to recognize U.S. Armed Forces personnel for their participation in operations in Afghanistan. The medal was authorized by Executive Order 13363 and further amended by Public Law 109-163. **Effective Dates and Campaign Phases** The ACM is awarded for service from September 11, 2001, to a date that will be established by the Secretary of Defense. It recognizes participation in Operation Enduring Freedom specifically in Afghanistan from September 11, 2001, to December 31, 2014. The following campaign phases are designated for the ACM: - **Liberation of Afghanistan**: September 11, 2001 - November 30, 2001 - **Consolidation I**: December 1, 2001 - September 30, 2006 - **Consolidation II**: October 1, 2006 - November 30, 2009 - **Consolidation III**: December 1, 2009 - June 30, 2011 - **Transition I**: July 1, 2011 - December 31, 2014 - **Operation Freedom's Sentinel**: January 1, 2015 - TBD - **Transition II**: January 1, 2015 - TBD【4:0†source】【4:1†source】. **Criteria for Eligibility** To be eligible for the ACM, personnel must meet one of the following conditions: 1. Be permanently assigned, attached, or detailed to a unit operating in the Area of Operations (AOE) for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days. 2. Participate in a combat engagement, regardless of the length of time in the AOE. 3. Be killed or receive wounds requiring medical evacuation from the AOE, regardless of time spent there. This includes both combat and non-combat wounds. 4. Be a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the AOE in direct support of the military operation. Each day of flying sorties counts toward the eligibility requirement【4:0†source】【4:1†source】【4:2†source】. The AOE comprises the land area of Afghanistan and all airspace above that area. **Award Elements** The ACM consists of a ribbon and a medal. Importantly, no citation or certificate is issued alongside this medal. Subsequent awards are indicated by bronze stars on the ACM ribbon for each distinct campaign phase participated in, with a silver star replacing five bronze stars【4:3†source】【4:6†source】. **Substituting Other Awards** Prior to the creation of the ACM, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) was awarded for qualifying participation in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Service members who received the GWOTEM for service in the ACM's designated areas between September 11, 2001, and April 30, 2005, may choose to keep the GWOTEM or switch to the ACM, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for the ACM【4:2†source】【4:4†source】. The ACM is the only campaign medal authorized for service in Afghanistan from May 1, 2005, onwards. In conclusion, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal serves as a formal recognition for military personnel who have actively participated in campaigns and operations in Afghanistan, commemorating their service and sacrifice during pivotal operations in U.S. military history.