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The Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and dedication of United States military personnel who served in the complex and challenging theaters of Iraq and Syria between 2014 and 2020. Established by Executive Order on March 30, 2016, this prestigious award recognizes the exceptional service of troops who played a critical role in combating the Islamic State (ISIS) during Operation Inherent Resolve.
Origins and Significance
The medal was created to honor service members who were deployed in a region marked by intense military operations. Approximately 11,000 troops became immediately eligible for this distinguished recognition when it was first announced by then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter. The medal covers service in specific geographical areas, including:
- Iraq
- Syria
- Contiguous waters
- Airspace above these regions
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, service members must meet specific requirements. Troops must have served under one of these conditions:
- Permanently assigned, attached, or detailed for 30 consecutive or non-consecutive days to a unit operating in the area of eligibility
- Engaged in combat during an armed engagement
- Killed or wounded/injured while on official duties, requiring medical evacuation from the area of operations
Medal Design and Symbolism
The medal’s design is rich with symbolic meaning. Featuring a bronze disc approximately 1¼ inches in diameter, it incorporates powerful imagery that reflects the mission’s complexity:
| Design Element | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| Scorpion | Represents treachery and destructive forces |
| Mailed Fist | Symbolizes strength and courage in defending liberty |
| Ribbon Colors | Inspired by the Ishtar Gate and regional sand-colored landscape |
Campaign Phases
The Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal recognizes service across multiple operational phases:
- Operation Inherent Resolve: June 15, 2014 - November 23, 2015
- Intensification: November 25, 2015 - April 14, 2017
- Defeat: April 15, 2017 - July 1, 2020
- Normalize: July 2, 2020 - To Be Determined
🏅 Note: Service members can earn bronze campaign stars for participation in each designated phase of the operation.
The medal represents more than just a piece of military hardware; it symbolizes the commitment, sacrifice, and resilience of American service members who served in one of the most challenging military environments of the early 21st century.
Who is eligible for the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal?
+U.S. military personnel who served in Iraq, Syria, or contiguous waters/airspace for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days between June 15, 2014, and a date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense.
Can the medal be awarded posthumously?
+Yes, the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal can be awarded posthumously to eligible service members.
How does this medal relate to the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal?
+Service members can apply to exchange their Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal if they served in the specified region during the eligible timeframe.
