Eligibility Criteria
The IRCM shall be awarded to each Service member who, on or after 15 June 2014, was permanently assigned, attached, or detailed for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days to a unit operating in the area of eligibility (AOE), or who meets one of the following criteria regardless of time spent in the AOE:
- Was engaged in combat during an armed engagement
- While participating in an operation or on official duties was killed or wounded/injured and medically evacuated from the AOE
The AOE encompasses the land area of the countries of Iraq and Syria, the contiguous waters of each extending out to 12 nautical miles, and the air space above the land area and contiguous waters.
The qualifying operation and inclusive date for the IRCM are as follows:
| INHERENT RESOLVE |
June 15, 2014 - To Be Determined |
Aircrew members accrue one day of eligibility for each day they fly into, out of, within, or over the AOE.
The IRCM is not authorized for foreign military personnel.
Procedures
Service members awarded the GWOT-EM for between 15 June 2014 and 30 March 2016, in an area for which the IRCM was authorized subsequently remain qualified for that medal. Such members, upon application, may be awarded the IRCM in lieu of that GWOT-EM. No member shall be entitled to both medals for the same act, achievement, or period of service.
Members deployed outside of Iraq and Syria for Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, who do not physically enter Iraq or Syria to qualify for the new medal, will continue to be recognized with the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for their specific deployment.
Service members serving in the IRCM qualifying AOE for which the GWOT-EM was subsequently authorized are no longer qualified to receive the GWOT-EM after 30 March 2016.
The servicing MPS/CSS will verify eligibility for the IRCM. Once verified it is the MPS responsibility to update members MilPDS record and complete an AF Form 104 to send to members ARMS record.
Additional Information
Individuals are only presented an IRCM upon initial award.
A separate bronze campaign star is worn on the IRCM suspension and campaign ribbon to recognize each designated campaign phase in which the member participated for one or more days. A silver campaign star is worn in lieu of five bronze campaign stars. The IRCM campaign phases and inclusive dates are listed at the Office of the Under Secretary For Personnel and Readiness.
The IRCM is worn after the ICM and before the GWOT-EM medal.
The IRCM may be awarded posthumously.
The IRCM has no Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS) point value.
The medal is currently under development and projected date of availability will be forthcoming.
The MilPDS code to update the IRCM in a member's military personnel file will be "IR". This code will be added to MilPDS and vMPF within the coming months.
For more information on Air Force recognition programs, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website (CAC Required). Any questions should be directed to the myPers - Total Force Service Center (CAC Required). MAJCOMs may contact the Air Force Personnel Center Recognition Programs Section (AFPC/DP2SPE) 550 C Street West Suite 12, JBSA-Randolph, TX 78150-4714 for any questions.
Questions and Answers
Q: Who will receive the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal?
A: All Service members who meet the eligibility criteria contained in the Secretary's announcement memo will receive the new medal. To qualify for award, a member must have been present in Iraq, Syria, or the contiguous waters or airspace of either country, on or after June 15, 2014, for a period of at least 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days. Service members who were killed and those who were medically evacuated due to wounds or injuries immediately qualify for award, as do members who have engaged in combat. The Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are the approval authorities and will promulgate guidance for award procedures to their Military Departments.
Q: Will all deployed Service members supporting Operation INHERENT RESOLVE get the new Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal?
A: No, only those Service members in Iraq or Syria, or the contiguous waters or airspace of either country who meet eligibility requirements will receive the medal. Members deployed outside of Iraq and Syria for Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, who do not enter Iraq or Syria to qualify for the new medal, will continue to be recognized with the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Q: Is the new medal retroactive?
A: Yes, it is retroactive to June 15, 2014. Service members previously awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for qualifying service in Iraq or Syria between June 15, 2014 and March 29, 2016 remain qualified for that medal. However, such members may apply to their respective Military Department for award of the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal in lieu of that GWOT-EM. Members may not receive both medals for the same act, achievement, or period of service.
Q: What makes this operation qualify for a campaign medal when the President has previously said we are not engaged in ground combat?
A: Campaign medals have traditionally been established by Presidential Executive Order for large-scale and long-duration combat actions or operations. This campaign meets those criteria because:
- The entire operational area (Iraq and Syria) has been subject to lethal combat operations
- U.S. forces are executing an extensive air campaign in the region
- A U.S. division-plus force is providing command and control, intelligence, and other advisory services
- The operation is large-scale and long-duration
Q: Is this different than the Iraq Campaign Medal?
A: Yes, there is no association between the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal. (NOTE: Iraq Campaign Medal recognized members who served in Iraq for Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and NEW DAWN during the period of March 19, 2003 to December 31, 2011).
Q: Why not give the medal to Service members in Turkey, Kuwait, and other locations?
A: The Commander, U.S. Central Command proposed the area of eligibility for the new medal based on the increased danger and threat incurred by members serving in Iraq and Syria. Members deployed for Operation INHERENT RESOLVE outside of Iraq and Syria continues to be recognized with the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Q: What do the symbols on the medal and colors of the ribbon signify?
A: The decorated star panels are common in the Arabian and Moorish styles of ornament. A scorpion is a symbol for treachery and destructive forces. The eagle is a national emblem and ancient symbol of power and victory. The color combination in the ribbon was inspired by The Ishtar Gate and the color of sand.
Q: How will commands obtain medals for their Service members?
A: The IRCM is authorized for award immediately and is available for commercial sale through licensed vendors. It will be made available through military clothing sales stores in the coming weeks and, subsequently, through the DoD supply system.
Q: Where will the IRCM be placed in the hierarchy of other award decorations; i.e., ahead of what medal and below what medal?
A: The IRCM will be worn after the Iraq Campaign Medal and before the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Q: How many service members are eligible for the new medal?
A: Approximately 11,000 service members are eligible for the new award as of March 30, 2016.
Medal Description
The decorated star panels are common in the Arabian and Moorish styles of ornament. A scorpion is a symbol for treachery and destructive forces. The eagle is a national emblem and ancient symbol of power and victory. The color combination in the ribbon was inspired by The Ishtar Gate and the color of sand.
A separate bronze campaign star is worn on the IRCM suspension and campaign ribbon to recognize each designated campaign phase in which the member participated for one or more days. A silver campaign star is worn in lieu of five bronze campaign stars.
