Things you may not know about the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a U.S. Military medal authorized and created by Public Law 108-234, dated 28 May 2004, and Executive Order 13363, dated 29 November 2004. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense announced the establishment of campaign phases (see below) on 19 February 2008.
Public law 109-163, dated 6 January 2006, amended the beginning date for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and the date of eligibility for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal to 11 September 2001.
Individuals authorized the ACM must have served in direct support of OEF.
The area of eligibility (AOE) encompasses all land area of the country of Afghanistan and all air spaces above the land.
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal period of eligibility is on or after 11 September 2001 to a future date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense or the cessation of OEF.
Effective 31 December 2014, OEF is no longer an authorized qualifying operation for award of the ACM. Effective 1 January 2015, Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS) is an approved operation for award of the ACM.
|
LIBERATION OF AFGHANISTAN |
11 SEPTEMBER 2001 – 30 NOVEMBER 2001 |
|
CONSOLIDATION I |
1 DECEMBER 2001 – 30 SEPTEMBER 20 |
|
CONSOLIDATION II |
1 OCTOBER 2006 – 30 NOVEMBER 2009 |
|
CONSOLIDATION III |
1 DECEMBER 2009 – 30 JUNE 2011 |
|
TRANSITION I |
1 JULY 2011 - 31 DECEMBER 2014 |
|
TRANSITION II |
1 JANUARY 2015 - TO BE DETERMINE |
In order of precedence, the ACM will be worn before the Iraq Campaign Medal (ICM) and shall directly follow the Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) (i.e., KCM, ACM, ICM, GWOTEM, etc.).
Medal Description
On a bronze metal 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in diameter above a range of mountains is a map of Afghanistan. Around the top is the inscription “AFGHANISTAN CAMPAIGN.”
On the reverse, a radiating demi-sun superimposed by an eagle’s head couped. Inscribed across the bottom half of the reserve side are the three lines “FOR SERVICE” “IN” “AFGHANISTAN” all enclosed by a laurel wreath.
Symbolism
The designed Mountains dominate the landscape of Afghanistan. The map of the country highlights the theater of operation and our commitment to Operation Enduring Freedom.
The eagle, a symbol of the United States and the American spirit, is constantly vigilant, ready to defend freedom.
The rising sun embodies a new start for Afghanistan and its road to a free and prosperous future. The laurel wreath is for honor and high achievement.
The ribbon reflects the colors of the new Afghanistan flag and the red, white and blue represent the United States and its allies.
Ribbon
The ribbon is Emerald, Scarlet, Black, White, Scarlet and Old Glory Blue.
Components
The following are related items:
- Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/318D. NSN 8455-01-527-8027 for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.
- Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/318D. Available commercially.
- Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/593. Available commercially.
- Lapel Button (ribbon replica): MIL-DTL-11484/312. Available commercially.
- Pocket Square Heroes™ inspired Afghanistan campaign Pocket Square.
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) and Ribbon are very recognizable. It can be seen on bumper stickers, t-shirts, mugs, posters, lapel pins, tie designs and now pocket squares.
- Bear PS Heroes