The GWOTSM will be awarded to recognize all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in or in support of Global War on Terrorism Operations, on or after 11 Sep 01 to a date to be determined.

Soldiers may receive both the GWOTSM and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) if they meet the requirements of both awards; however, the same period of service establishing eligibility for one cannot be used to justify service eligibility for the other.

The GWOTSM is uthorized to be awarded to Soldiers who have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism Operations outside the designated AOE for award of the GWOTEM, on or after 11 sep 01 to a date to be determined.

Initial award of the GWOTSM will be limited to airport security operations (from 27 Sep 01 through 31 May 02) and Soldiers who supported Operations NOBLE EAGLE, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM.

All Soldiers on active duty, including Reserve Component soldiers mobilized, or National Guard Soldiers activated on or after 11 Sep 01 to a date to be determined having served 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days are authorized the GWOTSM.

Only one award of the GWOTSM may be authorized for any individual. A message will be transmitted at a later date by the Military Awards Branch to address battle stars/service stars.

Description: A bronze color metal disc 1 3/8 inches in diameter, charged with an eagle, wings displayed, with a stylized shield of thirteen vertical bars on its breast and holding in dexter claw an olive branch and in sinister claw three arrows, all in front of a terrestrial globe with the inscription above 'WAR ON TERRORISM SERVICE MEDAL.' On the reverse is a laurel wreath on a plain field.

Symbolism: The eagle and shield, adapted from the Great Seal, represent the United States. They protect the globe above and behind, symbolizing American resolve to combat and overcome global elements of international terrorism. The laurel wreath represents the drive for peace. The three arrows signify vigilance, resolve and peace.

Medal, regular: NSN 8455-01-506-7170 (includes regular size medal and ribbon bar)

Do all active duty Soldiers qualify for the GWOTSM automatically?

In Mar 04, Senior Army leadership made the determination that all active duty Soldiers serving on active duty since 11 Sep 01 had served in someway in support of GWOT. Therefore, Soldiers serving on active duty at that time were all authorized the GWOTSM. After Mar 04, the award approval authority, Battalion Commanders, must determine that a Soldier serving on active duty after the release of the message has qualified for the GWOTSM.

Are Soldiers who have just graduated AIT automatically entitled to the GWOTSM?

Negative. Soldiers serving on active duty primarily in a training status (basic training, advanced individual training, officer training courses, etc.) are not authorized award of the GWOTSM for the active duty time they are in training. After Mar 04, the award approval authority, Battalion Commanders, must determine that a Soldier serving on active duty after the release of the message has qualified for the GWOTSM.