The ICM is authorized to be awarded to Soldiers who deploy to Iraq in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) on or after 19 March 2003 to a date to be determined or the cessation of OIF.

The area of eligiblity encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles.

To be eligible for the ICM, a Soldier must be assigned or attached to a unit participating in OIF for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days in Iraq or meet one of the following criteria:

- Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy and under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of the time in Iraq.

- While participating in OIF or on official duties, regardless of time, is killed or wounded/injured requireing medical evacuation from Iraq.

- While participating as a regularly assigned air crewmember flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Iraq in direct support of OIF; each day that one or more sorties are flown IAW the criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement.

Service members qualified for the GWOTEM by reasons of service between 19 March 2003 and 30 April 2005, in Iraq, shall remain qualified for the medal. Any such Soldier may be awarded the ICM in lieu of the GWOTEM for such service. Additionally, any such Soldier authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the ICM with arrowhead device in lieu of the GWOTEM with arrowhead device. No Soldier shall be entitled to both medals for the same act, achievement, or period of service.

Only one award of the ICM may be authorized for any individual. One Bronze Service Star shall be worn on the suspension and campaign ribbon of the ICM for one or more days of participation in each designated campaign phase. Approved designated ICM campaign phases and inclusive periods are listed below:

- Liberation of Iraq (19 Mar 2003 - 1 May 2003)
- Transition of Iraq (2 May 2003 - 28 Jun 2004)
- Iraqi Governance (29 Jun 2004 - 15 Dec 2005)
- National Resolution (16 Dec 2005 - Date to be determined)

The ICM may be awarded posthumously to any Soldier who lost his/her life while, or as a direct result of, participating in qualifying operations, without regard to length of such service, if otherwise eligible.

Description: On a bronze metal 1 3/8 inches in diameter the relief of Iraq, surmounted by two lines throughout, surmounting a palm wreath. Above is the inscription 'IRAQ CAMPAIGN.' On the reverse, the Statue of Freedom surmounting a sunburst, encircled by two scimitars points down crossed at tip of blades, all above the inscription 'FOR SERVICE IN IRAQ.'

Symbolism: The relief of Iraq represents the area of operation.  The lines symbolize the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, recalling Iraq’s title as 'the land of two rivers.' The palm wreath denotes peace and honor. The Statue of Freedom represents the ideals and goals of the United States Army to bring stability and improve the way of life for Iraq. The sunburst symbolizes hope and success.  The two scimitars recall the swords erected by Sadam Hussein during his reign; the points down symbolize the goal for freedom of the Iraqi people, after the fall of Hussein. The ribbon reflects the colors of the Iraq flag. Green is the traditional color for Islam. Red honors the fighting courage for the pursuit of freedom. White denotes generosity and black exemplifies Islam’s success.

Medal, regular: NSN 8455-01-527-8023 (includes regular size medal and ribbon bar)