Posted on Mar 5, 2016
SSG Drill Sergeant
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So from what I gather, GWOT-SM is awarded only for service in Afghanistan and Iraq, whereas the GWOT-EM is awarded for service in any other country in the GWOT theater of operations. Also after reading AR 600-8-22, I noticed that the 2 ribbons cannot be awarded for the same period of time, ie, deployment. Is this information right?

I ask because I transferred to a unit in Kuwait, and at the end of the deployment, it was blanket GWOT-SM and GWOT-EM for the whole Battalion. I'm certain this is wrong, and definitely takes off the gloss of the GWOT-SM I earned in Afghanistan, what with Kuwait being just a training rotation
Posted in these groups: Us medals Awards7709e927 GWOT
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 13
SGM Steve Wettstein
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Yes but you got them ass backwards. GWOTEM is for those that deploy in theater. GWOTSM is for those that support those that deploy in theater.

2–18. Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
a. The GWOTEM was established by EO 13289, 12 March 2003. It is authorized for award to Service members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. Operations approved the GWOTEM are provided in paragraph 2–18d.

2–19. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
a. The GWOTSM was established by EO 13289, 12 March 2003. It is authorized for award to Service members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have participated in or served in support of a Global War on Terrorism operations outside of the designated area of eligibility defined in paragraph 2–19d on or after 11 September 2001 to a future date to be determined. Operations approved for the GWOTSM are provided in paragraph 2–19c.
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SFC Arai Pooley
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There is a regulation that covers this. But I'll break it down for how it was originally awarded, since the requirements may have changed since then. When it first came out, everyone was awarded the GWOT-SM for being in service when the Global War On Terrorism began. Those of us who deployed in support that war, were also authorized the Expeditionary Medal in recognition for our direct contribution. Since then additional awards have come into existence. But the answer to your question is “YES” You can get both the service medal and the Expeditionary Medal for the same period of service. However, you cannot get the Iraq or Afghanistan Medal for the same period of service.
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CAPT Hiram Patterson
CAPT Hiram Patterson
9 y
I was mobilized to Naval Hospital Corpus Christi in 2003 and got the GWOT-SM. The person I replaced went to Iraq with the Marines and probably got the EM.
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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Seriously, SGT? You read the regs. You saw the answer and yet you still ask? Far be it from me to rib a fellow NCO like this, but damn. You literally found the answer. If you got awarded both, cakes and pie for you even though you said what the actual answer is. But, you need to pick one to wear. One or the other, never both.
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SSG Dan Willmont
SSG Dan Willmont
9 y
You are berating this NCO, yet the information that you are providing is false. Both of them are authorized to be worn at the same time.
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
MSG (Join to see)
9 y
SSG Dan Willmont - So, after double checking the facts as I knew them, I had a massive brainfart and confused the GWOT-S and E with the campaign medals. For my massive brainfart, I wish to apologize to SSG (Join to see) for my berating.
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