I was on AD on 9/11. I got out 19NOV01. Do I qualify for NDSM, or no?

PV2 Christopher Graham — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 07:22:32 -0400

From what I've been told, NDSM (National Defense Service Medal) regs state that you must serve on AD during time of National Crisis (wartime). What I'm unclear on is how long and do I qualify?

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Mar 19 at 2014 7:50 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 07:50:23 -0400

The National Defense Service Medal was reinstated by MILPER Message 02-150 and servicemembers have to serve one day of qualifying service to earn medal.

It is awarded for honorable active service for "ANY" period from 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2014 6:26 AM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 06:26:25 -0400

In addition from SGM Quick's correct response. I add it as I've seen a few non-Vietnam era folks wearing two bronze service stars: From AR 600-8-22, Military Awards, dtd 11 Dec 2006/RAR Issue 24 June 2013: The National Defense Service Medal is authorized for the following time periods:

Korean War : June 27, 1950 – July 27, 1954
Vietnam War: January 1, 1961 – August 14, 1974
Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – November 30, 1995
Global War on Terrorism: September 11, 2001 – Present

The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) is awarded to anyone who serves on active duty in the United States military during the above time periods.

For service in the Gulf War, members of the military Reserve (in good standing) or National Guard were initially awarded the NDSM when called to active duty service, but this was later expanded to include all members of the Reserve or National Guard in good standing on the Reserve Active Status List (or equivalent) during the eligibility period.

For service in the War on Terrorism, Selected Reserve and National Guard members need only to have been in good standing to receive the NDSM, and no active duty service is required. Inactive Ready Reserve and Retired Reserve are not eligible to be awarded the NDSM unless called to active duty.

The medal is authorized to Cadets and Midshipmen at the service academies after they are sworn into service, as well as pre-commission officer candidates/trainees at the Officer Candidate Schools or Officer Training Schools of the various U.S. services; but is not granted to discharged or retired veterans who did not serve in one of the above time periods; nor is it authorized for Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets and Midshipmen at colleges and universities who enlisted in the inactive reserve (i.e., Obligated Reserve Section or ORS) during qualifying periods.

Response by SGT William Hawkins made Jun 8 at 2017 5:16 PM

SGT William Hawkins — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 17:16:32 -0400

During Vietnam we got it in Basic training

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2017 10:54 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 22:54:58 -0500

No because in order to get the NDSM from my understanding you have to enlist or reenlist during a time of war.