MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Wednesday announced the creation of a new medal for troops fighting in the campaign against the Islamic State.
President Obama will sign an executive order to make troops serving in Iraq, Syria or surrounding waters or airspace eligible for the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
“I am pleased to announce today, by the president’s order and upon the chairman’s and my recommendation, that our sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines serving in Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve are eligible for this medal and distinction,” Carter announced Wednesday at the change of command ceremony for U.S. Central Command in Tampa.
The new award will become available to troops immediately who are serving or served any time on or after June 15, 2014, when the campaign against the Islamic State began, for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.
Troops who received a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal who meet the criteria for the new award can turn in the GWOT medal for the upgraded award.
The new award is a bronze disc with a dagger and scorpion being held by a mailed hand. The ribbon is blue, teal, sand and orange.
The color of the ribbon was inspired by the Ishtar Gate, according to a release from the Pentagon.
