Non-Article 5 NATO Medal (ISAF)

Background

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has approved a Non-Article 5 NATO medal for personnel participating in NATO support operation International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. The Deputy Secretary of Defense has authorized the acceptance and wear of this medal by US military and US civilian members.

Criteria

Personnel eligible for this award are those member of units or staffs as set out in the Joint Operations Area Combined Joint Statement of Requirements taking part in NATO operations in Afghanistan in accordance with the qualifying conditions. Entitlement will be acquired by those forces under NATO command or control while in the JOA, and those deployed to the JOA under national command in support of the NATO operation.

The Afghanistan JOA is defined as the political boundaries and airspace of Afghanistan, according to ISAF operational plans.

The period of qualifying service in the Afghanistan JOA is 30 days continuous or accumulated service from June 1, 2003 to Dec 31, 2014. Aircrew members will accumulate one day's service for the first sortie flown of any day; additional sorties flown on the same day receive no further credit. This requirement exists for support as well as combat aircraft; support aircraft includes tanker, airlift and surveillance platforms.

Wear

Members will wear the first NATO medal awarded, and will wear a bronze service star for any subsequent medal awarded for a different operation. Subsequent deployments in support of the same operation will not be awarded.

Medal description

Members will wear the first NATO medal awarded, and will wear a bronze service star for any subsequent medal awarded for a different operation. Subsequent deployments in support of the same operation will not be awarded.

Ribbon description

Members are authorized to retain the ribbon clasp if presented; however the wearing of the ribbon clasp with the NATO Medal is not authorized for U.S. military members.

Authorized device

Bronze Service Star