To be awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal a military service member must perform duty in a deployed status and must participate in designated anti-terrorism operation for a period of either 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days of duty. For those who were engaged in combat, killed, or wounded in the line of duty, the time requirement is waived. The term "deployed status" indicates either temporary or permanent orders to a duty station outside the borders of the United States of America with such duty being in direct support of anti-terrorism operations. For a service member to receive the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the deployment must also have taken place in a nation which is currently recognized as a base for anti-terrorism operations by the United States Department of Defense. On 30 April 2005, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal was discontinued for service within Iraq and Afghanistan, such service now being recognized with the Iraq Campaign Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Personnel who received the GWOT-EM for previous service in these two regions may elect to exchange the GWOT-EM or retain the original award. On February 9, 2015 the Defense Department authorized service stars to be worn on the GWOT-EM to represent different operations the recipient participated in. The GWOT-EM is a Defense Department expeditionary medal. Award of this medal does not prevent award of other types of recognition normally associated with deployment. This medal may be awarded posthumously. The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal may be awarded for approved operations performed in any of the following geographical areas: The following bodies of water are also approved qualifying areas:
The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal may be awarded with the devices:
Arrowhead device - For qualified Army and Air Force service members.
Service stars - effective 9 February 2015, to recognize individual participation in each of the approved operations that a service member participates in, a inch bronze service star is worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal, with a inch silver star being worn in lieu of five bronze stars.
A similar medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, was created under the same Presidential Order that authorized the GWOT Expeditionary Medal. The primary difference between the two awards is that the service medal is intended for those who performed support duty within the United States, while the expeditionary medal recognizes those who were deployed to foreign countries. For those participating in multiple operations, both the GWOT Service and GWOT Expeditionary Medal may be authorized, but both medals can no longer be bestowed for the same qualifying period of service. The only exception is for service personnel who served in Iraq or Afghanistan prior to 30 April 2005. These personnel were awarded both the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
