ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13289Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13289

Establishing the Global War on Terrorism Medals

This executive order establishes two new U.S. military decorations—the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal—for Armed Forces members who served in counterterrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001. The Secretaries of military departments and Secretary of Homeland Security (for Coast Guard) are directed to prescribe uniform regulations for awarding these medals, with terminal dates to be set by the Secretary of Defense.

Federal Register Open PDF 68 FR 12567

Impact dates

  1. Terminal date for eligibility to be prescribed by Secretary of Defense

  2. Uniform regulations to be prescribed by Secretaries of military departments and approved by Secretary of Defense

Key directives

  • Establish Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for military expedition service
  • Establish Global War on Terrorism Service Medal for military operation service
  • Secretaries of military departments to prescribe uniform regulations approved by Secretary of Defense
  • Secretary of Homeland Security to prescribe Coast Guard regulations when not operating under Navy
  • Secretary of Defense to prescribe terminal eligibility dates
  • Allow posthumous awards under prescribed regulations
  • Permit exchange of AFEM/AFSM for new medals upon application, with one-medal-per-operation limit

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • EO takes effect upon signing; medals statutorily established

Near term (90d)

  • Military departments and DHS to draft uniform award regulations
  • Secretary of Defense to determine terminal eligibility dates

Long term

  • Ongoing awards to eligible service members retroactive to September 11, 2001
  • Posthumous awards to qualifying deceased personnel
  • Potential future medal exchange program for those previously awarded AFEM or AFSM

Risks & tensions

  • No explicit deadline for regulations or terminal dates creates implementation uncertainty
  • Medal criteria vagueness ('military expeditions' vs 'military operations') may cause inter-service inconsistency without clear DOD guidance
  • One-medal-per-operation rule may generate disputes over eligibility and exchange requests from veterans
Executive Order 13289: Establishing the Global War on Terrorism Medals · Executive Orders