ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13363Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13363

Establishing the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals

This executive order establishes two new U.S. military decorations: the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal, to recognize service in those respective theaters of operations. It also clarifies that service members may receive either the new campaign medals or the existing Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, but not both for the same period of service.

Federal Register Open PDF 69 FR 70175

Impact dates

  1. Terminal dates for Afghanistan Campaign Medal eligibility to be prescribed by Secretary of Defense

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

Key directives

  • Establish Afghanistan Campaign Medal for service on or after October 24, 2001
  • Establish Iraq Campaign Medal for service on or after March 19, 2003
  • Secretaries of military departments to prescribe uniform regulations subject to Secretary of Defense approval
  • Secretary of Homeland Security to prescribe Coast Guard regulations when not operating as Navy service
  • Secretary of Defense to prescribe terminal dates for both medals
  • Allow members to exchange Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for either campaign medal upon application
  • Prohibit receipt of more than one medal for same period of service
  • Authorize posthumous awards

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Establishment of Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal as official decorations

Near term (90d)

  • Secretaries of military departments to prescribe uniform regulations for award criteria and geographic boundaries
  • Secretary of Defense to approve regulations and prescribe terminal dates for eligibility
  • Secretary of Homeland Security to prescribe Coast Guard regulations when not operating under Navy

Long term

  • Ongoing awards to eligible service members retroactive to October 24, 2001 (Afghanistan) and March 19, 2003 (Iraq)
  • Posthumous awards to deceased service members and veterans upon application

Risks & tensions

  • Terminal dates left undefined, creating uncertainty about when campaigns officially end; text states 'to be prescribed' without deadline for that decision
  • Regulatory burden on military departments to develop uniform standards; potential for inconsistent implementation across services
  • Exchange provision for Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal creates administrative complexity and potential confusion
  • Vague: no explicit deadline for when regulations must be completed or when terminal dates must be set
Executive Order 13363: Establishing the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals · Executive Orders