ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13666Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13666

Expanding Eligibility for the Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Defense & SecurityDefense & Security

In simple terms

This executive order amends a 1977 order to allow members of friendly foreign nations' armed forces to be eligible for the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, which was previously limited to U.S. military personnel.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 22591

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 79 FR 22591

    Federal Register PDF

Key directives

  • Amend Executive Order 12019 to insert eligibility for armed forces members of friendly foreign nations

Prior policy

  • amendExecutive Order 12019 of November 3, 1977 (Establishing the Defense Meritorious Service Medal)

Related orders

  • amendsEO 12019

What to expect

Immediate

  • Eligibility expansion takes effect upon signing

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Ongoing award of medals to qualifying foreign military personnel

Risks & tensions

  • Term 'friendly foreign nation' is undefined in text, leaving discretion to DoD; minimal institutional risk given narrow scope of military decoration
Executive Order 13666: Expanding Eligibility for the Defense Meritorious Service Medal · Executive Orders