ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13723Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13723

Establishing the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal

This executive order establishes a new military campaign medal for U.S. Armed Forces members who served in Iraq, Syria, or surrounding areas beginning June 15, 2014. It allows eligible service members to receive this medal in lieu of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for the same period, but prohibits receiving both medals for identical service.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 19017

Impact dates

  1. Regulations to be prescribed by Secretary of Defense for medal award

  2. Regulations to be prescribed by Secretary of Homeland Security for Coast Guard

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

Key directives

  • Establish the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with suitable appurtenances
  • Award to Armed Forces members who served in Iraq, Syria, or contiguous waters/airspace on or after June 15, 2014, before terminal date set by Secretary of Defense
  • Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations for award
  • Secretary of Homeland Security to prescribe regulations for Coast Guard when not operating as Navy service
  • Allow members to receive Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal in lieu of Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal upon application
  • Prohibit dual award of both medals for same period of service
  • Permit posthumous awards under prescribed regulations

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Medal establishment takes effect upon signing

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of Defense to prescribe terminal date for eligibility period
  • Secretary of Defense to issue implementing regulations
  • Secretary of Homeland Security to issue Coast Guard regulations when not operating under Navy

Long term

  • Retroactive awards to service dating back to June 15, 2014
  • Ongoing posthumous awards for eligible deceased personnel

Risks & tensions

  • No explicit deadline for Secretary of Defense to set terminal date or issue regulations—timing uncertain
  • Potential administrative complexity in processing retroactive applications and medal exchanges
  • Coast Guard dual regulatory oversight (Defense vs. Homeland Security) may create coordination friction
Executive Order 13723: Establishing the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal · Executive Orders