Operation Freedom’s Sentinel is a qualifying operation for award of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Department of Defense announced in a release issued today.
Additionally, the release said, the transition from Operation Enduring Freedom to Freedom’s Sentinel also marks a new campaign phase, “Transition II,” for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. Garfola Wright signed a memorandum authorizing these changes retroactive to Jan. 1, 2015.
Qualifying Operations, Phases, Inclusive Dates
The qualifying Afghanistan Campaign Medal operations, campaign phases, and associated inclusive dates for each are as follows:
Operations:
-- Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) – Sept. 11, 2001 to Dec. 31, 2014.
-- Freedom’s Sentinel – Jan. 1, 2015 to present.
Campaign Phases:
-- Liberation of Afghanistan – Sept. 11, 2001 to Nov. 30, 2001.
-- Consolidation I – Dec. 1, 2001 to Sept. 30, 2006.
-- Consolidation II – Oct. 1, 2006 to Nov. 30, 2009.
-- Consolidation III – Dec. 1, 2009 to June 30, 2011.
-- Transition I – July 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2014.
-- Transition II – Jan. 1, 2015 to present.
Service members should contact their respective military departments for additional guidance.