The Armed Forces Service Medal: Why Veterans from 1975-1992 Were Not Eligible

The Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM) has been a subject of discussion among many veterans and military enthusiasts. This article aims to explore the reasoning behind the lack of awarding the AFSM to veterans who served between 1975 and 1992, detailing its inception and criteria.

History and Inception of the AFSM

The AFSM was introduced in 1996, with its legislation limited to retroactive recognition until 1992. This means that although the medal came into existence, it did not cover service members who had already completed their duties by that time. The ambiguous nature of this timeline sparked questions and raised awareness among veterans who served during this period.

Criteria for Awarding the AFSM

The AFSM serves as the non-combat parallel to the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM). While the AFEM is awarded for combat operations and support missions, the AFSM targets service members involved in non-combat missions. The criteria for the AFSM include:

Service members must have participated or be participating in a designated U.S. military operation that is deemed significant. There must be no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action.

In essence, the AFSM is a recognition for deploying for non-combat purposes, much like peacekeeping or UN operations. This understanding differs from the traditional military perspective, where medals are typically awarded for acts of bravery and combat.

The Debate Over Modern Military Awards

There is a growing sentiment among the veteran community that suggests medals should be reserved for limited, significant acts of service. The increasing frequency of awarding such recognitions can potentially dilute their value. Admiral Boarda's reasoning for awarding?candies-like achievements to sailors highlights this concern. His justification was that Pentagon-based military personnel have fewer medals on their uniform compared to Army and Air Force members, thus necessitating more recognition.

Personal Reflections and Eligibility

The article concludes with a personal anecdote, illustrating the surprise and realization that one who deployed to Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy (1994-1995) was eligible for the AFSM. This experience reflects the broader uncertainty and confusion surrounding the eligibility criteria for the AFSM among veterans, particularly those who served during the designated retroactive period until 1992.

Conclusion

The AFSM represents a significant change in how military service is recognized. While intended to reward non-combat service, its limitations in covering pre-1992 service has led to confusion and disappointment among veterans. The debate over modern military awards reflects a broader discussion about the value and significance of recognition in the United States military.