EXECUTIVE ORDER 12985: INSTITUTING THE ARMED FORCES SERVICE MEDAL
Executive Order 12985 may sound like an ominous decree from Emperor Palpatine, but you’ve probably actually heard about it before without realizing. Ever heard of the Armed Forces Service Medal? If so, then you already know a little bit about Executive Order 12985. Curious to learn more about it now that you know it’? Keep reading as we dive into the history and meaning behind Executive Order 12985. More in military history:Who Was Mikhail Gorbachev? Today in History…
What Is Executive Order 12985?
Executive Order no. 12985 was one of the most popular of the Bill Clinton executive orders. He issued the order on January 11, 1996, to establish the Armed Forces Service Medal. This order also outlines the award’s rules, explaining the criteria, design regulations, and provisions for posthumous awarding. Other than the Bill Clinton Environmental Justice Executive Order, Order 12985 is one of the Clinton administration’s most well-known orders.
What Is the Armed Forces Service Medal?
What is an Armed Forces Service Medal? Veteran military members or active-duty members can all receive this medal. The Armed Forces Service Medal is awarded to Armed Forces personnel who, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
“(a) Participate, or have participated, as members of United States military units in a United States military operation in which personnel of any Armed Force participate that is deemed to be significant activity; and (b) Encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action.”
According to the regulations, the medal can be awarded for specific operations, such as peacekeeping missions, long-term humanitarian operations, and operations that directly support the UN or NATO. Basically, the medal is for someone who has an important part to play in a non-combat operation of significant importance. Its counterpart would be the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, which is for members who played a significant role in important combat or combat-support missions.
What Does the Armed Forces Service Medal Look Like?
The medal itself is bronze, round, and 32 mm in diameter. It’s held up by a yellow, blue, and green service ribbon. The medal itself is engraved with the words “ARMED FORCES SERVICE MEDAL” at the top, along with an image of the Statue of Liberty’s torch. On the back is the U.S. DoD seal with the phrase “IN PURSUIT OF DEMOCRACY” engraved at the top. There are currently over a dozen approved operations for which service members have been able to or can currently receive an Armed Forces Service Medal under Executive Order 12985. Service members are also eligible to receive an Armed Forces Service Medal for COVID response operations.
The Impact of Executive Order 12985
Do you know who all can receive the Armed Forces Services Medal? Veteran and active-duty military personnel aren’t alone in being able to receive this type of honor. Executive Order 12985 paved the way for the creation of a civilian version of the medal to be created in August 1997. This version of the medal is called the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal. Like military members, civilians can also receive the medal for efforts undergone during the COVID response. We’re all for supporting military members and Vets here at VeteranLife, so let us know if you have an Armed Forces Service Medal as a result of Executive Order 12985 so we can give you a big ole’ thanks for your work! Read next:National Vietnam Veterans Day: Venerating Vietnam Vets
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