In accordance with AR-600-8-22 (Military Awards), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who served in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Afghanistan and all air spaces above the land. To be eligible for this award, Soldiers must have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility for 30 consecutive days or for 60 non-consecutive days or meet one of the following criteria:
- Be engaged in combat during an armed engagement, regardless of the time in the area of eligibility.
- While participating in an operation or on official duties, is wounded or injured and requires medical evacuation from the area of eligibility.
- While participating as a regularly assigned air crewmember flying sorties into, out of, within or over the area of eligibility in direct support of the military operations; each day of operations counts as one day of eligibility.
Soldiers qualified for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) by reasons of service between 24 October 2001 and 28 February 2005, in an area for which the ACM was subsequently authorized, will remain qualified for that medal. Upon application, any such Soldier may be awarded the ACM in lieu of the GWOTEM for such service. No Soldier will be entitled to both medals for the same act, achievement or period of service.
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