WASHINGTON, March 12, 2015 - Operation Freedom's Sentinel is now a qualifying operation for award of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, according to a Defense Department news release.

In a memorandum signed yesterday, Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica Wright approved award of Global War on Terrorism Medals for Operation Freedom's Sentinel, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2015, the release said.

Service members deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Freedom's Sentinel continue to be recognized through award of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, according to the release. However, service members deployed abroad in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel outside of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal area of eligibility are now eligible for award of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Those service members deployed in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel who have previously been recognized with the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for other qualifying operations are eligible to wear a service star on the medal or ribbon device, the release said.

Full eligibility criteria for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service medals are contained in Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 2, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD Service Awards Campaign, Expeditionary, and Service Medals.

Service members should contact their respective military departments for additional guidance.