Military campaign badges play a significant role in recognizing and honoring the service and sacrifices of military personnel who have participated in specific campaigns, operations, or conflicts.
One of the primary purposes of military campaign badges is to commemorate significant events or operations in which military units or individuals have played a role. These badges often feature distinctive designs, symbols, or emblems that are emblematic of the campaign or operation for which they are awarded. For example, they may include images representing geographic locations, military equipment, or other elements associated with the specific mission or conflict.
In addition to recognizing participation in specific campaigns or operations, military campaign badges also serve practical purposes within the military. They can help to establish a soldier’s or servicemember’s eligibility for certain benefits, awards, or decorations, and may also be used for identification and authentication purposes.
What is a Military Campaign Badge or Medal?
A military campaign badge is a distinctive insignia or decoration awarded to members of a military unit who have participated in a specific military campaign or operation. These badges serve as tangible symbols of the individual’s contribution to a particular mission or conflict, recognizing their service and dedication to their country’s defense efforts.
The History of Campaign Badges and Medals
The history of campaign badges and medals dates back centuries and is closely intertwined with the evolution of military conflict and recognition of service.
The practice of awarding badges or symbols to soldiers for valor and service can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Roman Empire and ancient Greece. These early badges often took the form of emblems, insignia, or tokens worn by soldiers to denote their allegiance, rank, or achievements in battle.
During the Middle Ages, knighthood orders and chivalric orders emerged, bestowing badges and medals upon knights and warriors for acts of bravery, loyalty, and service to their lords or monarchs. However, the use of military decorations and medals became more widespread during the early modern period, particularly in Europe.
The 19th century saw the formalization and standardization of military campaign badges and medals by various nations, while the World Wars witnessed a significant proliferation of campaign badges and medals, as nations recognized the contributions and sacrifices of their servicemembers on a massive scale.
Campaign Badge Criteria
Military campaign badges are typically awarded based on specific criteria established by military authorities. These criteria may include requirements such as serving in a designated area of operations for a certain period of time, participating in combat or other specified activities, or meeting other qualifications determined by military regulations.
Examples of Military Campaign Badges
Receiving a military campaign badge is often considered a significant honor and source of pride for military personnel. It represents not only their personal contributions to a particular campaign or operation but also their dedication to serving their country and upholding its values and ideals.
Let’s take a look at a few examples of campaign badges and their meaning. For instance:
- Vietnam Service Medal: Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973.
- NATO Medal: Awarded to military and civilian personnel who have participated in designated NATO operations or missions. The design of the medal varies depending on the specific operation or mission, but it typically features the NATO emblem and may include additional symbols or inscriptions related to the mission.
- Iraq Campaign Medal: Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have served in Iraq or its airspace in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn, from March 19, 2003.
- Expeditionary Medal: Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have deployed overseas in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001.
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal: Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have deployed overseas in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001.
The Vietnam Service Medal
Authorized by executive order in 1965, the Vietnam Service Medal is a U.S. medal to honor service members who served in SE Asia.
The NATO Medal
The NATO Medal is an international military decoration awarded to militaries under the authority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The Iraq Campaign Medal (USA)
The Iraq Campaign Medal is a military award of the Armed Forces awarded during the Iraq War, from 29 November 2004 to 31 December 2011.
The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (or GWOT-EM) is a United States Armed Forces award created by George W. Bush on 12 March 2003
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (USA)
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal is a military decoration awarded to any members who performed duty within the borders of Afghanistan.
