- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 30 March 2016
- Country: United States
The Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal (IRCM) is a U.S. Department of Defense campaign medal created to recognise military service in Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led effort against the Islamic State extremist group in Iraq and Syria. It was established by Executive Order on 30 March 2016 during the Obama administration and is awarded retroactively to service beginning 15 June 2014.
Unlike awards for specific achievements, the IRCM is a service-based campaign medal, meaning it acknowledges participation in a defined military operation rather than an individual act of heroism. It is presented to members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard who meet eligibility criteria related to deployment in designated areas during the operation.
To qualify, a service member generally must have been assigned to a unit based in Iraq or Syria, have flown missions into these countries or their contiguous waters and airspace, or otherwise operated in the area for a specified period—typically 30 days (consecutive or non-consecutive). Those who are killed, wounded, medically evacuated, or engaged in combat before completing the time requirement also qualify immediately.
The award replaced the use of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for service in Iraq and Syria once it was instituted; personnel who previously earned that medal for qualifying service may petition to convert it to the IRCM instead, but a service member cannot receive both for the same period of service.
Today the medal remains an active award recognising U.S. military participation in one of the major post-9/11 operations and is often seen alongside campaign stars on its ribbon to denote participation in different phases of the conflict.
The Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal Design
The design and symbolism of the IRCM reflect aspects of the operational environment: an eagle and dagger denote strength and resolve, while regional artistic motifs and colours evoke the landscape where Operation Inherent Resolve was conducted.
