MCB Camp Pendleton

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HQ: 'As you were' on medal placement

28 Oct 2004 | Lance Cpl. Joseph L. Digirolamo Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines who stand inspection proudly wearing their Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal may find themselves frowning after they find out they're wearing it incorrectly. Marine Online is offering guidance -- albeit incorrect -- on how to wear the medal. As of Tuesday, the incorrect information remained on Marine Online with the disclaimer "unofficial." "Marines relying on precedence of ribbons according to Marine Online could be misguided," said Lance Cpl. Ned C. Vergara, an admin clerk with the Awards Branch at Quantico, Va.The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal's correct placement is after the Kosovo Campaign Medal and before the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. That medal -- for stateside service members who performed certain security roles since 9/11 -- is yet to be released; Vergara said its release date has not been determined.The Marine Online guidance shows ribbons placed in incorrect order. Its disclaimer says the precedence order "is being researched" by the Awards Branch, and that MOL will update its program as soon as results are made available. This award was established by executive order on March 12, 2003. Personnel eligible to receive the medal must be assigned to a deployed unit participating in operations during the Global War on Terrorism for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. Marine Administrative Message 129/04, citing DoD exceptions to those criteria, says commands may award the medal to Marines engaged in "dangerous operations" or who becoming casualties during operations. The scarlet, blue and white stripes on the GWOTEM's ribbon is a representation of the United States. The gold stripes stand for excellence and the blue denote cooperation against global terrorism.The award's bronze medal represents an eagle with a shield (symbolizing the United States) crushing the serpent (symbolizing terrorists). The swords underneath the shield represent readiness. The wreath shows honor and achievement. For more information on the GWOTEM, Marines should review MarAdmins 129/04 and 295/04 or speak with their administrative support unit.

HQ: 'As you were' on medal placement

28 Oct 2004 | Lance Cpl. Joseph L. Digirolamo Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines who stand inspection proudly wearing their Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal may find themselves frowning after they find out they're wearing it incorrectly. Marine Online is offering guidance -- albeit incorrect -- on how to wear the medal. As of Tuesday, the incorrect information remained on Marine Online with the disclaimer "unofficial." "Marines relying on precedence of ribbons according to Marine Online could be misguided," said Lance Cpl. Ned C. Vergara, an admin clerk with the Awards Branch at Quantico, Va.The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal's correct placement is after the Kosovo Campaign Medal and before the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. That medal -- for stateside service members who performed certain security roles since 9/11 -- is yet to be released; Vergara said its release date has not been determined.The Marine Online guidance shows ribbons placed in incorrect order. Its disclaimer says the precedence order "is being researched" by the Awards Branch, and that MOL will update its program as soon as results are made available. This award was established by executive order on March 12, 2003. Personnel eligible to receive the medal must be assigned to a deployed unit participating in operations during the Global War on Terrorism for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. Marine Administrative Message 129/04, citing DoD exceptions to those criteria, says commands may award the medal to Marines engaged in "dangerous operations" or who becoming casualties during operations. The scarlet, blue and white stripes on the GWOTEM's ribbon is a representation of the United States. The gold stripes stand for excellence and the blue denote cooperation against global terrorism.The award's bronze medal represents an eagle with a shield (symbolizing the United States) crushing the serpent (symbolizing terrorists). The swords underneath the shield represent readiness. The wreath shows honor and achievement. For more information on the GWOTEM, Marines should review MarAdmins 129/04 and 295/04 or speak with their administrative support unit.