What is a Armed Forces Service Medal Veteran?
The term "Armed Forces Service Medal Veteran" refers to individuals who have served in the military and have been awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM) for their service. The AFSM is a United States military award that is presented to members of the armed forces who have served in a military operation or campaign, but did not receive a combat award such as the Purple Heart or a campaign medal.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the AFSM, an individual must have served in a military operation or campaign that was designated by the Secretary of Defense. The operation or campaign must have been recognized as a significant military operation or campaign, and the individual must have served in a duty status that is considered "honorable" by the military.
Types of Operations and Campaigns
The AFSM can be awarded for service in a variety of operations and campaigns, including:
- Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations: Operations conducted to provide aid and assistance to victims of natural disasters or humanitarian crises.
- Peacekeeping and Stability Operations: Operations conducted to maintain peace and stability in a region or country.
- Counterterrorism Operations: Operations conducted to combat terrorism and terrorist organizations.
- Counterpiracy Operations: Operations conducted to combat piracy and protect shipping lanes.
- Cyber Operations: Operations conducted to protect the military’s computer systems and networks from cyber threats.
Awards and Decorations
The AFSM is a bronze medal that is suspended from a ribbon. The medal features a globe on the obverse (front) side, with the words "Armed Forces Service Medal" inscribed above it. The reverse (back) side of the medal features an eagle and a shield.
Benefits and Privileges
Armed Forces Service Medal Veterans are entitled to a number of benefits and privileges, including:
- Veterans’ Preference: AFSM recipients are entitled to veterans’ preference when applying for federal jobs or promotions.
- Burial Benefits: AFSM recipients are entitled to burial benefits, including a grave marker and burial in a national cemetery.
- Disability Compensation: AFSM recipients who become disabled as a result of their service may be eligible for disability compensation.
- Education Benefits: AFSM recipients may be eligible for education benefits, including the GI Bill.
Table: Benefits and Privileges
Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Veterans’ Preference | Entitled to veterans’ preference when applying for federal jobs or promotions |
Burial Benefits | Entitled to burial benefits, including a grave marker and burial in a national cemetery |
Disability Compensation | Eligible for disability compensation if disabled as a result of service |
Education Benefits | Eligible for education benefits, including the GI Bill |
Conclusion
In conclusion, an Armed Forces Service Medal Veteran is an individual who has served in the military and has been awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal for their service. The AFSM is a prestigious award that recognizes an individual’s service in a military operation or campaign, and AFSM recipients are entitled to a number of benefits and privileges.