The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOT-SM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces which was created through Executive Order 13289 on 12 March 2003, by President George W. Bush.

After that point, it was no longer awarded for just completing basic training and required specific participation in designated operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Widely called the ''support'' loophole, the Department of Defense rescinded this eligibility requirement.

"[21] Air Force service members were first awarded the GWOT-SM for conducting airport security operations in the fall and winter of 2001.

Examples of these duties are maintaining and loading weapons systems for combat missions, securing installations against terrorism, augmenting command posts or crisis action teams, and processing personnel for deployment.

This includes both training and summer cruises for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Officer Candidate School.

For reservists, "active duty" includes ADT and IDT service in an operational vice classroom setting.

[13] From 31 January 2005 to a date to be determined: Eligible service members must be or have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to a unit participating in or serving in direct support of specified Global War on Terrorism operations (e.g., NOBLE EAGLE, LIBERTY SHIELD, NEPTUNE SHIELD, PORT SHIELD, ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, or Area Commander-designated GWOT operations) for 30 consecutive or 60 cumulative days, or meet one of the following criteria: (a) Be engaged in actual combat regardless of time served in the operation; or (b) While participating in the operation, regardless of time, be killed, wounded, or injured requiring medical evacuation.

The medal is suspended from an Old Glory Blue ribbon 1.375 inches wide with stripes of golden yellow, scarlet and white.

[14] Although qualifying circumstances would be extremely rare, bronze 3⁄16 inch battle stars were applicable for personnel who were engaged in actual combat against the enemy involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury.

Only a Combatant Command could initiate a request for a GWOT-SM (or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal) battle star.

The Military Decorations and Awards Review Results released in January 2016 resolved to "eliminate authority for battle stars" in regard to the GWOT-SM.

[23] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army.