Expanding Eligibility for Certain Military Decorations and Awards

Oct 6, 2022

Summary

Makes members of the U.S. Space Force eligible for certain military awards and updates the language in several older orders to be gender-neutral.

What problem does this solve?

Older rules for military awards did not include the new U.S. Space Force and used outdated, gender-specific language. This order updates those rules to ensure Space Force members are eligible for medals and makes the language inclusive for all service members.

What does this order do?

Includes Space Force in Air Medal eligibility

Amends Executive Order 9158 to make members of the U.S. Space Force eligible to receive the Air Medal.

Includes Space Force in Good Conduct Medal eligibility

Updates Executive Order 8809 to allow members of the U.S. Space Force to receive the Good Conduct Medal for service on or after December 20, 2019.

Includes Space Force in Bronze Star Medal eligibility

Amends Executive Order 11046 to make members of the U.S. Space Force eligible for the Bronze Star Medal.

Updates language for military awards to be gender-neutral

Changes gender-specific terms like 'men' and 'himself' to inclusive words like 'members' and 'themselves' for several awards, including the Air Medal and Bronze Star.

Expands Defense Distinguished Service Medal eligibility

Changes the eligibility for the Defense Distinguished Service Medal from only a 'military officer' to any 'member of the Armed Forces of the United States'.

Who does this affect?

U.S. Armed Forces members
U.S. Space Force members

What is the real world impact?

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Modernizes military award criteria

Updates several older executive orders to reflect the creation of the U.S. Space Force, ensuring its members are eligible for the same honors as other branches. It also replaces gender-specific language with inclusive terms.

When does this start?

This order takes effect as of its signing date, October 3, 2022.