Overview of the Award
The Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal (NDOSM) is a decoration of the United States Department of Defense that recognizes military personnel who have been actively engaged in the operations, maintenance, and support of nuclear deterrence operations. It was created on April 3, 2018, by order of the Secretary of Defense, James Mattis. The medal was designed by the Institute of Heraldry, and was approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It is the first award specifically created to recognize service members for their actions in support of nuclear deterrence.
The NDOSM is awarded to recognize personnel who have served in positions that directly support and contribute to the operations and maintenance of nuclear deterrence forces. The award is open to members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard who have provided at least 180 days of continuous service in a position which directly supports the operations, maintenance, and support of nuclear deterrence forces.
Design of the Medal
The obverse of the medal consists of a shield with a nuclear symbol, along with the words “Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service”. The reverse of the medal has a pair of wings, representing the guardians of the skies, and the words “Honor, Courage, and Commitment”. The ribbon of the medal has a pattern of red, white, blue, and black bars, representing the colors of the United States flag.
Award Criteria
In order to be eligible for the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, a service member must have served at least 180 days of continuous service in a position which directly supports the operations, maintenance, and support of nuclear deterrence forces. The service must be within the continental United States (CONUS) or outside the continental United States (OCONUS). Service members must have been actively engaged in the operations, maintenance, and support of nuclear deterrence forces. The service must have been performed while assigned to a unit, organization, or command which has the mission of providing nuclear deterrence forces.
In addition to the 180 days of continuous service, service members must have also completed one of the following: Completed a series of nuclear deterrence operations service training courses; completed a technical school in nuclear deterrence operations; completed a nuclear deterrence operations qualification course; or completed a certified nuclear deterrence operations specialty course.
Awarding the Medal
The Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal is awarded by the service departments of the Department of Defense. It is usually presented at the end of a service member’s tour of duty. The medal may also be presented in absentia to a service member who is unable to attend the ceremony due to deployment or other duties. The medal may also be presented posthumously.
Wearing the Medal
The Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal is worn after the National Defense Service Medal, and before the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. It is worn in the same manner as other U.S. military decorations. The medal is suspended from a ribbon with a red, white, blue, and black pattern. The medal is also worn with a miniature version of the medal, which is worn on the service member’s uniform.
Significance of the Medal
The Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal is a symbol of the United States’ commitment to providing nuclear deterrence forces to protect the nation and its allies. It is a symbol of the dedication and commitment of the service members who have been actively engaged in the operations, maintenance, and support of nuclear deterrence forces. The awarding of this medal is a recognition of their hard work and dedication to the mission.
Final Thoughts
The Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal is an important award for those who have served in positions which directly support and contribute to the operations, maintenance, and support of nuclear deterrence forces. It is a symbol of the United States’ commitment to providing nuclear deterrence forces to protect the nation and its allies. The medal is also a recognition of the dedication and commitment of the service members who have been actively engaged in the operations, maintenance, and support of nuclear deterrence forces. The award of this medal is a recognition of their hard work and dedication.
