The ACM is authorized to be awarded to Soldiers who deploy to Afghanistan in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) on or after 24 October 2001 to a date to be determined or the cessation of OEF.

The area of eligiblity encompasses all land area of the country of Afghanistan and all air spaces above the land.

To be eligible for the ACM, a Soldier must be assigned or attached to a unit participating in OEF for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days in Afghanistan or meet one of the following criteria:

- Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy and under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of the time in Afghanistan.

- While participating in OEF or on official duties, regardless of time, is killed or wounded/injured requireing medical evacuation from Afghanistan.

- While participating as a regularly assigned air crewmember flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Afghanistan in direct support of OEF; each day that one or more sorties are flown IAW the criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement.

Service members qualified for the GWOTEM by reasons of service between 24 October 2001 and 30 April 2005, in Afghanistan, shall remain qualified for the medal. Any such Soldier may be awarded the ACM in lieu of the GWOTEM for such service. Additionally, any such Soldier authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the ACM with arrowhead device in lieu of the GWOTEM with arrowhead device. No Soldier shall be entitled to both medals for the same act, achievement, or period of service.

Only one award of the ACM may be authorized for any individual. Service stars are not prescribed.

The ACM may be awarded posthumously to any Soldier who lost his/her life while, or as a direct result of, participating in qualifying operations, without regard to length of such service, if otherwise eligible.

Description: On a bronze metal 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) in diameter above a range of mountains is a map of Afghanistan. Around the top is the inscription 'AFGHANISTAN CAMPAIGN.'  On the reverse, a radiating demi-sun superimposed by an eagle’s head couped. Inscribed across the bottom half of the reserve side are the three lines 'FOR SERVICE' 'IN' 'AFGHANISTAN' all enclosed by a laurel wreath.

Symbolism: Mountains dominate the landscape of Afghanistan.  The map of the country highlights the theater of operation and our commitment to Operation Enduring Freedom.  The eagle, a symbol of the United States and the American spirit, is constantly vigilant, ready to defend freedom. The rising sun embodies a new start for Afghanistan and its road to a free and prosperous future.  The laurel wreath is for honor and high achievement.  The ribbon reflects the colors of the new Afghanistan flag and the red, white and blue represent the United States and its allies.

Medal, regular: NSN 8455-01-527-8027 (includes regular size medal and ribbon bar)