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wwTwfha.caeeebrBootoeekca.hcncoemow/nsT.ecaommM/maarrcchharb April 8, 2016 7

Carter announces Operation Inherent Resolve
Campaign Medal

by Jim Garamone countries, and those who served in contigu- DOD illustration/Defense Media Activity
DOD News, Defense Media Activity ous waters for 30 consecutive days or 60
nonconsecutive days, officials said.
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Service
members who serve or have served in Iraq or The medal distinctly recognizes ser-
Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve vice members battling terrorist groups
will receive the Inherent Resolve Campaign in Iraq and Syria. Service members who
Medal, Defense Secretary Ash Carter an- were killed or were medically evacuated
nounced March 30 in Tampa, Florida. from those countries due to wounds or in-
juries immediately qualify for the medal,
Carter announced the new medal dur- as do members who engaged in combat.
ing the U.S. Central Command change
of command ceremony. Army Gen. Previously, the Global War on Terrorism
Lloyd J. Austin III transferred the com- Expeditionary Medal recognized service
mand’s flag to Army Gen. Joe Votel. in Iraq and Syria, and service members in
neighboring countries such as Turkey will
“It is fitting then, that as we mark the continue to receive that medal.
change of command between these two
leaders, that we introduce the Inherent The president establishes campaign
Resolve Campaign Medal,” Carter said. medals for large-scale and long-duration
“I am pleased to announce today, by the combat actions or operations. Inherent
president’s order and upon the chair- Resolve meets the criteria, officials said.
man’s and my recommendation, that The entire operational area has been sub-
our Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Ma- ject to lethal combat operations. U.S.
rines serving in Iraq and Syria as part forces are executing an extensive air cam-
of Operation Inherent Resolve are now paign in the region. A U.S. division-plus
eligible for this medal and distinction.” force is providing command and control,
intelligence and other advisory services.
Medal retroactive
The medal is retroactive to June 15, 2014, The medal is separate from the Iraq
and is for service members based in Iraq or Campaign Medal, earned for service
Syria, those who flew missions over those during operations Iraqi Freedom and
New Dawn, officials said.

Air Force ROTC detachment commander
positions open to Reserve lieutenant colonels

by Bo Joyner for guidance and procedures. Reserve officers are encouraged to submit a reserve
HQ AFRC Public Affairs officer development plan (R-ODP) in the Virtual Personnel Center every year in
order for the applicable Air Force Reserve development team to provide vectors
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonels in- and help facilitate follow-on assignments.
terested in becoming Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment com-
manders have until April 15 to submit an application under the Voluntary Limited In addition to AFROTC detachment commanders, other officer opportunities
Period of Active Duty program. are available under VLPAD including AFROTC instructors, Air Command and
Staff College instructors, remotely piloted aircraft pilots, and T-6 instrument sim-
Under VLPAD, opportunities to serve an active-duty tour for a period of three ulator instructors.
years and one day are being offered to Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard
members for certain Air Force specialties. During that time, selected Reservists Opportunities will also be available for enlisted Citizen Airmen in a variety of
will receive the same benefits as active component Airmen. career fields, including maintenance, aircrew operations and command control
systems operations.
Right now the program has AFROTC detachment commander openings for
lieutenant colonels at six locations: The VLPAD program and several other programs are being put in place to help
bolster the Air Force’s end strength from 312,980 to 317,000.
- Detachment 10, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
- Detachment 12, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama. “Being selected for any of these special duties or career fields is a significant
- Detachment 15, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama. achievement for any officer or enlisted Airman,” said Lt. Gen. James Jackson,
- Detachment 60, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. AFRC commander. “Not only are these opportunities helping our Citizen Airmen
- Detachment 310, Louisiana State University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, but they are also allowing us to assist in some critical, yet undermanned career
Louisiana. fields across our Air Force.”
- Detachment 470, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska.
According to personnel officials, officers will not have return rights to their The article, “Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment Command-
current Air Reserve Component position upon completion of their extended active er Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty Program,” located on the MyPERS
duty tour, but Air Force Reserve Command will work with them to find a position website, has detailed information on VLPAD AFROTC Detachment commander
when their tour is over. openings, including eligibility criteria, the application process and medical clear-
Officers wishing to apply for a Reserve or Air National Guard position upon ance requirements.
completion of their extended active duty tour must contact an in-service recruiter
The article can be found at:
https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/31290/kw/VLPAD/
p/16%2C17.