Armed Forces News

The Air Force has approved the addition of a gold border to the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon to signify satisfactory participation in combat operations. Airmen meeting the established criteria for award of the basic ribbon, 45 consecutive days or 90 nonconsecutive days in a designated combat zone, will qualify for the gold border signifying participation in combat operations. In addition to the criteria for time in the area of responsibility, airmen who are wounded or die while serving in the AOR, and those who participate in mobility operations into the AOR and who launch weapons into the area will qualify for the device. This includes air mobility and bomber aircrews flying missions outside the area, as well as airmen involved in space operations and remotely piloted vehicle operations that produce weapons effects in the area.