Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal: Honoring Strategic Defense Excellence

The Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal is a prestigious award that recognizes the exceptional service and dedication of personnel who have contributed to the strategic defense of the United States. Established in 2014, this medal is a testament to the critical role that nuclear deterrence plays in maintaining national security and protecting the country from potential threats.

For decades, the United States has maintained a nuclear deterrent capability to counter the threat of nuclear attack from hostile nations. This capability is crucial in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and ensuring that potential adversaries think twice before launching a nuclear strike. The Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal is a symbol of appreciation for the men and women who have worked tirelessly to maintain and strengthen this capability.

The Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal is awarded to personnel who have served in nuclear deterrence-related positions, including those involved in the operation, maintenance, and support of nuclear-capable aircraft, submarines, and land-based missile systems. This medal is also awarded to personnel who have contributed to the development and implementation of nuclear deterrence policy, strategy, and operations.

To be eligible for the Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal, personnel must have served in a nuclear deterrence-related position for at least 12 months, or have completed a cumulative total of 36 months of service in nuclear deterrence-related positions. The medal can be awarded to personnel from all branches of the military, including the Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal are as follows:

• Personnel must have served in a nuclear deterrence-related position for at least 12 months, or have completed a cumulative total of 36 months of service in nuclear deterrence-related positions.
• Personnel must have been assigned to a nuclear deterrence-related unit or organization.
• Personnel must have performed duties related to nuclear deterrence, including operation, maintenance, and support of nuclear-capable aircraft, submarines, and land-based missile systems.
• Personnel must have contributed to the development and implementation of nuclear deterrence policy, strategy, and operations.

Medal Design

The Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal is a distinctive medal that features a unique design. The medal consists of a bronze octagon with a raised edge, suspended from a ribbon with a narrow blue stripe at the top and bottom. The medal features a stylized image of a nuclear-capable aircraft, submarine, and land-based missile system, surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves.

Award Process

The award process for the Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal involves several steps:

1. Nomination: Personnel who meet the eligibility criteria can be nominated for the medal by their unit or organization.
2. Review: The nomination is reviewed by the unit or organization's awards committee to ensure that the personnel meet the eligibility criteria.
3. Approval: The nomination is then approved by the unit or organization's commander or equivalent.
4. Award: The medal is awarded to the personnel in a formal ceremony or presentation.

Notable Recipients

Several notable personnel have received the Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal, including:

• General Curtis LeMay, former Chief of Staff of the Air Force
• Admiral Hyman Rickover, former Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
• General Brent Scowcroft, former National Security Adviser

Conclusion

The Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal is a prestigious award that recognizes the exceptional service and dedication of personnel who have contributed to the strategic defense of the United States. This medal is a testament to the critical role that nuclear deterrence plays in maintaining national security and protecting the country from potential threats.

Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal Image Gallery

What is the Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal?

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The Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal is a prestigious award that recognizes the exceptional service and dedication of personnel who have contributed to the strategic defense of the United States.

Who is eligible for the Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal?

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Personnel who have served in nuclear deterrence-related positions, including those involved in the operation, maintenance, and support of nuclear-capable aircraft, submarines, and land-based missile systems, are eligible for the medal.

How is the Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal awarded?

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The medal is awarded through a formal nomination and review process, which involves the unit or organization's awards committee and commander or equivalent.