Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Description Camp Liberty first came into existence during the 2003 invasion of Iraq as Camp Victory North, and was renamed (its Arabic translation is "Camp Al-Tahreer") in mid-September 2004 to its later name of Camp Liberty first came into existence during the 2003 invasion of Iraq as Camp Victory North, and was renamed (its Arabic translation is "Camp Al-Tahreer") in mid-September 2004 to its later name of Camp Liberty (in Arabic "Camp Hurriya"). Other camps that made up the Victory Base Complex include Camp Victory (formerly known as Camp Victory South), Camp Striker, Seitz, and Camp Slayer. The renaming was part of an effort to give U.S. facilities around Baghdad friendlier connotations, and an attempt to resolve the issue of constantly changing facility names. Camp Liberty in September 2009
During the Iraq War, following the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, the base was a large coalition military installation located northeast of the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP), becoming part of the U.S. military's Victory Base Complex (VBC). Camp Liberty was twice the size of Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo, and one of the largest U.S. overseas posts built since the Vietnam War.... More
The Ar Ramadi palace complex has undergone an extreme transformation since the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment arrived. The opulent palace complex that once was home to balls and affluent gue
The Ar Ramadi palace complex has undergone an extreme transformation since the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment arrived. The opulent palace complex that once was home to balls and affluent guests of Saddam Hussein is now the Regimental Headquarters, otherwise known as Rifles Base.
In early May 2003, after perilous convoys and desolate campsites, the soldiers and attachments of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment from Fort Carson, Colo., finally reached Ar Ramadi, otherwise known as Rifles Base. The spacious grounds were slowly changed from a luxurious getaway spot to a functional operations center by the soldiers of the 3rd ACR Headquarters and support detachments. Most soldiers agree that the living conditions have improved greatly from their last stop at Tactical Assembly Area Rifles. Each minor improvement brings increased morale and increases the fighting capabilities of the troops. Already, many soldiers have fired up their generators and begun movie nights, while others read recent letters from home. While it is not a permanent home and one must remain on guard, soldiers at the Northern palace in Ar Ramadi are making themselves comfortable.
In July 2003 at Rifles Base it was reported that a portion of the palace was slowly being transformed into a dining hall and recreation area for the troops stationed at Ar Ramadi, Iraq . Hundreds of workers from many countries were working round the clock to get the facilities up and running as soon as possible. "It may look like chaos to someone on the outside, but I like to call it controlled chaos," said Glenn Schultz , Iraq Division Manager with Diauda-a subsidiary of Brown and Root. "At least we have an end product in mind." Schultz's team brought everything necessary to get the dining facility up and running, from stoves and sinks to the actual food. They will build, operate and maintain the facility themselves, allowing for the soldiers to relax. "I think that having a place like this really helps out the morale. More than that it helps out the soldier by giving them a place where they can get away from the stress," said Schultz. Schultz's company was the first to offer a hot meal inside the theater and is, to the best of his knowledge, the only contracted catering service working in the area. Thanks to the efforts of Schultz and his crew, the soldiers at Rifles base will soon be able to enjoy a hot Class A meal that more than likely did not simply come from a can or bag.
Company C, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment occupied a former palace used by Saddam's regime as its headquarters for operations in Ar Ramadi. US troops stationed in the presidential palace at Ramadi have repeatedly come under mortar fire.
Initially Bravo Company, First Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, Florida National Guard was based downtown at a government building nicknamed "the Mayor's Cell." But one day in June 2003 a local protest march got out of hand. Soon thereafter Bravo Company relocated to a sandstone palace on the edge of town. The rooms are jammed with black metal bunk beds, 20 or 30 to a room. It's safer but more isolated, making "winning hearts and minds" more difficult.
In May 2003 several Iraqi Sheiks from the Al Anbar Governate met with Coalition Forces to discuss plans for the rebuilding of the region. Col. David A. Teeples, Regimental Commander for the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, played host to a large group of Sheiks, government officials and other community leaders in the ruins of the Northern Palace at Ar Ramadi. Inside the war-ruined Grand Hall, there is a room that was once a large lavatory for the guests. Now it is home to the "Triple Threat PX". Soldiers formed lines extending well outside of the building as they waited for the noon opening, their faces a mix of curiosity and hope. Finally, the time arrived and with as much ceremony as could be mustered, Lt. Col. Brian Hamilton, commander of the 16th Signal Battalion, and Command Sgt. Maj. Aaron General, of the 16th Sig. Bn., cut a simple orange ribbon, officially opening the new post exchange. The first soldier to make a purchase was Pvt. William Cardish, who smiled and held up a bottle of Gatorade. "You don't know how long I've been waiting for this." General stood quietly to the side as soldiers from both 16th Sig. Bn. and 3d ACR filed in. The "Triple Threat PX" sold more than half its inventory in the first day and had to be re-supplied immediately. The soldiers of Rifles Base now have easy access to sundries, flashlights and snacks, all due to the hard work of one command sergeant major, his battalion and their neighbors.
The soldiers at Ar Ramadi's Northern Palace have literally been getting down and dirty. The dust and grime disturbed while transforming the ruins of a presidential palace into living and working areas has proven equally as hard to remove from the troops. Baby wipes and moist towelettes have had to replace approved water sources and many soldiers are running short on supplies. Members of the 89th Regimental Chemical Shop were in late May 2003 erecting a field shower area for Rifles Base. The showers are fed by two 2000-gallon water blivets double sanitized through the use of chlorine and heat to provide a healthy and hot means for soldiers to get rid of the grease and grime. The showers are conveniently located on the river walk near the guest houses. There are separate hours for male and female access posted along with the rules for use of the facilities.
The former home of Saddam Hussein's half-brother is Camp Blue Diamond in Ramadi, headquarters of the 1st Marine Division, based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif. Maj. Gen. James N. Mattis, commanding general of 1st Marine Division, and Sgt. Maj. Wayne R. Bell, the division sergeant major, uncased the "Blue Diamond's" colors during a relief-in-place ceremony, March 20, 2004. The Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based unit relieved the Army's 82nd Airborne Division of its duties here.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous... The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles. To be eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal, a Service member must be assigned or attahced to a unit participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days or meet one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of the amount of time the individual has served in Iraq; While participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom or on official duties (regardless of the time spent in Iraq) is killed, wounded or injured to the extent that he or she requires medical evacuation from Iraq; or, While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement. Service members who qualified for the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by reason of service between March 19, 2003 and April 30, 2005 shall remain qualified for that medal. However, any such person may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for that service, at his or her request. In addition, any Army soldier who was authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with arrowhead device in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with arrowhead device. No service member shall be entitled to both the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal for the same act, achievement, or period of service. Only one award of the Iraq Campaign Medal may be authorized for any individual. The Iraq Campaign Medal may be awarded posthumously to any Service members who loses his or her life while, as a direct result of participating in qualifying operations, without regard to the length of time in the area of eligibility, if otherwise applicable. MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined. MoreHide
Criteria The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated... The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated NCO professional development courses. MoreHide
Criteria The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated... The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated NCO professional development courses. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military ... The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military Occupational Specialty identifier based on civilian or other-service acquired skills, the ribbon is awarded upon honorable completion of four months active service. Only one award of this ribbon is authorized, even if an individual completes both officer and enlisted initial entry training. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide