What are the easiest medals to earn?
When it comes to obtaining military medals, many consider them to be a pinnacle of achievement and a prestigious honor. While it requires dedication, hard work, and sacrifice, earning these awards can be a transformative experience for military personnel and civilians alike. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the easiest military medals to earn, starting from the National Defense Service Medal to the Army and Air Force Training Ribbons.
National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal is the primary service medal awarded to veterans of the United States’ armed forces who have enlisted, re-enlisted, or extended their enlistments during a time of authorized military service. This prestigious award is awarded for their service from July 1, 1958, to October 15, 1974, April 28, 1999, to September 30, 2002, and from December 2, 1983, to July 29, 1999.
| Awardable Dates | Reason for Medal |
| --- | --- |
| July 1, 1958–October 15, 1974 | Authorized mobilization of U.S. armed forces during the early Cold War |
| September 11, 2001–March 19, 2002 | National Response to the September 11 attacks |
| May 8, 2022–present | Onward Resolute Operations & Homeland Defense |Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a U.S. military award that symbolizes the military service medal, which was authorized due to the terrorist attacks. To earn this medal, individuals must have distinguished themselves while involved in operations supporting the "Global War on Terrorism.**
| Specific Service | Medal Requirements | Examples of Awarded Acts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| National Response | Supporting U.S. military operations against an international terrorist organization | Provide critical support to military operations, such as transportation, and supplies |
| Armed Efforts | Supporting military attacks on terrorist organizations and hideouts | Conduct airstrikes to eliminate terrorist targets, execute tactical operations to neutralize threats |
| Combat Deployments | Deployed, involved in combat, contributing to the global effort on counter-terrorism | Conduct front-line operations, including artillery support, combat operations at an enemy stronghold |https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYhTuQpmpCA