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Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal

 The Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal (NDOSM) is awarded to recognize direct support to nuclear deterrence operations. The medal is authorized for Airmen who directly impacted the Nuclear Enterprise. The NDOSM may be awarded retroactively to 27 December 1991 to fully qualified Airmen.

 The NDOSM (basic) may be awarded to Airmen who, while assigned, attached, deployed or mobilized to a unit (wing, center or below), provided support to the Nuclear Enterprise for 120 consecutive or 179 nonconsecutive days, and

  1. The unit was subject to a Nuclear Inspection, or
  2. Performed duties in nuclear operations to include nuclear weapon storage facilities, nuclear command, control, and communication (NC3), cyber surety, security, safety, transportation, maintenance, facility management and maintenance, explosive ordnance disposal, aircrew certified for support to nuclear operations, weapons loaders, warning and attack assessment, personnel reliability program (PRP) management, or research, development and acquisition of nuclear systems.
  3. An "N" device will be worn on the NDOSM for Airmen who:

   A. Dispatched to a missile complex for 179 non-consecutive days in direct support of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile operations, and
   B. Performed duties in Missile Maintenance (21MX, 2M0XX), Munitions and Maintenance (2W0XX, 2W1XX, 2W2XX), Security Forces (31PX, 3P0XX), Services (3M0XX), Fuels (2F0XX), Transportation (2T1XX, 2T3XX), Civil Engineering (32EX, 3EXXX), Cyberspace Support (3D1X1, 3D1X2, 3D1X3, 3D100), Operations (11HXC, 13NX, 1A9X1, and13SX officers on or before 9 Feb 2013) or Missile Facility Manager (8S000) or
   C. For nuclear laden aircraft: nuclear certified aircrew, aircraft maintenance technicians, munitions maintenance technicians, combat crew communications, nuclear certified controllers, and security forces performing guard duties.

 The medal may be awarded posthumously and may be presented to appropriate representatives of the deceased.

 Do not award the medal if the Airman's service has not been honorable, as defined in paragraph 1.15.11. (see below.) Service is the time period of the assignment (to include any extensions).

"1.15.11. Do not award, approve, or present a decoration to any person whose entire service during or after the time of the distinguished act, achievement, or service has not been honorable; with "honorable" being defined as the characterization of one's conduct to be that of honest and faithful service according the standards of conduct, courage, and duty required by law and customs of the service of a member of the grade to whom the standard is applied."

 The NDOSM shall be worn immediately after the Air and Space Campaign Medal and before the Overseas Ribbon Short Tour.

 Authorized Device. Oakleaf Cluster and "N" device.

 An Oak Leaf Cluster will be worn to denote subsequent awards. Subsequent awards will only be authorized when a permanent change of station to a qualifying unit has occurred.

 Only one "N" device will be worn, regardless of the number of qualifying assignments. When worn alone, the device will be centered on the ribbon. When worn with oak leaf clusters, the "N" device will be worn to the right of the oak leaf clusters on the ribbon.

 Approval Authority:
  1. Airmen currently serving in, or no longer in, a qualifying unit. The member’s current Group commander (colonel or civilian leader equivalent) and above.
  2. Exception to policy. NDOSM nominations that do not meet the duty requirement must be forwarded as an exception to policy to AFPC/DPSIDR.

 Retired/Separated/Deceased Airmen. Validated by AFPC Recognitions Section. All requests must be submitted on a Standard Form 180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records) and sent to AFPC/DPSIDR, 550 C Street, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph TX 78150 and be accompanied by supporting documentation. Supporting documents may consist of Contingency Exercise Deployment orders, pay travel vouchers, evaluations, decoration citation, Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) qualification/certification (AF Form 286) action documents, Letter of Evaluation, and/or DD Form 214 or 215. The primary next of kin of deceased Airmen will submit requests in accordance with the guidance provided in this paragraph. Proof of one day of eligibility may qualify the retired, separated or deceased Airmen for the NDOSM (basic); all other criteria must be met to qualify for the "N" device.

Category of Award: Pending

Approved by: The Secretary of the Air Force on May 27, 2014

Authorized Device(s): Bronze and/or Silver Oakleaf(s) and "N" device

References:
AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, Attachment 2, Paragraphs A2.4. to A2.4.7, and Page 20

Page updated November 16, 2016

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