US troops deployed to Mexico border will be eligible for the Armed Forces Service Medal

US troops deployed to Mexico border will be eligible for the Armed Forces Service Medal – which recognizes ‘significant’ military activity without encountering foreign hostile action

  • Troops deployed to the Mexico border are eligible for a medal, the Pentagon said
  • The Armed Forces Service Medal is reserved for troops who ‘encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action’ in carrying out their duties
  • Eligible troops, who have been deployed under Trump’s administration, must have operated within 115 miles of the Mexico border such as Texas or Arizona
  • The distinguished medal was established by former President Bill Clinton in 1996

Troops who have been deployed to the Mexico border to prevent migrants entering the US are now eligible for a medal to recognize their services, the Pentagon has announced.

The Armed Forces Service Medal is an award reserved for troops who ‘encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action’ while carrying out their duties to a high standard.

Eligible troops, who have been deployed under Trump’s administration, must have operated within 115 miles of the Mexico border in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona or California. 

The Armed Forces Service Medal is an award reserved for troops who ‘encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action’ while carrying out their duties to a high standard

Troops who have been deployed to the Mexico border to prevent migrants entering the US are now eligible for a medal to recognize their services, the Pentagon has announced

Troops who have been deployed to the Mexico border to prevent migrants entering the US are now eligible for a medal to recognize their services, the Pentagon has announced

Troops in San Antonio, Texas, and Navy ship-men serving in US waters within 24 nautical miles of the coast are also eligible to receive the medal.    

The medal was established by former President Bill Clinton under an executive order in 1996.

It was also previously awarded to troops deployed to the border under former President George W. Bush, according to Military.com. 

According to the website it has also has been given to service members on humanitarian missions abroad. 

Thousands of troops have deployed to the border under the Trump administration’s attempts to stem the tide of migrants arriving from Central and South America, amid desperate conditions in their home countries. 

Eligible troops, who have been deployed under Trump's administration, must have operated within 115 miles of the Mexico border in Texas (pictured), New Mexico, Arizona or California

Eligible troops, who have been deployed under Trump’s administration, must have operated within 115 miles of the Mexico border in Texas (pictured), New Mexico, Arizona or California

The medal was established by former President Bill Clinton under an executive order in 1996

It was also previously awarded to troops deployed to the border under former President George W. Bush

Thousands of troops have deployed to the border under the Trump administration’s attempts to stem the tide of migrants arriving from Central and South America, amid desperate conditions in their home countries

In July, the Pentagon gave the green light to the deployment of 2,100 troops along the border, adding to the 4,500 already in place.

Among the roles the troops carry out while deployed is with logistical support and aerial surveillance at ports, and providing support at migrant holding facilities.  

The announcement comes amid criticism from Democrats who continue to protest the conditions of the border facilities, as well as the treatment of migrants seeking refuge.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk