We have received inquiries from our members regarding whether National Guard and/or Reserve service would be covered under the proposed legislation to authorize a Cold War Service Medal (S.2743 and HR 4051).  First, we should bear in mind that these bills are legislation introduced in Congress, and several steps are involved in their becoming law.  Both have been referred to their respective Armed Services Committees.  We would expect that they will be considered for inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act for 2011, which will be written and marked up by the committees.  Our best chance for passage is inclusion in the NDAA, the language of which is usually decided by the Armed Services Committee and reported out in April or May of each year.  Thus, it is possible that the final language may be different from what was introduced, so no one can say with certainty what the criteria will be in the NDAA.  The language of the NDAA as reported out is what is usually passed – floor amendment is possible, but not likely.

Assuming passage as written in these two bills, National Guard or Reserve service would be subject to the same active duty or deployment requirement.   Members of Guard and Reserve components deserve recognition – they performed duties vital to our nation’s defense during the Cold War, and were deployed on numerous occasions.  They were also assigned duties in areas of air defense and domestic emergencies, and it is possible that the Secretary of defense will exercise discretion authorized to designate service that merits the Cold War Service Medal, even though such service may not meet 24 month active duty or 30 day deployment criteria.  Assuming this discretion is in the final legislation, we will urge the Secretary of Defense to use it to recognize Guard and Reserve service.   

ACWV is disappointed that so many who served in the National Guard and Reserve Forces will not qualify for the Cold War Service Medal as it is presently before the Congress in S.2743 and H.R. 4061.  However, we also note that the service requirement regarding either active duty or deployment apply equally to reserve and regular forces.  We ask all our members, friends, and family to continue supporting the two bills now before Congress, and pledge that we will continue to advocate and fight for measures to recognize those who were so vital a part of this nation’s defense during the long Cold War period.  Of our Army National Guard divisions, six were mobilized during the Korean War, with divisions deployed to Germany (the 28th and 43rd) and two to the Far East (the 40th and 45th, both of which fought in the Korea).  During other mobilizations, Army and Air Force National Guard and Reserve units saw service in Vietnam, Korea, and other theaters.  In addition, Reserve and NG units were assigned continuing missions to provide air defense, patrol of our nation’s airspace, and many other vital tasks.  For this and other service, we are forever grateful.