The Pentagon has introduced a new recognition for service members deployed to the southern border. The Mexican Border Defense Medal (MBDM) will replace the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM) for troops aiding federal law enforcement in managing illegal immigration. This change was detailed in a memo released on August 13, confirmed by a U.S. defense official.
About 8,500 military personnel are currently part of Joint Task Force Southern Border, responding to various security threats. These troops began their operations in March and have engaged in roughly 3,500 patrols up until July. The MBDM will be awarded to service members who have served since January 20, in an area spanning 100 nautical miles from the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Additionally, service members who operated in adjacent waters are eligible for this new medal.
“Service members must have been permanently assigned, attached, or detailed to a unit that deployed to participate in a designated DoD military operation supporting CBP,” the memo states. This eligibility criterion underscores the Pentagon’s intent to honor those actively involved in border security efforts.
Furthermore, service members who previously received the AFSM for their duties at the border may claim the new award but cannot hold both medals for the same period of service. This policy is clearly outlined in the memo, aiming to streamline recognitions for service members contributing to border control.
In conjunction with the establishment of the MBDM, the Pentagon has also implemented four national defense areas along the border. This move grants U.S. troops enhanced authority, allowing them to detain individuals illegally crossing these designated zones. “Through these enhanced authorities, U.S. Northern Command will ensure those who illegally trespass… are handed over to Customs and Border Protection or our other law enforcement partners,” stated Air Force General Gregory Guillot in an earlier update.
The MBDM marks a significant shift in how military contributions to border security are recognized, reflecting the growing involvement of the armed forces in immigration enforcement under the current administration. As these developments unfold, the structure and impact of military operations at the border continue to evolve.
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