Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Personnel who received the GWOT-EM for previous service in these two regions may elect to exchange the GWOT-EM or retain the original award. On February 9, 2015 the Defense Department authorized service stars to be worn on the GWOT-EM to represent different operations the recipient participated in. The GWOT-EM is a Defense Department expeditionary medal. Award of this medal does not prevent award of other types of recognition (such as decorations) normally associated with deployment. This medal may be awarded posthumously. The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal may be awarded for approved operations performed in any of the following geographical areas: The following bodies of water are also approved qualifying areas: That portion of the Arabian Sea north of 10 degrees north latitude, and west of 68 degrees east longitude Bab-el-Mandeb Gulf of Aden Gulf of Aqaba Gulf of Oman Gulf of Suez A portion of the Mediterranean Sea ("boarding and searching" operations") (East of 28 degrees E longitude) Persian Gulf Red Sea Strait of Hormuz Suez Canal Devices The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal may be awarded with the devices: Arrowhead device - For qualified Army and Air Force service members. Service stars - effective 9 February 2015, to recognize individual participation in each of the approved operations that a service member participates in, a inch bronze service star is worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal, with a inch silver star being worn in lieu of five bronze stars. Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia - for qualified Navy service members such as hospital corpsmen assigned to Marine Corps units that participate in combat during the assignment. Expeditionary Medal and Service Medal A similar medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOT-SM), was created under the same Presidential Order that authorized the GWOT Expeditionary Medal. The primary difference between the two awards is that the service medal is intended for those who performed support duty within the United States, while the expeditionary medal recognizes those who were deployed to foreign countries. For those participating in multiple operations, both the GWOT Service and GWOT Expeditionary Medal may be authorized, but both medals can no longer be bestowed for the same qualifying period of service. The only exception is for service personnel who served in Iraq or Afghanistan prior to 30 April 2005. These personnel were awarded both the