The Defense Department has authorized campaign stars for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal to recognize designated campaigns in those two countries. There are three for Afghan operations, ranging from Liberation of Afghanistan to Consolidation II, which is still ongoing. There are four campaigns designated for Iraq, starting with Liberating of Iraq and through the ongoing National Resolution campaign. (For specific dates, see the DOD release.)
Air Force senior statesmen explained the reasons they jointly sent a letter to Congress urging restoration of the E-7 Wedgetail and more F-35s to the fiscal 2026 defense budget.