A bronze color metal disc 1 1/4 inches in diameter, charged with a shield adapted from the Great Seal of the United States surmounting two swords hilts to base saltirewise enclosed within a wreath of laurel; overall an eagle, wings displayed, grasping in its claws a serpent. On the reverse, the eagle, serpent and swords from the front of the medal with the encircling inscription WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL.

The shield and eagle represent the United States. The swords denote readiness and the resolve to fight international terrorism, which is symbolized by the serpent crushed in the eagles claws. The wreath denotes honor and achievement.

The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 5/32 inch Bluebird 67117; 3/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/16 inch White 67101; 3/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/16 inch Bluebird 67117; 1/16 inch Golden Yellow 67104; 1/16 inch Bluebird 67117; 3/16 inch Scarlet 67111; 1/16 inch Bluebird 67117; 1/16 inch Golden Yellow 67104; 1/16 inch Bluebird 67117; 3/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/16 inch White 67101, 3/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 5/32 inch Bluebird 67117.

See Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards.

The following are authorized components and related items:

On 20 September 2002, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, requested the Institute provide suggested designs. This was accomplished and the design was selected on 7 January 2003. Executive Order 13289, dated 12 March 2003, signed by President Bush, established this medal. The Office of The Under Secretary of Defense approved additions to the designated geographical areas of eligibility on 21 March 2005 and 29 December 2006.

In order of precedence, the GWOTEM will be worn before the GWOTSM and both shall directly follow the Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) (i.e., KCM, GWOTEM, GWOTSM, KDSM, etc.).

Soldiers may receive both the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) if they meet the requirements of both awards; however, the same period of service establishing eligibility for one cannot be used to justify service eligibility for the other.

Order of precedence and wear policy for service medals awarded to Army personnel is contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority and supply of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22. The policy for display of campaign streamers on guidons/flags and supply of streamers is contained in Chapter 9, 840-10.