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.)
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.