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.)
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
