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How was this mission different from the ISAF mission?

The ISAF mission spent many years focusing on direct combat fighting. When the Resolute Support mission began in 2015, the goal changed to teaching, advising, and assisting local Afghan police and army forces. This new mission was designed to help the Afghan people learn how to protect their own nation on their own.

What is written on the metal bar on the ribbon?

The bronze clasp attached to the ribbon has the words 'RESOLUTE SUPPORT' printed on it. This bar helps identify which specific mission the person served in while in Afghanistan. It sits right on the ribbon, which is made of special blue, white, and golden threads.

When was this medal officially created?

This medal was officially created in 2015. This was the same year that NATO started the new Resolute Support mission. The medal was designed to honor the hard work of all the people who helped with this training mission.

Did this mission include both soldiers and civilians?

Yes, both military and civilian personnel earned this medal. People from many different countries worked together to teach Afghan troops how to be successful. As long as these people were part of the NATO-led mission for at least thirty days, they were eligible for this award.

When did the Resolute Support mission wrap up?

The mission officially ended in the summer of 2021. This was when all of the allied forces finally left the country. The ending of this mission marked the close of a very long period of international support in Afghanistan.

How was this mission different from the ISAF mission?

The ISAF mission spent many years focusing on direct combat fighting. When the Resolute Support mission began in 2015, the goal changed to teaching, advising, and assisting local Afghan police and army forces. This new mission was designed to help the Afghan people learn how to protect their own nation on their own.

What is written on the metal bar on the ribbon?

The bronze clasp attached to the ribbon has the words 'RESOLUTE SUPPORT' printed on it. This bar helps identify which specific mission the person served in while in Afghanistan. It sits right on the ribbon, which is made of special blue, white, and golden threads.

When was this medal officially created?

This medal was officially created in 2015. This was the same year that NATO started the new Resolute Support mission. The medal was designed to honor the hard work of all the people who helped with this training mission.

Did this mission include both soldiers and civilians?

Yes, both military and civilian personnel earned this medal. People from many different countries worked together to teach Afghan troops how to be successful. As long as these people were part of the NATO-led mission for at least thirty days, they were eligible for this award.

When did the Resolute Support mission wrap up?

The mission officially ended in the summer of 2021. This was when all of the allied forces finally left the country. The ending of this mission marked the close of a very long period of international support in Afghanistan.

Home Library Other AlliedNATO Medal for Resolute Support

Campaign medal

NATO Medal for Resolute Support

An alliance medal awarded to coalition troops who trained and assisted Afghan security forces after 2015.

Other Allied Established 2015 All servicesPrecedence: Worn immediately after the earlier ISAF medal on uniform ribbons.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for thirty days of service supporting the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

Eligibility

Military and civilian coalition personnel deployed under NATO command for the Resolute Support mission.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn immediately after the earlier ISAF medal on uniform ribbons.

NATO Medal for Resolute Support, Campaign medal, Other Allied medal

History

In January 2015, NATO launched Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan. This new allied mission replaced the earlier combat mission of ISAF. Its primary goal was not direct fighting, but teaching, advising, and assisting the Afghan police and army so they could protect their own nation.

NATO created this medal to reflect the shift to training and advising. The medal maintains the classic bronze NATO medallion design, but it has a ribbon with special blue, white, and golden threads. It is worn with a bronze clasp that reads 'RESOLUTE SUPPORT'.

Allied troops from Europe, North America, and other global partners wore this decoration while mentoring military units under challenging conditions. It continued until the final withdrawal of coalition forces in 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

War in Afghanistan

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Marko Petrovic, including NATO Medal for Resolute Support, NATO Medal for Non-Article 5 ISAF Afghanistan, NATO Meritorious Service Medal, NATO Medal for Kosovo, shown against a light Other Allied flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

NATO Medal for Resolute Support NATO Medal for Non-Article 5 ISAF Afghanistan NATO Meritorious Service Medal+1

Marko Petrovic

Who Was Major Marko Petrovic?

A Croatian officer who served extensively in NATO-led operations throughout Afghanistan and the Balkan region.

Other Allied2010-2018

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Sources

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