(1) Not intended to award all soldiers who serve in a combat zone or imminent danger area.
(2) Specific Eligibility Requirements:
a. May be awarded to any soldier.
b. Soldier must be performing assigned duties in an area where hostilities occur.
c. Soldier must be personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.
d. Soldier must participate in at least five games and engage in at least eight enemy encounters (i.e. hand-ti-hand combat situations)
(3) Award of the Combat Medal is authorized from 1 May 2006 to a date to be determined. Award for qualifying service in any previous conflict is not authorized.