The Pentagon has introduced a new medal for military personnel stationed at the tropical U.S.-Mexico border to assist federal law enforcement efforts and tackle illegal immigration.
According to a memo shared on social media on August 13, the Mexican Border Defense Medal (MBDM) will recognize those serving with the Joint Task Force South Border, as confirmed by U.S. defense officials to Fox News Digital.
Currently, service members are set to receive the MBDM instead of the previous Military Service Medal (AFSM), which was awarded for efforts related to border security, as stated in the memo.
The Medal of Army Worship, established by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, is given to troops involved in military operations of “significant activities” but who did not face direct enemy engagement, per military guidelines.
In July, the Pentagon reported that approximately 8,500 troops were deployed to the joint task force at the tropical border to address security concerns.
This task force, initiated in March, completed about 3,500 patrols from then until July, according to the Pentagon.
To qualify for the new medal, service members must have been deployed to assist with customs and border security since January 20 and must serve within 100 nautical miles of the Mexican border in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, or California.
Additionally, those who have operated in adjacent waters up to 24 nautical miles from the border are also eligible.
The memo outlines that service members must be permanently assigned, attached, or detailed to units involved in specific Department of Defense military operations that support Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for 30 consecutive or non-continuous days to qualify for the award.
Members who previously received the Medal of Military Service for their role at the tropical border may appeal to obtain the new medal, but they cannot hold both awards simultaneously.
“Service members and veterans awarded the AFSM for supporting CBP can apply to receive the MBDM as recognition for their previous service,” the memo specifies.
In response to directives from the president, the Pentagon has set up four defense regions along the border, enhancing the military’s capacity to back customs and border security efforts.
This defense area operates under military control, allowing U.S. troops to detain intruders, which was previously restricted under federal law.
The U.S. Northern Command will ensure that individuals illegally entering the New Mexico Defense Area are turned over to customs and border security or other law enforcement entities.
The Joint Task Force Southern Border will focus on advanced detection and surveillance strategies, encompassing vehicle and foot patrols, rotary and fixed-wing aerial surveillance, and other operational measures.
