Executive Order 13666: Expanding Eligibility for the Defense Meritorious Service Medal
President: Barack Obama
Expanded eligibility for the Defense Meritorious Service Medal to service members of friendly foreign nations.
Status: In effect. Is Executive Order 13666 still in effect? Yes. Executive Order 13666 remains operative as the amendment extending Defense Meritorious Service Medal eligibility to members of friendly foreign armed forces. The current U.S. Code compilation retains that language in Executive Order 12019 and attributes it to the April 18, 2014 amendment. Sources: Federal Register 2014 executive order disposition table, EO 13666; Signed Executive Order 13666; Current U.S. Code, Executive Order 12019 as amended by Executive Order 13666.
What does Executive Order 13666 do?
EO 13666 made one textual change to EO 12019: it added members of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation to the people who may receive the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. The existing requirement for outstanding noncombat meritorious achievement or service in a qualifying joint assignment remained. The order did not broaden the list of qualifying assignments or make an award automatic.
Before and after
Before the order
EO 12019 authorized the medal for qualifying US Armed Forces members, but not for members of friendly foreign armed forces.
After the order
Qualifying members of friendly foreign armed forces could also be considered for the same medal.
Who had to do what
| Agency / office | Action | Timing / position |
|---|---|---|
| Defense Department | Apply the amended eligibility and award criteria | Continuing |
| Awarding officials | Assess and approve qualifying nominations | Continuing |
What happened next
EO 12019 established the medal for qualifying US service members.
EO 13666 added members of friendly foreign armed forces to the eligible group.
Legal and source detail
How it works legally
EO 13666 inserts one phrase into EO 12019. It does not change the required type of service, listed assignments, or delegated award authority.
Sources by type
If a source is unavailable, first check the cited publisher or another official repository. The cited publisher remains the authority.
Primary and official sources
Orders, laws, court records and official implementation material.
How we checked this
Last checked against the sources above on September 23, 2026. How we research →