Honoring the First Generation of Space Force Guardians

When Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall signed the authorization memo on August 30, 2023, he formally recognized the exemplary behaviour, efficiency, and fidelity of enlisted members of the United States Space Force, and with it, the Space Force Good Conduct Medal became a reality for a branch that had been operating without one since its founding.

The move came after Executive Order 8809, which originally established the Good Conduct Medal, was amended by Executive Order 14085 on October 3, 2022, to expand eligibility to enlisted members of the United States Space Force. The SFGCM was subsequently approved for wear as of September 25, 2023.

Critically, eligibility for the award is retroactive to December 20, 2019, the date the US Space Force was established by law, meaning many Guardians who had already completed their qualifying period were immediately eligible upon the medal’s creation.

What It Takes to Earn It

Guardians must serve three years in the Space Force while demonstrating the core values of Character, Connection, Commitment, and Courage. Award of the SFGCM is automatic unless denied by the unit commander. Denials result from less-than-exemplary conduct, with commanders required to prepare a memorandum stating the period involved and to adjust the award start date.

One important note: service performed in a sister service, including the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, is not creditable toward the SFGCM. Only time served directly in the Space Force counts.