[Half Vast Conspiracy]

He was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal prior to his discharge in January 2011.

Decorated? LOL.

[GreyFriar]

Back when I was in the Army the National Defense Service Medal (NSDM) was called the ‘I’ve been to basic medal.’ That was because it was awarded for serving 60 days on active military service, as Basic training was 8 weeks long (not counting the 1st week in reception station getting physical, shots, uniforms, etc), one qualified for receiving it upon graduation.

The rules are the same for the NDSM today and are also similar for the GWOT medal. Essentially, join the military after 9-11-2001, serve for 60-365 days and you get the medals. There is no performance standard, just ‘enlist.’