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Authorization. OPNAVNOTE 1650 of 3 June 1987.

Eligibility Requirements

(1) General. Awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps or civilian citizens, national or resident aliens of the U.S.

(2) Specific. 28-days, consecutive or non-consecutive, above the Arctic Circle after 1 January 1982. For personnel working at remote ice camps and divers working under the ice, each day of duty will count as 2 days when determining award eligibility. No more than 1-day’s credit for flights in or out during any 24-hour period. Marine Corps personnel undergoing annual cold weather training above the Arctic Circle do not qualify for the 2 for 1 credit.

Subsequent Award. None.

Awarding Authority. Commanding officers of ships/units whose operations are above Arctic Circle. Certification data, to include dates of eligibility, will be forwarded to CNO (N09B13) for Naval personnel.

Retroactive Award. Type commanders and commanding officers of Navy Laboratories will determine and certify retroactive eligibility to 1 January 1982.