ok lets try this.....
With the orders granting the GWOTSM for “support duty”, the medal has essentially become almost the same type of award as the National Defense Service Medal and graduates of training schools, ROTC, and service academies are typically presented both awards at the same time. The primary difference between the NDSM and the GWOTSM is that the NDSM is automatic as soon as a person joins the military whereas the GWOTSM may only be presented after thirty days of duty (or three months in the case of the reserves). The regulations for reservists are also not as well defined for the GWOTSM as they are for the NDSM, since the presentation of the NDSM to reservists was codified and clarified as far back as the Gulf War.
Although the Marine Corps is under the auspices of the Navy, regulations for rating the GWOT are the same as those who serve on active duty. Essentially, 30 days of consecutive duty or 60 days of non-consecutive duty in support of approved organizations.[5]
Thanks. Now the whole “two” medal thing becomes clear. Again, thanks for the info.