The Antarctica Service Medal is awarded to any person who subsequent to 1 January 1946 meets any of the following criteria:

• any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or civilian citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States who participates in or has participated in scientific, direct support, or exploratory operations in Antarctica under sponsorship and approval of the United States Government;

• any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who participates in flights as a member of the crew of an aircraft flying to or from the Antarctic Continent in support of operations; or

• any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or civilian citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States who serves in an United States ship operating south of latitude 60 degrees South in support of United States Programmes in Antarctica.

A bar, "Wintered Over", can be worn.