As a quasi combat action ribbon, for those service members who serve in designated combat zones and participate in combat operations, a gold frame, which the Air Force refers to as a gold border, may be attached to the AFESR basic ribbon. However, it can also be awarded to those who serve in areas where the service member receives hostile fire pay and supports combat operations. The gold border is issued as a one-time award only, regardless of the number of combat operations in which a service member serves.