Technicality that's been used and abused since as far back as I can remember: IF the AO is not designated a "combat zone" by Admin/DoD, it technically is not, no matter how may rounds you're ducking. Comes down to two things:
1. Official stance for the people = MSM
2. Money. Hostile fire/imminent danger pay and authorization of awards. During declared hostilities one receives a Combat Action Ribbon (USMC) and hostile fire pay for being shot at. Otherwise, no.
If I can recall all of this correctly, when we went into the Gulf we automatically got tax free pay and Imminent danger pay. During Desert Storm, we received hostile fire pay and CARs.
In contrast, we've been shot at when we were officially still on the boat.
All comes down to game-playing politicians and how they want to wordsmith shit.
“When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.” Edumnd Burke