History
The Australian Operational Service Medal was established on 22 May 2012 by Letters Patent and the Australian Operational Service Medal Regulations 2012, replacing the Australian Active Service Medal and the Australian Service Medal for future operations. The Counter Terrorism and Special Recovery version recognises the service of Australian Defence Force members on counter terrorism and special recovery activities as declared by the Chief of the Defence Force from 1 November 2020, established by an instrument made in September 2020 and its determination later that month.
It succeeds the Service Medal clasp CT/SR, which recognised service in a Tactical Assault Group or Recovery Force from 31 August 1979 to 31 October 2020 with a qualifying period of sixty days of continuous service. Under this medal the qualifying period is thirty days, continuous or aggregated, in support of the Tactical Assault Group or Special Recovery Force. As with the Special Operations version, applications are not accepted and the medal is issued from nominal rolls provided by the Chief of the Defence Force.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Australian Operational Service Medal is a cupro-nickel medal finished in antique silver. The obverse bears an old-world stylised world globe signifying global operations, interlinked with a Federation Star, the globe surrounded by the words AUSTRALIAN OPERATIONAL SERVICE MEDAL. The reverse bears a central horizontal stylised scroll with the words Defending Australia and its national interests, overlaying a wreath of mimosa, above which sits an hourglass motif signifying the ongoing vigilance and timely response of Defence.
The ribbon
Black edges fading to grey, blue stripes and a central white stripe for the peaceful outcome as a final action.
The ribbon has black edges, symbolising counter terrorism operations, which fade to grey, symbolising the urban nature of operations. The blue stripes, which flank the central white stripe, represent the broader contribution of Special Operations Command staff. The white symbolises the peaceful outcome as a final action.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Force or a delegate, for counter terrorism and special recovery activities declared by the Chief of the Defence Force from 1 November 2020. Members must meet both of the following conditions.
- The member is assigned for duty to a position on a counter terrorism activity or special recovery activity that is a declared operation;
- The member is in support of the Tactical Assault Group or Special Recovery Force for thirty continuous days, or for periods that total thirty days;
- Members who do not meet the specified period because of death, injury or illness may still be eligible. Applications are not accepted; the medal is issued from nominal rolls.
Order of wear
The Operational Service Medals are worn among the Australian campaign and operational awards, after the Australian Service Medal. Where a person holds more than one Operational Service Medal, they are worn in order of date of qualifying service. The precise neighbours should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What does the medal recognise?
Service on counter terrorism and special recovery activities declared by the Chief of the Defence Force from 1 November 2020, in support of the Tactical Assault Group or Special Recovery Force.
How much service is needed to qualify?
Thirty days in support of the Tactical Assault Group or Special Recovery Force, either continuous or in periods that total thirty days. Members who fall short of the period because of death, injury or illness may still be eligible.
How does it differ from the Service Medal clasp CT/SR?
The clasp recognised the same stream of duty from 31 August 1979 to 31 October 2020 and required sixty days of continuous service. This medal recognises the duty from 1 November 2020 with a thirty day qualifying period, continuous or aggregated.
Do I need to apply?
No. Applications are not accepted. When an activity is declared eligible, a nominal roll of eligible members is provided to the Directorate of Honours and Awards and the medal is issued directly.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
The black edges symbolise counter terrorism operations, fading to grey for the urban nature of the work. The blue stripes represent the broader contribution of Special Operations Command staff, and the central white stripe symbolises the peaceful outcome as a final action.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.