History
The Operational Service Medal was established in 1999 to replace the General Service Medal of 1962 for new operations. A single medal design serves every campaign, each distinguished by its own ribbon, whose common centre of a broad red stripe flanked by navy and light blue represents the three services, with a distinctive outer colour for each theatre. The Iraq and Syria version recognises service on Operation Shader, the British contribution to the military intervention against ISIL in Iraq and Syria, from 9 August 2014. Announced in 2017 and first awarded in 2018, it broke new ground: it was the first British campaign medal awarded to personnel who made a significant contribution from outside the operational area, reflecting a war fought in part by remotely piloted aircraft and distant support.
Those who served in or over the landmass of Iraq and Syria for the qualifying period receive the medal with the Iraq and Syria clasp; those who contributed significantly from outside, including some civilians, receive the medal without the clasp. This is a British award; Australians who served on the coalition operation received Australian awards. Where held, it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is silver and circular. The obverse bears the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID DEF. The reverse shows the Union Flag within the inscription FOR OPERATIONAL SERVICE, over a four-pointed star for the points of the compass, with four coronets between the points for the Crown and the three services: royal, naval, mural for the Army and astral for the Royal Air Force. The recipient's details are impressed on the rim.
The ribbon
Red, navy and light blue centre with grey edges.
The ribbon has a broad central red stripe flanked on each side by navy blue and light blue for the three services, with an outer stripe of grey; the colours are said to represent the many airframes used in the operation and the three services.
Clasps
Service in the operational area is marked by a clasp; significant service from outside earns the medal without one.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded for service on or over the landmass of Iraq and Syria, or in significant direct support from outside, on Operation Shader since 9 August 2014.
- Thirty days' continuous or forty-five days' cumulative service in the operational area, or ten air sorties over Iraq or six over Syria, earns the medal with the Iraq and Syria clasp;
- Those who made a significant contribution from outside the operational area, including some civilians, receive the medal without the clasp, a first for a British campaign medal;
- This is a British award; Australians received Australian awards for the same operation. Where held, it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Order of wear
Imperial and British awards were the honours of Australia before the Australian honours system was established in 1975. Australians who served the campaigns of these medals generally received the corresponding Australian awards; where a British award is held, it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the awards of other recognised governments and international organisations, worn after Australian campaign medals in date order.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Operational Service Medal for Iraq and Syria awarded for?
Service on or over the landmass of Iraq and Syria, or in significant direct support from outside, on Operation Shader against ISIL since 9 August 2014.
Why is it a landmark medal?
It was the first British campaign medal awarded to personnel who served outside the operational area, including the crews of remotely piloted aircraft, reflecting the changing nature of war.
What is the clasp?
The Iraq and Syria clasp, awarded for qualifying service in the operational area; significant support from outside earns the medal without a clasp.
Would an Australian wear this medal?
Australians on the coalition operation received Australian awards; the British medal is a foreign award, worn in the Australian order among other governments' awards where held.
What does the reverse show?
The Union Flag within FOR OPERATIONAL SERVICE, over a compass star with four coronets for the Crown and the three services.
Is it named to the recipient?
Yes, impressed on the rim.