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What is the Australian Active Service Medal?

This medal is a special award for Australian military members who served in dangerous, warlike combat missions. It was created in 1988 to recognize troops who fought in battles that happened after February 1975. It honors the bravery of soldiers who served in major conflicts like the Gulf War, the war in Afghanistan, and the fight in East Timor. These brave men and women faced real danger to protect their country.

How do you know where the soldier served?

Each medal has a small metal bar attached to its ribbon called a clasp. These clasps have names like 'Kuwait', 'East Timor', or 'Balkans' stamped directly onto them. By looking at these bars, you can tell exactly which conflict or military operation the soldier was part of during their service. This system helps keep a clear record of where our heroes have served.

When was this medal created?

The Australian government officially started this medal in September 1988. Before this date, Australia often used British medals to honor its military heroes. Creating this award was a big step because it allowed Australia to recognize its own soldiers using a unique national system. This helped Australia show its own national pride for modern missions.

Is it different from the peacetime service medal?

Yes, they are very different awards for different types of work. This medal is only for soldiers who served in zones where active fighting and combat were happening. Peacetime medals are awarded for service that did not involve dangerous combat or being in an active war zone. You have to be in a real warlike zone to earn this specific medal.

What is on the medal face?

The front of the medal shows the Australian Federation Star, which is a symbol of the country. This star is surrounded by a circle of leaves known as a wreath. These symbols are very important because they show that the medal is an official and proud award from the Australian Defence Force. The design represents the strength and unity of the nation.

What is the Australian Active Service Medal?

This medal is a special award for Australian military members who served in dangerous, warlike combat missions. It was created in 1988 to recognize troops who fought in battles that happened after February 1975. It honors the bravery of soldiers who served in major conflicts like the Gulf War, the war in Afghanistan, and the fight in East Timor. These brave men and women faced real danger to protect their country.

How do you know where the soldier served?

Each medal has a small metal bar attached to its ribbon called a clasp. These clasps have names like 'Kuwait', 'East Timor', or 'Balkans' stamped directly onto them. By looking at these bars, you can tell exactly which conflict or military operation the soldier was part of during their service. This system helps keep a clear record of where our heroes have served.

When was this medal created?

The Australian government officially started this medal in September 1988. Before this date, Australia often used British medals to honor its military heroes. Creating this award was a big step because it allowed Australia to recognize its own soldiers using a unique national system. This helped Australia show its own national pride for modern missions.

Is it different from the peacetime service medal?

Yes, they are very different awards for different types of work. This medal is only for soldiers who served in zones where active fighting and combat were happening. Peacetime medals are awarded for service that did not involve dangerous combat or being in an active war zone. You have to be in a real warlike zone to earn this specific medal.

What is on the medal face?

The front of the medal shows the Australian Federation Star, which is a symbol of the country. This star is surrounded by a circle of leaves known as a wreath. These symbols are very important because they show that the medal is an official and proud award from the Australian Defence Force. The design represents the strength and unity of the nation.

Home Library AustraliaAustralian Active Service Medal

Campaign medal

Australian Active Service Medal

A service medal created to honor military personnel serving in warlike combat operations.

Australia Established 1988 All servicesPrecedence: Worn after the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for prescribed service in warlike operations designated after 1975.

Eligibility

Members of the Australian Defence Force and attached personnel serving in declared warlike zones.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn after the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75

Australian Active Service Medal, Campaign medal, Australia medal

History

The Australian Active Service Medal was created in September 1988 by the Australian government. It was established to honor personnel who participated in combat operations after February 1975.

Before its creation, Australia used British campaign and general service medals. By introducing this award, Australia ensured it could acknowledge modern military combat deployments under its own national medal system.

The medal uses specific metal clasps worn on the ribbon, such as 'Kuwait', 'East Timor', and 'Balkans', to show which specific war the soldier served in. In 2012, its role was succeeded by a newer operational service medal for future missions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Gulf WarSomali Civil WarEast Timor InterventionWar in AfghanistanIraq War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Ben Roberts-Smith, including Victoria Cross for Australia, Star of Gallantry, Medal for Gallantry, Afghanistan Medal, Australian Active Service Medal, Australian Service Medal, Australian Defence Medal, shown against a light Australia flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

Victoria Cross for Australia Star of Gallantry Medal for Gallantry+4

Ben Roberts-Smith

Who Was Ben Roberts-Smith?

An Australian soldier decorated for extreme bravery in Afghanistan.

Australia11 June 2010

Read Story

Sources

Back to Australia