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What is this medal awarded for?

This medal is given to Norwegian soldiers who serve in military missions outside of Norway. These troops are sent to places like Afghanistan or Kosovo to help keep the peace or protect people. It recognizes the hard work and risks that soldiers face while serving their country far from home.

How long must a soldier serve abroad to earn it?

To get this medal, a soldier must serve in a mission for a set amount of time. Usually, they need to be on duty for at least 30 to 90 days. This makes sure that the award goes to those who have spent a significant amount of time in an operational area.

Can soldiers wear multiple bars on the ribbon?

Yes, soldiers can add special marks to their ribbon. They use small metal bars or rosettes to show exactly where they served. If a soldier goes on many different missions, these markers tell the story of each place they visited.

When did Norway start issuing this medal?

The Norwegian Chief of Defence created this medal in 2005. At that time, Norway had many troops helping with missions around the world. The country needed an official way to honor the brave men and women serving in these important roles.

Is this a bravery medal or a campaign medal?

This is known as a campaign medal. It is given to recognize that a soldier completed a full tour of duty in a specific war zone or mission. Unlike bravery medals, which are for single acts of courage, this medal is for successfully finishing a deployment.

What is this medal awarded for?

This medal is given to Norwegian soldiers who serve in military missions outside of Norway. These troops are sent to places like Afghanistan or Kosovo to help keep the peace or protect people. It recognizes the hard work and risks that soldiers face while serving their country far from home.

How long must a soldier serve abroad to earn it?

To get this medal, a soldier must serve in a mission for a set amount of time. Usually, they need to be on duty for at least 30 to 90 days. This makes sure that the award goes to those who have spent a significant amount of time in an operational area.

Can soldiers wear multiple bars on the ribbon?

Yes, soldiers can add special marks to their ribbon. They use small metal bars or rosettes to show exactly where they served. If a soldier goes on many different missions, these markers tell the story of each place they visited.

When did Norway start issuing this medal?

The Norwegian Chief of Defence created this medal in 2005. At that time, Norway had many troops helping with missions around the world. The country needed an official way to honor the brave men and women serving in these important roles.

Is this a bravery medal or a campaign medal?

This is known as a campaign medal. It is given to recognize that a soldier completed a full tour of duty in a specific war zone or mission. Unlike bravery medals, which are for single acts of courage, this medal is for successfully finishing a deployment.

Home Library NorwayMedal for Defence Operations Abroad

Campaign medal

Medal for Defence Operations Abroad

A campaign medal awarded to Norwegian troops deployed in operational military missions overseas.

Norway Established 2005 All servicesPrecedence: 23rd in the Norwegian order of precedence

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for serving at least 30 to 90 days in designated operational missions outside Norway.

Eligibility

Norwegian Armed Forces personnel deployed to recognized operational areas abroad.

Branch

All services

Precedence

23rd in the Norwegian order of precedence

Medal for Defence Operations Abroad, Campaign medal, Norway medal

History

In 2005, the Norwegian Chief of Defence created the Medal for Defence Operations Abroad. Norway had participated in numerous international military missions, including peacekeeping in the Balkans and combat operations in Afghanistan, and needed an official medal to mark operational deployments.

The medal recognizes troops deployed in harm's way for specified minimum periods of time. The ribbon can be adorned with small metal bars or rosettes showing the specific country or operation where the service member was stationed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

War in AfghanistanKosovo WarOperation Inherent Resolve

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Eirik Kristoffersen, including Medal for Defence Operations Abroad, Norwegian Defence Cross of Honour, shown against a light Norway flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

Medal for Defence Operations Abroad Norwegian Defence Cross of Honour

Eirik Kristoffersen

Who Is General Eirik Kristoffersen?

A decorated Norwegian General known for leadership in Afghanistan.

Norway2008-05-01

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Sources

Back to Norway