Australian Operational Service Badge

In 2012 the Australian Government instituted the Australian Operational Service Medal. The introduction of this award means that the Australian Active Service Medal and Australian Service Medal will gradually phase out over time as each operation currently recognised with these awards draws to a close. The Australian Operational Service Medal will now be issued for all new Australian Defence Force operations where medallic recognition is warranted.

Also approved alongside the Australian Operational Service Medal is the Operational Service Badge. This is presented on the first occasion that a person qualifies for an Australian Operation Service Medal. There are two variants of the badge, one for service personnel and another for civilians who render operational service in support of an Australian Defence Operation that qualifies them for the Australian Operational Service Medal – Civilian.

Unlike the Returned from Active Service Badge, the Operational Service Badge can be presented to the next of kin of a deceased person.

One design feature of the badge is that it is surmounted by the Federation Star and not a monarch’s crown. This is the first badge awarded to service personnel to omit the crown.