Australian Operational Service Medal Special Operations
The Australian Operational Service Medal (AOSM) – Special Operations recognises the service of Australian Defence Force members on special operations as declared by the Chief of the Defence Force from 1 November 2019.
Applications are not accepted for the AOSM – Special Operations.
Eligible Service
The AOSM – Special Operations recognises the service of Australian Defence Force members on special operations as declared by the Chief of the Defence Force from 1 November 2019.
Medal
The 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 is 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 hour glass motif signifying the ongoing vigilance and timely response of Defence.
Ribbon
The ribbon is black with a central thin red stripe. The black represents the non-conventional conduct of special operations, while the single red stripe represents danger, strength and the great sacrifices made by recipients in defence of Australia.
Badge
See Operational Service Badge (OSB)
Source Documents
Applications
Applications are not accepted for the AOSM – Special Operations.
When a special operation is declared as eligible for the AOSM – Special Operations by the Chief of the Defence Force, a nominal roll containing the names of eligible ADF members will be provided to the Directorate of Honours and Awards. This list will then be utilised to issue the award directly to members without the need for an application to be submitted
