Afghanistan Medal

Afghanistan Medal

The Afghanistan Medal is a military campaign medal instituted by the Australian Government in 2004 to recognize the service of Australian Defence Force personnel who were deployed in support of the War in Afghanistan. This medal is awarded to individuals who served for 30 days or more in Afghanistan or in its surrounding waters, airspace or territories.

This medal was not awarded with any clasps

To be eligible for the Afghanistan Medal, personnel must have served in a range of operations, including Operation Slipper, Operation Kruger, Operation Slipper II, and Operation Paladin. This medal may also be awarded posthumously to the next of kin of a member of the Australian Defence Force who dies while deployed in support of these operations.

Design

The design of the Afghanistan Medal features a circular medal made of cupro-nickel. The front of the medal has a central design of the Australian Coat of Arms. The reverse of the medal has a central design of the rays of a rising sun over a snow-capped mountain range, representing a new dawn for the nation. "Afghanistan" is inscribed in both English and Arabic script.

Ribbon

The ribbon of the Afghanistan Medal is a light khaki, with outer stripes of light blue and white, and central stripes of dark purple and red. The colours represent the terrain, the Australian Defence Force, and the conflict.

The Afghanistan Medal is a way to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force personnel who served in Afghanistan. This medal acknowledges their dedication, bravery, and commitment to the nation's security and the international community's efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.

Unmounted Medals

If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.

Afghanistan Medal Full Size Court Mounted

The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.

It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.

Afghanistan Medal Full Size Swing Mounted

The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.

Afghanistan Medal Miniature Court Mounted

Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Afghanistan Medal Miniature Swing Mounted

Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Afghanistan Medal Ribbon Bar

A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.