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.