The Australian Operational Service Medal (AOSM) – Counter Terrorism and Special Recovery (CT/SR) recognises the service of Australian Defence Force members on counter terrorism and special recovery activities as declared by the Chief of the Defence Force from 1 November 2020.
Eligibility
Members must meet both of the following conditions:
- The member is assigned for duty to a position on a counter terrorism activity or special recovery activity that is a declared operation.
- The member is in support of the Tactical Assault Group or Special Recovery Force for 30 continuous days or for periods that total 30 days.
Members who do not meet the specified period due to death, injury or illness may still be eligible for the award.
Design
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.
The ribbon has black edges, symbolising counter terrorism operations, which then fade to grey, symbolising the urban nature of operations. The blue stripes, which flank the central white stripe, represent the broader contribution of the Special Operation command staff. The white symbolises the peaceful outcome as a final action.
Applications
Applications are not accepted for the AOSM – CT/SR. When a special operation is declared as eligible for the AOSM – (CT/SR) 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.
Source documents
Regulations (Gazette S67) 2012 (PDF, 258.23 KB)
Regulations Amendment 2015 (PDF, 247.5 KB)
Australian Operational Service Medal Regulation 2012 - Amendments of 13 July 2020 (PDF, 229.53 KB)