Instrument 2014 - AASM with Clasp 'ICAT', Afghanistan Medal, AOSM (Civilian) with Clasp 'ICAT', AOSM - Greater Middle East Operation and AOSM (Civilian) with Clasp 'G.M.E. OPS'

Overview

The Gazetted Instrument C2014G01531, approved by the Governor-General on 4 September 2014, pertains to the establishment and award of specific military medals to recognise the service of Australian personnel in designated operations. The enactment of this legislation is part of the broader effort to formalise the recognition of active service in contemporary military operations by creating new clasps for existing operational service medals. This initiative addresses the gap in formally acknowledging the contributions of both military and civilian personnel in specific operations such as the International Stabilisation and Reconstruction Task (ICAT) and the Greater Middle East Operations (G.M.E.OPS). The policy objective is to ensure that the sacrifices and efforts of these personnel are officially commemorated and honoured through the awarding of these medals.

Scope and Application

The Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp 'ICAT', the Afghanistan Medal Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) with Clasp 'ICAT', the Australian Operational Service Medal – Greater Middle East Operation, and the Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) with Clasp 'G.M.E.OPS' are awarded under the provisions of the Gazette C2014G01531. These awards apply to eligible military personnel and civilian personnel who have served in specific operational areas under Australian Defence Force command. The awards are applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and are intended to recognise the service and sacrifice of individuals who have contributed to Australia’s defence and peacekeeping efforts. The eligibility criteria and specific conditions for these awards are detailed in the Instruments available on the Governor-General’s website, and these awards may be subject to further clarification or amendment through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of this legislation focus on the declaration and determination of specific military service medals for Australian personnel involved in designated operations. Under section 1, the Australian Active Service Medal with the Clasp 'ICAT' is awarded to eligible personnel who served in Iraq as part of Operation Catalyst. This is further clarified in section 2, which applies to those who served in Afghanistan under Operation Slipper. Section 3 establishes the awarding of the Australian Operational Service Medal for the Greater Middle East Operation, recognising service in the broader region. Section 4 details the award of the Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) with the Clasp 'ICAT' for civilian personnel involved in Iraq, while section 5 provides for the Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) with the Clasp 'G.M.E.OPS' for those civilians involved in the Greater Middle East Operation. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties it governs primarily involve the eligibility criteria for each medal. Section 6 outlines that eligibility for the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp 'ICAT' requires the individual to have served in Iraq for a specified period. Section 7 specifies the criteria for the Afghanistan Medal, requiring service in Afghanistan under Operation Slipper. Section 8 sets out the conditions for the Australian Operational Service Medal for the Greater Middle East Operation, while sections 9 and 10 detail the eligibility for the Australian Operational Service Medal (Civilian) with Clasp 'ICAT' and 'G.M.E.OPS', respectively. These sections ensure that only those who meet the defined service requirements are eligible for the medals. The legislation also includes provisions for offences, penalties, and consequences for breaches. Under section 11, any person found to have falsely claimed eligibility for these medals or to have unlawfully worn these medals is subject to a civil penalty. The maximum penalty for such an offence is stipulated in section 12, which sets a fine of up to 20 penalty units, or a greater sum if specified by the court. Section 13 outlines that any person found guilty of these offences may also face criminal charges, resulting in imprisonment for up to two years. These provisions ensure that the integrity of the awards is maintained and that only those who genuinely meet the eligibility criteria are honoured.