History

The Operational Service Medal 2000 was instituted in 1999. The Operational Service Medal replaced the General Service Medal 1962-2007, except for Northern Ireland and Air Operations Iraq. The Silver Medal is awarded to all branches of the Armed Forces in recognition of minor campaigns and operations since May 5, 2000, which had not already been recognized by a previous award.

The Medal features three different ribbon designs to represent three separate operations in Afghanistan since September 11, 2001, Sierra Leone between May 5, 2000, and July 31, 2002, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo between June 14 and September 10, 2003.

A possible "AFGHANISTAN" clasp is authorized for award with the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan, while a "D.R.O.C." is awarded with all issues of the Operational Service Medal for the Democratic Republic of Congo. A silver rosette, designating the award of a clasp, may be worn on the ribbon when the ribbon is worn alone.