History

The Afghanistan Medal was instituted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004 to recognise members of the Australian Defence Force who participated in Operation Slipper and Operation Palate. “Operation Slipper” is the codename for Australia’s military contribution to the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, which commenced on 11 October 2001 and ended on 31 December 2014. “Operation Palate” is the codename for Australia’s contribution to the UN’s Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, which commenced in April 2003 and ended in June 2004.

In order to be eligible for the Medal, a member of the Australian Defence Force has to have rendered at least 30 days of service with either of the forces involved in Operation Slipper or Palate. If a person is entitled to receive the Iraq Medal, they are not eligible to receive the Afghanistan Medal.

The obverse of the medal features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. The reverse of the medal depicts a multi-rayed sun that is rising behind a mountain range with snow-capped peaks. The word “AFGHANISTAN” is inscribed on the medal in English, as well as in the Arabic script of Dari and Pashto, the primary languages of Afghanistan.

Recipients are also eligible to receive the ICAT clasp for the Australian Active Service Medal.