Policy

Canadian Armed Forces Announced Amendments to Recognize Personnel Middle East Deployments

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Noting the evolving nature of missions in the Middle East, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) recently announced significant changes recognizing personnel deployed to the region.

With DAESH considerably subdued, CAF’s operations in the region have shifted.

“The Joint Task Force – Impact (JTF-I) and Task Force – Central (TF-C) missions have evolved with the suppression of DAESH, and both transitioned to Task Force – Middle East (TF-ME) to reflect this evolution.

The CAF are no longer conducting combat operations in Iraq, and CAF personnel are now focused on embedded support within a coalition HQ and capacity building in the region,” states CANFORGEN 182/24.

Recognizing this change, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), in consultation with the Armed Forces Council (AFC), has approved several amendments to the recognition for members of the Defence Team deployed to the region, effective Nov. 30, 2024. The most notable changes involve the cessation of certain operational medals and the introduction of the Operational Service Medal-Expeditionary (OSM-EXP) for specific deployments.

CAF Personnel deployed to Bahrain will continue to receive the Special Service Medal-Expeditionary (SSM-EXP), above, maintaining their current recognition. Above image: Special Service Medal – Expedition (SSM-EXP).

New Medal Guidelines for Personnel Deployed in the Middle East

According to the updated guidelines, the General Campaign Star-Expeditionary (GCS-EXP) will no longer be awarded to personnel deployed to Iraq. Instead, members serving in Iraq, including those involved in NATO Mission Iraq and Operation Inherent Resolve under Task Force – Middle East, will be awarded the OSM-EXP.

“Service of members of the Defence Team in Iraq, including but not limited to those serving with NATO Mission Iraq and OP Inherent Resolve under Task Force – Middle East (OP Impact), will be eligible for the OSM-EXP, effective November 30, 2024,” reads the CANFORGEN.

Similarly, the General Service Medal-Expeditionary (GSM-EXP) will no longer be presented to personnel deployed to Qatar or Kuwait. Instead, those members will also receive the OSM-EXP.

“Service of members of the Defence Team deployed to Qatar in direct support of Task Force – Middle East (OP Impact), effective November 30, 2024, will be eligible for the OSM-EXP,” reads the directive.

The same change applies to personnel deployed to Kuwait in direct support of Task Force – Middle East.

According to the updated guidelines, the General Campaign Star-Expeditionary (GCS-EXP), above, will no longer be awarded to personnel deployed to Iraq. Instead, members serving in Iraq, including those involved in NATO Mission Iraq and Operation Inherent Resolve under Task Force – Middle East, will be awarded the Operational Service Medal-Expedition (OSM-EXP). Above image: General Service Star (GCS-EXP).

Continuing Recognition for Other Deployments

While changes have been made for deployments in Iraq, Qatar, and Kuwait, recognition remains unchanged for other locations. The OSM-EXP will continue to be awarded to personnel deployed to CTAT Jordan and Lebanon. Additionally, members deployed to Bahrain will continue to receive the Special Service Medal-Expeditionary (SSM-EXP), maintaining their current recognition.

The General Service Medal – Expedition (GSM-EXP), above, will no longer be presented to personnel deployed to Qatar or Kuwait. Instead, those members will also receive the OSM-EXP. Above image: General Service Medal – Expedition (GSM-EXP).

Clarification on NATO Mission Iraq Eligibility

To avoid duplicate recognition, a specific clarification was issued regarding personnel supporting NATO Mission Iraq (NMI). These CAF members, who are eligible for the OSM-EXP, are not permitted to order, accept, or wear the NATO-NMI Medal, as it is not approved by the Governor General.

“CAF members who support NATO Mission Iraq are eligible for the OSM-EXP and shall not order, accept, or wear the NATO-NMI Medal which is not approved by the GC (Government of Canada),” the CANFORGEN confirms.

Full criteria and eligibility lists can be found on the DH and R website here.