AOSM - BORDER PROTECTION
The medal was to a high standard.
The AOSM, a prestigious military service medal, honours the dedication of Australian Defence Force personnel in protecting the country's borders. Its elegant design and symbolic ribbon make it a cherished honour. Read more..
The Australian Operational Service Medal (AOSM) Border Protection is a military service medal awarded to members of the Australian Defense Force (ADF) who have served in border protection operations, including the interception and management of maritime arrivals of irregular immigrants, illegal fishing activities, and other related operations.
Eligibility
The medal was established on July 14, 2010, and is awarded for service in Australian border protection operations since 1997. Eligible operations include - but are not limited to - Operation Resolute (July 2006 - ongoing) and Operation Sovereign Borders (2013-ongoing).
Design
The medal is a circular design of cupro-nickel finished in antique silver. It features an old-world stylised map on the obverse, representing global operations. The map is crowned by the Federation Star, and surrounded by the inscription "AUSTRALIAN OPERATIONAL SERVICE MEDAL". The reverse bears a wreath of mimosa, overlayed by a horizontal scroll with the words "Defending Australia and its national interests". Above the scroll is the image of an hourglass, signifying ongoing vigilance and timely response.
Ribbon
The ribbon of the AOSM Border Protection has three equal stripes of dark blue, ochre, and dark green. These colours represent the seas, sky, deserts and forests.
If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.
The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.
It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.
Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.
