To add to Mr C Hinecaps comments, don't forget that plenty of people have done deployments to certain countries in support of current ops that doesn't qualify them for the appropriate medal. Applies mostly to non-flying branches but plenty of aircrew go to certain places for 6 to 9 months depending on their appointment and are just as involved in ops but don't get the gong. We shouldn't immediately jump to conclusions on peoples op experience by their medals.