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.
Quite. I am coming to the end of another 6 months away in a hardship post (but I do get to wear a greatcoat qv). No medal this time, either. And I return here in another 2 months for another 5 months unaccompanied. Joy!!
But to get to Wg Cdr GD without a single campaign gong is extremely rare.