It would seem that none of us dispute that the requisite time in uniform deserves the medal. The main argument seems to be the cost to finance the medal for all qualifying cases if there were not an arbitrary cut-off date. So, how about anybody who has qualified, regardless of dates, can have and wear the medal. Serving personnel should get the medal free, all others can order and pay for it.
BB
BB, I don't understand some of the sour grapes though that has been posted on the subject of medals? There are certainly different points of view but, I feel that the real issues are that, medals are issued appropriately and as fairly as can be done.
I do not have any truck with arguments that, cost or difficulty should limit simple awards where merit has been recognised. However, if the official choice was presented of being recognised but having to pay for the actual medal, I would go for that, rather than see thousands of Veterans not get that recognition of Service AT ALL!
Cheers
OAP