OSM Iraq & Syria - Updated Qualification Criteria

[Mahogany_Bomber]

All,

An update to the qualification criteria for the OSM Iraq & Syria has been announced. Most significantly, Reaper crews operating from Waddington and Creech are eligible for the medal without clasp.

OSM Iraq & Syria (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-medal-awarded-to-recognise-the-changing-character-of-warfare)

MB

[Training Risky]

All,

An update to the qualification criteria for the OSM Iraq & Syria has been announced. Most significantly, Reaper crews operating from Waddington and Creech are eligible for the medal without clasp.

OSM Iraq & Syria (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-medal-awarded-to-recognise-the-changing-character-of-warfare)

MB
Excellent news. I sat in PJHQ supporting Shader while eating pizza. Does this mean I get the same medal as if I was at Waddo/Aki eating pizza?

[Melchett01]

Excellent news. I sat in PJHQ supporting Shader while eating pizza. Does this mean I get the same medal as if I was at Waddo/Aki eating pizza?

No, the DIN specifically says anyone but Training Risky 😉

[Herod]

I've got two clasps on my GSM. One for South Arabia, one for Northern Ireland. Come Remembrance Sunday, and I feel almost guilty wearing them. In Aden, I was swanning around in my helicopter, occasionally getting a bit of ground fire, while the PBI were patrolling the likes of Crater, Ma'ala etc. In N.I., right at the beginning we were just patrolling the border. Later in that little conflict the PBI were down the Bogside or Falls Road. We all got the same medal, but those guys earned it. I'm not sure I did. Just saying.

[Melchett01]

I've got two clasps on my GSM. One for South Arabia, one for Northern Ireland. Come Remembrance Sunday, and I feel almost guilty wearing them. In Aden, I was swanning around in my helicopter, occasionally getting a bit of ground fire, while the PBI were patrolling the likes of Crater, Ma'ala etc. In N.I., right at the beginning we were just patrolling the border. Later in that little conflict the PBI were down the Bogside or Falls Road. We all got the same medal, but those guys earned it. I'm not sure I did. Just saying.

And that’s what irks me with th current system a little Herod. You don’t think you’ve earned them, but you clearly have otherwise you wouldn’t have them under our rather parsimonious system. I know it’s the military way to have had the hardest/ most uncomfortable / dangerous tour ever, and anyone who didn’t was clearly malingering in Stores whilst their laundry went forward, but those days are over, and thankfully we are now starting to recognise operational service that has value and contributes to U.K. national objectives. Yes there will be the odd tour here and there that people luck into, swan around for a bit and a medal comes up with the rations, but they are the exception and for the most part of you get a campaign medal it’s because you’ve played a part in moving the proverbial drinks cabinet that bit closer to the objective. As my CO said in Helmand in 06 when I was in JHF(A) - whatever you do, know you’re involved in writing history.

Living in a puddle for 9 months, getting bayoneted at least once a week whilst storming gun positions before breakfast just isn’t how we do warfare anymore and this is what this - hopefully precedent settting - change recognises. Wear your gongs with pride. Having served on the SH Force as a JO I know damn well you’ve earned them.

[Training Risky]

And that’s what irks me with th current system a little Herod. You don’t think you’ve earned them, but you clearly have otherwise you wouldn’t have them under our rather parsimonious system. I know it’s the military way to have had the hardest/ most uncomfortable / dangerous tour ever, and anyone who didn’t was clearly malingering in Stores whilst their laundry went forward, but those days are over, and thankfully we are now starting to recognise operational service that has value and contributes to U.K. national objectives. Yes there will be the odd tour here and there that people luck into, swan around for a bit and a medal comes up with the rations, but they are the exception and for the most part of you get a campaign medal it’s because you’ve played a part in moving the proverbial drinks cabinet that bit closer to the objective. As my CO said in Helmand in 06 when I was in JHF(A) - whatever you do, know you’re involved in writing history.

Living in a puddle for 9 months, getting bayoneted at least once a week whilst storming gun positions before breakfast just isn’t how we do warfare anymore and this is what this - hopefully precedent settting - change recognises. Wear your gongs with pride. Having served on the SH Force as a JO I know damn well you’ve earned them.

hear hear Melchett. You blotter jotter office boy! 😀
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[Melchett01]

hear hear Melchett. You blotter jotter office boy! 😀
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Those spreadsheets won’t fill themselves in!

[gijoe]

This decision is the right one and, at last, demonstrates an amount of commonsense. There will still be some that are not happy but this is most definitely a step in the right direction and will do much to prevent lots leaving.

[Melchett01]

This decision is the right one and, at last, demonstrates an amount of commonsense. There will still be some that are not happy but this is most definitely a step in the right direction and will do much to prevent lots leaving.

Agree, hopefully now we have RPAS which will operate from the U.K. it will cement the move to broader recognition of what constitutes a significant operational contribution. I can’t think why it took so long though given the existing precedents. However, some of the biggest grumbles, on the few sites I have seen, are from the serious medal collectors who are simply concerned what opening up of metallic recognition means to the value of medals. It’s almost tempting to point out that military decorations don’t exist purely for their benefit.

[Doors Off]

It appears the clasp delineates between those who licked the stamps, a vital piece in the delivery of important messages, and those walked up and delivered the message to the Sods.

It is sad to see the Americinisation of our culture becoming ever more evident. Quiet humility and self worth of serving are becoming things of the past. I guess that’s the changing of the guard. Merica!

[Bob Viking]

On the strength of that post you come across as a right bundle of laughs.

Just sayin’!

BV

[gijoe]

Doors Off - don’t be a dic k - it has always been the case. And, yes, I would say it to your face.

This is the right decision and shows an amount of commonsense although there are still some that miss out. The line in the sand has to exist somewhere.

[NutLoose]

cbI've got two clasps on my GSM. One for South Arabia, one for Northern Ireland. Come Remembrance Sunday, and I feel almost guilty wearing them. In Aden, I was swanning around in my helicopter, occasionally getting a bit of ground fire, while the PBI were patrolling the likes of Crater, Ma'ala etc. In N.I., right at the beginning we were just patrolling the border. Later in that little conflict the PBI were down the Bogside or Falls Road. We all got the same medal, but those guys earned it. I'm not sure I did. Just saying.

Totally agree, mine just has the NI clasp and while I whiled away the hours at Aldergrove others earned theirs on the streets of Belfast and in the surrounding countryside and towns, hence why I never wear mine and probably never will.