Following the completion of the mission of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) at the end of 2014, a new follow-on NATO-led mission called RESOLUTE SUPPORT was launched on 1 Jan 2015 to provide further training, advice and assistance for the Afghan security forces and institutions. Allied NATO and Australian troops commenced withdrawal from Afghanistan in April 2021 and the mission was terminated in early September 2021.
Members must be contributing towards the NATO lead mission RESOLUTE SUPPORT from 1 Jan 2015. Completed 30 days continuous or 60 days accumulated service (60 days accumulated service must be achieved within a two year period) in the designated Area of Operation. A period of qualifying service is not required due to injury or death as a result of official duty.
The medal is supplied by NATO for presentation to eligible personnel. It is not inscribed with an individual's service details and it does not come with a miniature.
To qualify for a Multiple Tour Indicator there must be a break of 180 days out of the Area of Operation and the 30 day qualifying criteria must be met.
Personnel who have already received the NATO Medal with Clasp 'ISAF' and have now received the NATO Medal with Clasp 'Afghanistan' can wear both medals (once approved). The clasps are not to be affixed to just one medal.
The NATO Mission in Afghanistan has ceased.
Previously the names of eligible members were sent to the Directorate of Honours and Awards (DH&A) through administrative channels in the MEAO for processing and approval. There may have been instances where a member has been omitted from a certified list.
If a member is entitled to the NATO medal and has not received it, the member will be required to engage through their chain of command to apply for the medal through NATO HQ in Brussels.
Applications must be made within two years of a members dates of service in Afghanistan. Any applications outside of this will be assessed by NATO as not eligible.
DH&A is not the awarding authority for this award. The Directorate does not assess for this award and is unable to issue replacements.