The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was instituted originally to reward
junior officers in the Army for distinguished service or acts of gallantry against
the enemy. While the Order of the Bath had been available for senior officers
and the Distinguished Conduct Medal for the other ranks, no award below
the level of the Victoria Cross (VC) had existed for junior officers. The DSO was
also made available to junior officers of the other services. After the 1993
review, the DSO ceased to be awarded for gallantry - replaced by the new all
service, all ranks Conspicuous Gallantry Cross at the level below the VC.
Although theoretically available to all ranks, the DSO, now awarded for
distinguished leadership during active operations against the enemy, is likely
to be awarded only to the more senior officers ranks.