This general service award has been created as a means to recognize in a
timelier manner those who participate in operations in the presence of an
armed enemy. Rather than creating a new honour for each new Canadian
Forces (CF) operation as it arises, the General Campaign Star (GCS) and
General Service Medal (GSM) — with their theatre or service specific ribbons
— can be awarded in future to honour participation in any operation that
meets the criteria provided that the service is not counted towards another
service medal. The General Campaign Star (GCS) is awarded to members of
the Canadian Forces and members of allied forces working with the Canadian
Forces who deploy into a defined theatre of operations to take part in
operations in the presence of an armed enemy.