This general service award has been created as a means to recognize in a
timelier manner those who serve in or provide support to overseas operations
and for which no other medals, such as United Nations or NATO medals, are
available. Rather than creating a new honour for each new Canadian Forces
operation as it arises, the Operational Service Medal - with its theatre or task
specific ribbons - can be awarded in future to honour participation in any
operation that meets the criteria.