The South-West Asia Service Medal recognizes the participation of CF
members deployed or in direct support of the operations against terrorism in
South-West Asia. The medal is awarded to those employed in direct support, and the AFGHANISTAN bar is added for those deployed into the theatre of
operations. The South-West Asia Service Medal is awarded for a minimum of
90 days cumulative service in direct support of operations against terrorism
in South West Asia from 11 September 2001 to 31 July 2009. Direct support
occurs when a member is deployed to a unit or organization outside Canada
but not into a specific theatre of operations, and where his or her primary
duty is to provide direct assistance on a full-time basis to the operations
against terrorism in South-West Asia.