The Special Service Medal (SSM) was created to recognize members of the
Canadian Forces (CF) who are taking part in activities and operations under
exceptional circumstances. The Special Service Medal (SSM) recognizes
members of the CF who have performed a service determined to be under
exceptional circumstances, in a clearly defined locality for a specified
duration. The SSM recognizes approved activities underway on 11 June 1984 or
subsequently established. The SSM has since been amended to expand
eligibility to include, for eligible service from 29 April 2014 onwards,
Government of Canada employees and contractors, Canadian police officers
and allied police serving under them as well as allied military personnel
working under the CF. This expansion aligns this medal with other modern
service medals which allow recognition of all those who serve on behalf of
Canada and play a key role in the success of Canadian operations.