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.