ISAF Medal Pde in K'Har (Without Canadians?)

[The Bread Guy]

Just spotted this on the ISAF web page (highlights mine)....

ISAF medal parade highlights unity
ISAF news release PR# 2007-742, 26 Dec 07
News release link - permalink

KABUL, Afghanistan – A medal ceremony, which involved the senior commanders from both the Afghan National Army and ISAF, took place on Christmas Day at the Regional Command South Headquarters in Kandahar that recognized the contribution troops from different nations have made to the ISAF mission.

“This medal ceremony highlighted the close working relationships ISAF has with the Afghan National Army and is a direct indicator of the progress and unity between the Afghan people and ISAF,” said Regional Command South spokesman Wing Commander Antony McCord.

The NATO-ISAF Medal was presented to 51 recipients form Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, Romania, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Medals were jointly presented by Maj. Gen. Jacko Page, Commander of Regional Command South, and General Bismullah Khan, Chief of Staff of the Afghan National Army.

The joint presentation ceremony was an acknowledgement of the increasing integration of Afghan National Army troops with ISAF troops in order to increase their capability, especially as the Afghan National Army has fought alongside ISAF troops.

“Building an effective Afghan National Army is critical to building a self-sustaining Afghanistan,” said McCord. “ISAF is committed to providing continued direct support to the Afghan National Army through mentoring, training and equipment support.”

 

[TangoTwoBravo]

While I know nothing of the facts beyond what is written, I wouldn't make too much of this.  If this was a NATO medal for sevice in country then I believe that Canadians would not be elibible since we get the General Campaign Star. 

 

[Gunner]

This has been the policy since Op ATHENA Roto 0 (back in 2003).  As T2B correctly points out, we receive the General Campaign Star in lieu.

 

[Command-Sense-Act 105]

And we still have a "no dual recognition policy" as outlined in the Honours, Flags and Heritage Structure of the CF - A-AD-200-000/AG-000, pg 2J-4.

 

[Scoobs]

CSA105 is correct in regards to the "dual recognition" policy.  Rideau Hall, as of 1 Apr 07, started to apply this policy more vigorously.  In addition, the issue of the NATO Article 5 medal (this is the one that was given to the other countries' mbrs), was settled when Rideau Hall sent a letter to the military clearly stating that no Canadians are authorized to receive, wear, or keep the NATO medals (Article 5 or non-Article 5).  This policy applies to all Canadians in theatre.

CAN mil pers receive the GCS after 30 days cumulative time in theatre, if they are OPCON to ISAF.

CAN civy pers receive the General Service Medal (GSM) after 30 days cumulative time in theatre, if they are OPCON to ISAF.

CAN mil pers or civies receive the SWASM after 30 days cumulative time in theatre, if they are OPCON to a non-ISAF organization/unit.

Those are the only medals, besides personnel nominated for individual Honours and Awards, that Canadians could receive in theatre.