Operational Service Medal — Sierra Leone Ribbon

Summary#

This is the Order Awarding the Operational Service Medal With the SIERRA LEONE Ribbon: SI/2020-6. It sets who is eligible for that version of the Operational Service Medal, replaces an earlier order, and gives the ribbon’s design and where it is worn. The order was registered on January 8, 2020 and issued as P.C. 2019-1397 on December 19, 2019.

What it does#

• Repeals the earlier order P.C. 2010-1094 (also cited as SI/2010-66).
• Says the Operational Service Medal with the SIERRA LEONE ribbon is awarded for service that:
  • was performed in Sierra Leone, or
  • was performed outside Canada in direct support of operations in Sierra Leone.
• Sets the minimum time rules for eligibility:
  • 30 cumulative days during the period July 31, 2002 to February 16, 2013;
  • 21 cumulative days beginning February 17, 2013;
  • or a combined total of days from those two periods that reaches at least 21 cumulative days.
• Describes the ribbon: 32 mm wide with a 22-mm light green centre stripe flanked by 2.5-mm white and 2.5-mm red stripes.
• States that the medal with the SIERRA LEONE ribbon is to be worn after the Operational Service Medal with the SOUTH-WEST ASIA ribbon.

Who's affected#

• People who served in Sierra Leone or who served outside Canada in direct support of operations there and who meet the day-count rules.
• The order does not name specific units or organizations. It is not clear from this text which employer or payroll systems will handle the medal; typically this affects military or other government personnel who took part in the operations.

Why it matters#

• It clarifies who can receive the medal for service tied to Sierra Leone. That affects recognition of service, veterans’ records, and how the medal is worn among other decorations.
• It replaces the previous order, so it updates the official rules and the ribbon’s appearance for anyone with that service.