A new ADF medal has just been approved by Queen Elizabeth II, under some controversy about the criteria for who it can be awarded to. Any opinions out there?

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/...441281196.html

Sounds like it is similar to the USA's National Defense service Medal. One thing I did not think was fair was the exclusion of women.

Also excluded were large numbers of women who enlisted after World War II for what was then an initial period of four years, and those injured in training accidents, who felt obliged to seek discharge before they had chalked up six years.

Just my opinion.

Well this has certainly been a riveting hot topic

What is the controversy?

Honestly I don't understand people whose self-esteem is tied up in some sort of public recognition. If I know I did the right thing that is enough for me, I don't give a rat's hindquarters who else knows.

Not sure why they want to exclude the women, either. They served their time too.

The article makes it sound like a fluff medal they're trying to make elite by tacking on crappy exclusions.

Basically it's an everyone gets a gong award. Do 4 years service, get a gong. Simple as that. Like a certificate of participation.

So what's the controversy?

Only controversy I can see is the exclusion of women.

Originally Posted by tomtom22

Only controversy I can see is the exclusion of women.

Yeah, I think that is just wrong. When the NDSM was first issued, the recipient had to have served honorably between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954;(Korean Conflict)

Between 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974;(VietNam War Era)

Between 2 August 1990 and 30 November 1995; (First Iraq conflict)

Between 11 September 2001 and a closing date to be determined;(Second Iraqi War)

I'm pretty sure women were included in that one as they are in all of the US Armed Forces medals and ribbons.

Interesting exclusion. If this medal is supposed to be tied to combat service I could understand the ommission but it doesn't read like that. I am just curious what the Aussies are up in arms about, they tend to have different sensibilities at times.