General Service Medal (2008)

The General Service Medal (2008) is a campaign medal awarded by the United Kingdom for service in specified locations on operations for which a specific campaign medal is not issued. It replaced the General Service Medal (1962) and the Operational Service Medal for Sierra Leone.

The medal is awarded to members of the British Armed Forces and certain civilians who have participated in qualifying operations. Qualifying service is typically 30 days continuous service, although this may be reduced for certain operational circumstances.

The obverse of the medal features the crowned effigy of the reigning monarch. The reverse depicts a design featuring a wreath of oak leaves surrounding the words "FOR GENERAL SERVICE".

Clasps are awarded to denote the specific operation for which the medal is earned. Each clasp represents a distinct theatre or type of service. Examples of clasps awarded for the General Service Medal (2008) include, but are not limited to, "Afghanistan," "Somalia," and "Democratic Republic of Congo." Only one medal is issued, irrespective of the number of clasps earned; each clasp is denoted by a silver rosette on the ribbon when the medal is not worn.

The ribbon is purple with two narrow green stripes.