Wider Service Medal History & Eligibility Guide

The Wider Service Medal (WSM) was introduced to recognise operational service that makes a significant contribution to the defence and security of the United Kingdom but does not qualify for a dedicated campaign medal.

For many years, members of the Armed Forces served on important operational deployments that fell outside the criteria for traditional campaign awards. The Wider Service Medal was created to address this gap within the UK honours and awards system and to provide recognition for personnel serving on designated operations across the world.

The medal was originally approved by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 December 2018 and was subsequently authorised by Royal Warrant under His Majesty King Charles III. Awards are backdated to cover qualifying service from 11 December 2018.

Today, the Wider Service Medal recognises personnel who support NATO commitments, strategic deterrent operations, international security missions and other deployments that directly contribute to UK defence objectives.

The Wider Service Medal recognises service on operations that:

• Support UK national security interests
• Contribute to NATO commitments
• Strengthen international stability and defence cooperation
• Support strategic military objectives
• Do not qualify for a dedicated campaign medal

The medal acknowledges the commitment and professionalism of personnel serving on important operational tasks that often involve long periods away from home and demanding service conditions.

The Wider Service Medal provides recognition for continued qualifying service through the award of bars.

Personnel receive an additional bar for each further 180 days of aggregated qualifying service.

Aggregated Service Award 180 Days - Wider Service Medal

360 Days - First Award Bar

540 Days - Second Award Bar

720 Days - Third Award Bar

900 Days - Gold Award Bar

Service does not need to be continuous and may be accumulated over multiple qualifying periods.

Wider Service Medal Ribbon

The ribbon incorporates distinctive colours reflecting the broad nature of the operations recognised by the medal.

The ribbon is worn on:

• Full Size Medals
• Miniature Medals
• Ribbon Bars

Additional ribbon products are also available for medal mounting, restoration and display purposes.

Wearing the Wider Service Medal

The Wider Service Medal is worn in accordance with the official UK Order of Wear.

Award bars are mounted directly onto the ribbon and indicate additional periods of qualifying service.

When only ribbon bars are worn, entitlement is represented by the appropriate ribbon bar and any authorised devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Wider Service Medal?

The Wider Service Medal is a British military award recognising operational service that contributes to UK defence and security objectives but does not qualify for a dedicated campaign medal.

How many days are required to qualify?

Personnel must complete 180 days of aggregated qualifying service.

Does service have to be continuous?

No. Qualifying service is aggregated and does not need to be served continuously.

What operations qualify for the medal?

Initial qualifying operations include AZOTIZE, BILOXI, CABRIT, KIPION, ORBITAL, RELENTLESS and WOODWALL.

How are award bars earned?

An additional bar is awarded for every further 180 days of aggregated qualifying service.

What is the Gold Award Bar?

The Gold Award Bar is awarded after 900 days of aggregated qualifying service and represents the highest level of recognition currently available within the Wider Service Medal structure.