[1][2] The medal ribbon is 32 millimetres wide and has a central red stripe to symbolise the danger of warlike operations.

[2] Veterans and current serving ADF personnel have proposed that a new AASM be issued incorporating clasps for warlike operations in Afghanistan (ICAT), Syria and Iraq.

[4] In 2015, the AASM ceased being issued by the Australian Government and was replaced by the Operational Service medal (OSM).

Alternately the current AASM could be issued for active service in those countries, with clasps for ICAT, Iraq and Syria.

[14] The brass badge has a serial number with a prefix denoting the member's service,[15] and has been awarded since 1945 where the only change to its appearance has been the replacement of the King George VI's crown with that of the Queen Elizabeth's.