Potential recipients have to prove they worked for a minimum of 30 days in the location depicted by the clasp, during a period of time set in the award criteria.

In addition, potential recipients have to be working for an aid organisation recognised by the criteria or with a United Nations taskforce during that timeframe.

This is because, in most cases, the Australian Service Medal is already available to military personnel serving alongside humanitarian relief operations.

Elements include 324 Combat Support Squadron (and operational augmentees) and Rifle Company Butterworth.

All attempts by ADF members to be recognised for their service in Operation Tsunami Assist whilst serving in Malaysia (including those injured or who lost family during both Tsunami's) have been rejected by Prime Minister and Cabinet for the HOSM and by the Department of Defence for the Australian Service Medal.