Established 1 April 2005, the medal currently recognises 30 days of service abroad in a designated operational area with the Norwegian Armed Forces.

Participation as part of an international military staff is also creditable, so long as the service is in the area of operations.

This change in length of required service had no retroactive effect on eligibility for the Medal for Defence Operations Abroad.

Foreign personnel who serve with Norwegian units are also eligible for award of the Medal for Defence Operations Abroad.

[2] The Medal for Defence Operations Abroad is round made of a bronze colored metal with a matte finish.