The medal was awarded for distinguished bravery and courage, beyond what is normally required during combat operations.

Finally, in 2012 the medal was further changed to a single ribbon design for all awards.

[2] Awarded as a participant medal, the Medal for Defence Service Abroad was awarded to both Norwegian and foreign civilian and military personnel who served abroad for at least two months on international service.

[2] The Medal for Defence Service Abroad is round, embossed in gold colored metal.

The medal is suspended from a ribbon in the colours of the Flag of Norway and the Norwegian Armed Forces' colors.