[3] There are two versions: The new Regulations approved in December 2018 allow personnel who completed the required amounts of qualifying service in both the secondary and primary operational areas to wear both the NZGSM (Afghanistan: Primary Operational Area) and the NZGSM (Afghanistan: Secondary Operational Area).

Previously they were only awarded one NZGSM (Afghanistan), and wore it with the ribbon for the primary operational area.

[4] The New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Afghanistan) is circular in shape and is made of silver-plated metal.

The reverse bears the inscription THE NEW ZEALAND GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL surrounded by a wreath of fern fronds, pōhutukawa, and kōwhai blossoms, surmounted by a Royal Crown.

The proportions of the ribbon's stripes is the same as the New Zealand General Service Medal 1992.