Australian Active Service Medal

The Australian Active Service Medal (AASM) was introduced on 13 September 1988 to recognize warlike service since 14 February 1975. The medal is awarded with a clasp denoting the specific operation, and additional clasps recognize further service in different areas. In May 2012, the AASM was discontinued for future operations, replaced by the Australian Operational Service Medal (OSM).

Design
The AASM is a circular nickel-silver medal, ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The obverse bears a Federation Star within a wreath of mimosa, surrounded by the inscription "FOR ACTIVE SERVICE."

The ribbon, measuring 32 millimeters wide, features a central red stripe symbolizing the danger of warlike service, flanked by silver-green, light green, gold, dark green, and brown stripes. When the ribbon is worn alone, no emblem is added.

Clasps & Service Recognition
Clasps denote specific warlike operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, East Timor, Somalia, Rwanda, Kuwait, Cambodia, the Balkans, and more. Additional clasps are worn above previously awarded clasps, in order of date of receipt.
A debate emerged over whether a new AASM should be introduced for warlike service in Afghanistan (2015–2021), Iraq, and Syria, as the OSM does not distinguish between active and support personnel.

Returned from Active Service Badge (RASB)
Recipients of the AASM also receive the Returned from Active Service Badge (RASB), awarded since 1945 and worn only in civilian attire on the left lapel. The brass badge bears a serial number corresponding to the member's service. Unlike most awards, the RASB is not issued posthumously, as it represents the individual’s return from warlike service.

Following the retirement of the AASM, the RASB was also replaced by the Operational Service Badge, signifying warlike service under the new medal system.