AFGHANISTAN. In nickel-plated red brass, measuring 37 mm in diameter, very light contact, original ribbon with pinback, extremely fine. In is cardboard box of issue, Canadian coat-of-arms on the lid, box also extremely fine.
Footnote: The South-West Asia Service Medal recognizes service with or in direct support of operations against terrorism in South-West Asia. It is awarded for a minimum of ninety days cumulative service in direct support of operations against terrorism in South West Asia from September 11, 2001 to July 31, 2009. Direct support occurs when a member is deployed to a unit or organization outside Canada but not into a specific theatre of operations, and where his or her primary duty is to provide direct assistance on a full-time basis to the operations against terrorism in South-West Asia. The medal with Afghanistan clasp is awarded for thirty days cumulative service between September 11, 2001 and July 31, 2009 in the theatre of operations, which is a subset of the United States Central Command Area of Operation Responsibility (USCENTCOM AOR). The theatre of operations is defined as the land, sea, or air spaces of Afghanistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Suez Canal and those parts of the Indian Ocean north of 5° South Latitude and west of 68° East Longitude. Canadian Armed Forces exchange personnel posted to foreign units or organizations in direct support of operations as described above are eligible for this medal. The only civilians eligible are Members of the Public Service working for the CAF, Canadian civilians under contract with the CAF and Canadian Police Officers serving under the authority of the CAF in the locations and with the units described at the link above and between the dates indicated. Foreign civilians are not eligible for the SWASM.