Instituted on 22 May 2012, this medal is intended to mark participation in designated hazardous operations by members of the Australian Defence Forces. It may also be awarded to civilians who have worked under military discipline. This instance of the medal recognises the range of border protection operations conducted since 1997. To qualify, Defence members must have been deployed or force assigned for duty as a member of a declared operation.

The medal is a cupro-nickel medal finished in antique silver. The obverse bears a stylised world globe with a 7-point Federation Star and the inscription AUSTRALIAN OPERATIONAL SERVICE MEDAL. The reverse has a central horizontal stylised scroll inscribed DEFENDING AUSTRALIA AND ITS NATIONAL INTERESTS with a wreath of mimosa and an hour glass motif. The ribbon is equal stripes of dark blue, ochre, and dark green