In response to a written parliamentary question from Alberto Costa, Conservative MP for South Leicestershire, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed that Afghan locally employed civilians, including personnel from the 908 Labour Support Unit of the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), are not eligible for UK medallic recognition.
Costa had asked whether the MOD would assess the merits of awarding the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan or the Civilian Service Medal (Afghanistan) to these individuals.
Defence Minister Al Carns responded, stating, “Under the qualifying criterion for the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan and the Civilian Service Medal (Afghanistan), locally employed civilians working for the 908 Labour Support Unit, and other Afghan locally employed civilians, are not eligible for either Medal.”
Carns acknowledged the contribution of Afghan locally employed civilians, adding, “Whilst we value greatly the support provided by locally employed civilians, the long-established position is that local nationals are not eligible for UK medallic recognition, and the Ministry of Defence has no plans to recommend that this position is reviewed.”
The response reaffirms the MOD’s policy on medallic recognition, which is based on long-established criteria and does not extend to local nationals.
Stupid question, by some one with out a clue about medals or tours.
Some Poles got Star medals in WW2 !
That guy who ran the omelette bar in KAF should get one.
The MP submitted a list of names? The criteria was known before he submitted. Personally I definitely would take a medal for even a day in Afghan in those times.
France has on rare occasions given given some medals to non French resistance fighters, doubt MOD want to spend the money. Many poles who fought with British forces in world war 2 qualified for medals so rules are flexible !