I emailed an MWO at DHR and got the response I didn't want to read... Looks like I will have to take down my GSM.
If anyone wants to see the attachment, PM me and I'll send it to you.
Here is the email chain:
Good day MCpl,
Below you will find the references and the explanation for not being authorized to "Wear" both the GCS and GSM for the same Operation.
Refs: A. General Campaign Star and General Service Medal Regulations (attached)
B. CANFORGEN 092/04 dated 7 July 04
C. CANFORGEN 094/04 dated 7 July 04
Canadian Honours Policy precludes dual recognition so one cannot wear two medals for the same mission/op. Notwithstanding the fact that we differentiate between sp (GSM) and svc in theatre (GCS), it remains svc with the same op, in this case with ISAF. Both svc at CM and in theatre (again since 31 Jul 06) are with ISAF. The Cdn op names are quite irrelevant in these matters. Our medals recognize "participation in" an op/mission so if a person served both in sp and in theatre for the same mission, the GCS recognizes all that person's participation in the op. Issuing two medals for svc with the same op would contravene Canadian policy and the Order in Council and would therefore be illegal. Fol the same logic, it would be very strange and quite illogical for a member to wear two medals for one tour in sp and one tour in theatre while pers who have served two or more tours in theatre can only wear the GCS, the member would have more medals for having been less exposed.
Service creditable toward the General Campaign Star (GCS) takes precedence over service creditable toward General Service Medal (GSM), and IAW Ref A, Para 11(2) and Ref B para 8, a member may not be awarded both medals for service on the same operation.
Where a member qualifies for award of GCS subsequent to being presented the GSM for the same operation (read with the same bar), he/she is required to relinquish the GSM before auth to wear GCS shall be granted. For pers in theatre, we have an arrangement by which we issue GCS for presentation in theatre but the GCS/GSM desk clerk at the same time advises the home unit that upon return, the mbr shall return the GSM and then should be followed up DH&R to ensure this is done.
-----Original Message-----
From: @CMP DH&R@Ottawa-Hull
Sent: Wednesday, 01 October, 2008 10:22
To: @CMP DH&R@Ottawa-Hull
Subject: FW: GSM & GCS Issue
Please answer the MCpl's question on policy. Also it might be wise to contact the CFJSR RSM and explain the policy to him. I have a feeling many soldiers at the CFJSR are wearing both the GSM and GCS.
-----Original Message-----
From: @CFJSR RHQ@Kingston
Sent: Wednesday, 01 October, 2008 09:57
To: @CMP DH&R@Ottawa-Hull
Subject: GSM & GCS Issue
Good morning Sir.
I wanted to inquire about an issue that has come up on various occasions since my return from Afghanistan.
I was on tour in Camp Mirage on Op Athena Roto 3 in '04, and was awarded the GSM with ISAF bar. In '07 I was at the KPRT on Op Athena Roto 4 where I was awarded the GCS with ISAF bar. I proudly wear both.
Within the last year, Once on Remembrance Day and a few times on course, I have been questioned no less than three times why I was wearing both. I have been told that I should have surrendered the GSM prior to receiving the GCS, and have been told stories of other personnel who had to do this. I have raised the question with various personnel within my CoC, and have been told that I could wear them both, and in the past there was some confusion with the initial documentation, but all that was sorted out now. I have not seen any documentation support my CoC's position, in fact, all documentation I have found points in the other direction.
Well the issue has risen again, and I would like to have a definitive answer one way or the other.
I would appreciate your assistance in this matter.
MCpl
Canadian Forces Joint Signal Regiment
CSN:
Commercial: 613-541-5010
Email: @forces.gc.ca
