Numerous Medals have been issued after World War II to recognise service in wars, conflicts and operations around the world.
Service in many of the conflicts has been recognised with award of a Clasp to the General Service Medal, for example the Clasp 'Air Operations Iraq' which was issued to those on operations in support of patrolling the No-fly Zone of Iraq bewteen 1991 and 2003.
For service in wars and large-scale confilcts, single, stand-alone medals have often been issued, for example the South Atlantic Medal for service in the Falklands War in 1982. In some of these cases a Clasp was also issued with the medal to those who had served in the most dangerous areas during the most hostile period. Those who served in Theatres of Operations in specified areas during the actual period of hostilities during the 1990-91 Gulf War, were awarded the Clasp inscribed '16 Jan to 28 Feb 1991' with their Gulf Medal.
Medals have also been issued by NATO and the United Nations for service on NATO and UN operations. These medals then require approval for wear which is granted formally by the Queen if it has been recommended by the Defence Services Secretariat. A number of NATO Medals issued for service in the Balkans from 1992 onwards are approved for wear.