Special Service Medal (SSM)

The Special Service Medal (SSM) was created in 1984 to recognize members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are taking part in activities and operations under exceptional circumstances. The SSM is always issued with a bar that specifies the service being recognized. The bars awarded are: "PAKISTAN 1989-90", "ALERT", "PEACE", "NATO", "HUMANITAS", "RANGER" and "EXPEDITION".