NATO Non-Article 5 Vigilance Medal

Product overview

The NATO Vigilance Non-Article 5 Medal is a service decoration for military and civilian personnel assigned to operations under SACEUR command, created to recognize deployments that began on 24 February 2022. It is intended for service members, police liaisons and civilian staff who supported NATO-led operations.

Definition: the NATO Vigilance Non-Article 5 Medal is an official commemorative medal awarded for specified operational service under NATO command. Available in two sizes for duty wear and dress uniforms.

Main features

Classic design and durable construction make this medal suitable for collectors, military surplus shops, tactical display or official wear.

• Material: High-quality bronze.
• Sizes: 37 mm (standard duty) and 20 mm (gala / dress).
• Obverse design: Four-point star framed by two laurel branches on a matte background.
• Reverse inscriptions: Bilingual engravings in English (In Service of Peace and Freedom) and French (Au Service de la Paix et de la Liberté), plus NATO treaty wording around the edge.
• Ribbon: NATO blue with silver and white stripes and a bronze clasp engraved “VIGILANCE”.
• Eligibility summary: Awarded to personnel assigned to NATO command who serve in the SACEUR-defined area (30 days continuous or 60 days cumulative).

How to use / When it’s useful

This medal is used as a formal recognition on uniforms or as a collectible display piece for military surplus and tactical collections. Choose the size that matches the intended uniform type and presentation.

Quick answer: choose the 37 mm for regular duty uniforms and the 20 mm for gala or dress wear. In most cases, eligibility is based on assignment under SACEUR and the required days of service (30 continuous or 60 cumulative) spent outside the normal duty station.

Care and notes

Simple care keeps the medal and ribbon presentable for wear or display. Verify service eligibility with your chain of command before wearing as an official award.

• Keep the bronze medal dry and clean with a soft cloth; avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners.
• Store the ribbon flat and away from direct sunlight to preserve colors.
• Confirm authenticity and certification with supplied documentation when required.
• Verify eligibility and official authorization through your military or unit administration before wearing on uniform.

FAQ

Q: Who is eligible for the NATO Vigilance Non-Article 5 Medal?

A: Personnel assigned or detached to forces under NATO command and deployed in the area defined by SACEUR may be eligible, subject to the stated service requirements.

Q: What are the service requirements to receive this medal?

A: The common criteria are 30 days of continuous service or 60 days of cumulative service in the SACEUR-designated operational area, and service must be performed outside the ordinary assigned country.

Q: What is the difference between the 37 mm and 20 mm formats?

A: The 37 mm size is intended for everyday/duty uniform wear, while the 20 mm version is smaller and intended for gala or dress uniforms.

Q: Is the medal authentic?

A: We supply certified items and guarantee the authenticity of products sold as genuine. Documentation or certification is provided where available.

Q: What types of roles qualify for the award?

A: Eligible roles commonly include military training, surveillance operations, logistical and technical support, and field advisory or mentoring tasks; other operational roles under SACEUR may also qualify.

Q: How long does shipping take?

A: Orders are generally processed quickly and are typically dispatched within 24 working hours; final delivery time depends on the shipping method and destination.

Tip: Choose the size that matches how you plan to wear the medal—37 mm for duty uniforms, 20 mm for dress—and check official eligibility with your unit. Consider browsing related ribbons, mounts and display accessories to complete your presentation or collection.