# NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission Medal > medal **Wikidata**: [Q106498727](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106498727) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nato-baltic-air-policing-mission-medal ## Summary The **NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission Medal** is a military award established in 2012 to recognize the merit and excellence of participants in the Baltic Air Policing mission. It is a 39mm medallion affiliated with the nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. As a formal distinction, it serves to acknowledge the achievements of individuals involved in this specific NATO air security initiative. ## Key Facts - **Official Name**: NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission Medal - **Establishment**: Inception in 2012 - **Type**: Instance of a medallion and an award - **Dimensions**: 39 millimetres (width) × 35 millimetres (height) × 2.5 millimetres (thickness) - **Affiliated Countries**: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania - **Eligibility**: Participants of the Baltic Air Policing mission - **Visuals**: Includes a specific medal design and a service ribbon - **Identifiers**: Google Knowledge Graph ID `/g/11r602r68q` - **Online Presence**: Referenced in Dutch Wikipedia (sitelink count: 1) ## FAQs ### What are the physical dimensions of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission Medal? The medal is a medallion with a width of 39 millimetres, a height of 35 millimetres, and a thickness of 2.5 millimetres. ### Who is eligible to receive this medal? The award is designated for participants of the Baltic Air Policing mission, recognizing their role in this specific operational context. ### Which countries are affiliated with this award? The medal is affiliated with the three Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. ### What is the purpose of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission Medal? The medal functions as a formal award to recognize merit and excellence. It serves as a cultural artifact given to individuals to acknowledge their achievements within the Baltic Air Policing framework. ## Why It Matters The NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission Medal matters as a formal mechanism for recognizing military merit and excellence within the specific context of NATO's air policing operations in the Baltic region. Established in 2012, it provides official validation of service for participants involved in the collective defense and air security efforts of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. By awarding this medallion, the affiliated nations reinforce the value of duty and sacrifice, creating a historical record of contribution to regional stability. It acts as a tangible symbol of achievement, fostering a sense of community and shared values among the personnel involved in the mission. ## Notable For - **Joint Recognition**: A distinct award affiliated jointly with three sovereign nations: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. - **Specific Operational Focus**: Uniquely designated for participants of the Baltic Air Policing mission. - **Standardized Design**: Features specific physical properties, including a defined thickness of 2.5mm. - **Visual Identity**: Possesses a dedicated service ribbon image and medal design. ## Body ### Definition and Classification The NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission Medal is classified as an **award** and a **medallion**. In the general context of honors, an award is defined as something given to a person or group to recognize merit, excellence, or achievement. This medal serves as a formal acknowledgment of the contributions made by individuals in the Baltic Air Policing mission. It functions as a cultural artifact used to preserve the history of the operation and validate the service of its recipients. ### Physical Specifications The medal has precise physical dimensions, defined by a width of **39 millimetres**, a height of **35 millimetres**, and a thickness of **2.5 millimetres**. Visual documentation of the award is available, including a primary image of the medal (`Balticmedal.jpg`) and an associated service ribbon image (`LT-LV-EE_Baltic_Air_Policing_Medal_BAR.svg`). ### Institutional Context and Affiliation The award is closely tied to the **Baltic Air Policing** mission. It is affiliated with the countries of **Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania**. The inception of the medal dates to **2012**, marking the point from which the award was officially recognized and utilized to honor service in the region. ### Eligibility and Criteria Recipients of the medal must meet specific criteria related to their service. The eligible recipient is defined as a **participant** in the **Baltic Air Policing** mission. This aligns with the general function of awards, which are often granted based on specific criteria such as excellence, accomplishment, or active participation in a designated event or service. ### Identifiers and Digital Presence The NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission Medal is indexed in major knowledge systems. It possesses a **Google Knowledge Graph ID** of `/g/11r602r68q`. Its digital footprint includes a presence on Wikipedia, specifically in the Dutch language (`nl`), and has a sitelink count of 1. In database ontologies, the concept of an award is mapped to classes such as `http://dbpedia.org/ontology/Award` and `http://pcp-on-web.de/ontology#Honour`, though the specific medal is an instance of these broader categories.