There is a rather intense FOI request (still active) which deals with many of the questions posed on this thread:
1. Several years ago a colleague was awarded their LSGC with the incorrect rank inscribed. On querying this, MoDMO responded that qualification occurs at the time when the medal criteria is met, not at the time of medal application (my colleague had been recently promoted). Is it still MoD...
www.whatdotheyknow.com
Indeed, it's possible that some of those posting here are a part of the MoD request trail.
As to the thorny subject of 'qualification', I would make the following observations:
1. The matter of ACSM IQS at 45 days, if confirmed, would seem to muddle the matter even more so.
2. The final clasps to GSM 1962 included clasp 'N IRAQ & S TURKEY': the qualifying service for this medal was 30 days. The final clasp was 'AIR OPERATIONS IRAQ' - however, the qualifying service for this medal/clasp was 60 days continuous service or 90 days aggregated service.
3. This creates the anomaly that a man/woman could serve 31 days on the former operation, thus qualifying for the medal/clasp but not attract any ACSM qualifying service.
4. Further, a man/woman who served 59 days/89 days respectively for the latter award would attract qualifying service for ACSM but
not complete the requisite service for the award of the GSM.*
*having re-read the existing criteria for ACSM, I believe that I may have answered my own question: given that my example at 4 results in no award of GSM 1962, then there is no accrued ACSM service.
I'm curious as to how this muddle will resolve itself!