History
The Defence Long Service Medal was established in 1998 on the recommendation of the 1994 Committee of Inquiry into Defence and Defence Related Awards, and took effect from 20 April 1999. It replaced the three Defence Force Service Awards of 1982: the Defence Force Service Medal, the Reserve Force Decoration and the Reserve Force Medal. One medal now recognises fifteen years of efficient service in the Australian Defence Force, whether in the Permanent Forces, the Reserves, or a combination of the two, completed on or after 14 February 1975.
The change fixed a real unfairness: service that would previously have gone unrecognised when a member moved between the Regular and Reserve Forces now counts towards the one medal. A member cannot hold a Defence Force service award and the Defence Long Service Medal at the same time, and those who want previously unrecognised service counted towards the new medal must return the old award before the Defence Long Service Medal is issued.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Defence Long Service Medal is cupro-nickel. The obverse bears the Defence Force Joint Service Emblem surrounded by two sprays of wattle leaves and blossom. The reverse has a central horizontal panel surrounded by the inscription FOR SERVICE IN THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE.
The ribbon
Seven alternating stripes of azure blue and gold, echoing the three medals it replaced.
The 32 millimetre ribbon has a central panel of seven alternating stripes of azure blue and gold, flanked by blue stripes with gold edges. The colours and design reflect those of the three medals it replaced.
Clasps
A clasp is awarded for each further period of five years of efficient service, worn on the ribbon above the medal. When the ribbon alone is worn, clasps are shown by rosettes and, from the fifth clasp, a Federation Star.
Five Year Clasp
A cupro-nickel bar bearing the Royal Cypher flanked by sprigs of wattle, awarded for each further period of five years of efficient service. When the ribbon alone is worn, the first four clasps are shown by cupro-nickel round rosettes, replaced by a single Federation Star for the fifth clasp, with additional stars for subsequent clasps.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Force or a delegate, to a member who has, on or after 14 February 1975, completed fifteen years of qualifying service in the Australian Defence Force. Efficient service in the Permanent and Reserve Forces both count.
- Clasps are awarded for each further period of five years of efficient service;
- To be deemed efficient, members of the Reserves must fulfil their annual obligations, rendering service throughout the year;
- A member is not entitled to hold a Defence Force service award and the Defence Long Service Medal at the same time; to have previously unrecognised service counted, the earlier award must be returned before the medal is issued.
Order of wear
The medal is worn among the Australian long service awards, after the campaign and commemorative medals. The precise neighbours in the order of wear should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the Defence Long Service Medal?
Any member of the Australian Defence Force who has, on or after 14 February 1975, completed fifteen years of qualifying service. Efficient service in the Permanent and Reserve Forces both count, in any combination.
What counts as efficient service for Reservists?
Members of the Reserves must fulfil their annual obligations, rendering service throughout the year, for that year to be deemed efficient.
What did the medal replace?
The three Defence Force Service Awards of 1982: the Defence Force Service Medal, the Reserve Force Decoration and the Reserve Force Medal. It took effect from 20 April 1999.
Can I hold the medal alongside the older awards?
No. A member is not entitled to a Defence Force service award and the Defence Long Service Medal at the same time. To have previously unrecognised service counted, the older award must be returned before the medal is issued.
How is further service recognised?
By a clasp for each additional five years of efficient service. The first four clasps are shown on the ribbon by rosettes, replaced by a single Federation Star at the fifth, with more stars for later clasps.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.