History
The Reserve Force Medal was established on 20 April 1982 by Letters Patent as part of the Defence Force Service Awards. It recognised fifteen years of efficient service by the other ranks of the Reserve Forces, the counterpart to the Reserve Force Decoration awarded to Reserve officers, with the Defence Force Service Medal covering the permanent forces. Between 1975 and 1982 this service had been recognised by the National Medal, and before that by the Imperial awards.
From 20 April 1999 the medal was replaced for new recipients by the Defence Long Service Medal, which recognises Regular and Reserve service alike and carries no distinction of rank. The Reserve Force Medal is therefore a closed award, but clasps for further periods of five years of efficient service may still be issued to those who already hold it.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Reserve Force Medal is an oval cupro-nickel medal ensigned with the Crown of Saint Edward. The obverse bears the Defence Force Joint Service Emblem on a rayed background. The reverse is inscribed FOR EFFICIENT SERVICE IN THE RESERVE FORCES. Where the officers' decoration carries a gilt wreath of wattle, the medal is plain.
The ribbon
A central azure blue band edged in gold, the national colours at the time of introduction.
The 32 millimetre ribbon has a central band of azure blue edged with narrow stripes of gold. The colours were the national colours of Australia at the time of introduction.
Clasps
A clasp is awarded for each additional five years of efficient service, worn on the ribbon above the medal. When the ribbon alone is worn, clasps are shown by oval rosettes and, from the fifth clasp, a silver Federation Star.
Five Year Clasp
A cupro-nickel bar bearing the Royal Cypher flanked by sprigs of wattle, awarded for each additional five years of efficient service. When the ribbon alone is worn, the first four clasps are shown by cupro-nickel oval rosettes, replaced by a silver Federation Star for the fifth, with additional stars for subsequent clasps.
Eligibility
The medal was awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Force or a delegate, for fifteen years of efficient service in the Reserve Forces by members other than officers, commencing on or after 14 February 1975.
- Clasps are awarded for each additional five years of efficient service;
- The medal was replaced by the Defence Long Service Medal from 20 April 1999, but clasps may still be issued to those who already hold it;
- There is no post-nominal for the medal.
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 was eligible for the Reserve Force Medal?
Members of the Reserve Forces other than officers, for fifteen years of efficient service commencing on or after 14 February 1975.
Is the medal still awarded?
No. It was replaced by the Defence Long Service Medal from 20 April 1999, but clasps for further five year periods may still be issued to those who already hold it.
How does it differ from the Reserve Force Decoration?
The decoration was the officers' award, carrying a gilt wreath of wattle and the post-nominal RFD. The medal recognised the same service by other ranks.
How are clasps shown when the ribbon alone is worn?
By a cupro-nickel oval rosette for each of the first four clasps, replaced by a silver Federation Star for the fifth, with additional stars for subsequent clasps.
What recognised reserve long service before 1982?
Between 1975 and 1982 it was recognised by the National Medal, and before that by the Imperial efficiency and long service awards.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.