The Reserve Force Medal was awarded to a member who has, on or after 14 February 1975 and before 20 April 1999, completed 15 years efficient remunerated service in the Reserve Forces. A minimum of 12 years in the Reserve and up to 3 years in the Regular Forces (to total 15 years) could be counted towards the medal only.
Clasps were awarded for each additional period of five years efficient non-commissioned Reserve service after qualifying for the medal. Regular service or service as an officer does not qualify towards clasps for this award.
From 20 April 1999 the Reserve Force Medal was replaced by the Defence Long Service Medal, however clasps can still be issued in accordance with the eligibility criteria.
Design
The medal is cupronickel. The obverse has the Joint Service Emblem surrounded by 2 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 has a central panel of seven alternating blue and gold stripes flanked by blue stripes gold edges. The colours and design reflect those of the replaced medals.
The clasp is a bar with the Royal Cypher flanked by sprigs of wattle in the centre. The Queen Elizabeth Cypher is awarded for service up to and including 5 May 2023. The King Charles Cypher is awarded for service on or after 6 May 2023.
When the ribbon is worn alone a clasp is indicated by the addition of a cupro-nickel round rosette or a silver miniature Federation Star.
The first 4 clasps to the medal are indicated by rosettes. These are replaced by a single silver Federation Star for the 5th clasp. Additional Federation Star emblems are added for subsequent clasps.
Source documents
Letters Patent and Regulations (Gazette S78) of 27 April 1982 (PDF, 445.26 KB)
Letters Patent and amendments to Regulations (Gazette S352) 10 July 1998 (PDF, 138.7 KB)
Letters Patent and amendments to Regulations (Gazette S160) 30 March 2000 (PDF, 204.94 KB)
CDF Determination (Minimum Periods of Service) 6 February 2013 (PDF, 67.66 KB)