The Reserve Force Medal may be 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) can be counted towards the medal only.
Clasps are 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.
The medal is cupronickel. The obverse has the 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 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 cupronickel bar with the Royal Cypher flanked by sprigs of wattle in the centre.
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 four clasps to the medal are indicated by rosettes. These are replaced by a single silver Federation Star for the fifth clasp. Additional Federation Star emblems are added for subsequent clasps.
The medal is worn in the position notified by the Governor-General in The Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards.
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