The Reserve Force Medal (RFM) is an oval cupro-nickel medal. The obverse has the Joint Service Emblem on a rayed background. The reverse is inscribed 'FOR EFFICIENT SERVICE IN THE RESERVE FORCES'.
The RFM ribbon is azure blue with gold edges. The colours were the national colours of Australia at the time of introduction.
The RFM clasp is a cupro-nickel 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 oval rosette or a silver 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 Reserve Force Medal (RFM) 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 maximum of three years service in the Permanent Forces may be used as qualifying service for this award.
Clasps are awarded for each additional period of five years efficient non-commissioned Reserve service after qualifying for the RFM. Regular service or service as an officer does not qualify towards clasps for this award.
From 20 April 1999 the RFM was replaced by the Defence Long Service Medal. However, clasps to the RFM can still be issued in accordance with the eligibility criteria.
Web page last updated 15 September, 2011