National Service personnel who served between 1951 and 1972 can now apply for a medal marking the 50th anniversary of the introduction of universal conscription in Australia, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Mrs Danna Vale, has announced.

Mrs Vale outlined the medal application process following advice from Government House that the Queen had granted Royal Assent for the Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal (ANSM).

"More than 300,000 former national servicemen are expected to apply for the ANSM and to help fast track the process the Department of Defence has specially designed an application form," the Minister said.

"The application, in the form of a purpose-designed statutory declaration, requires basic information relating to the national serviceman's service and will be available through the electorate offices of all Senators and Federal Members of Parliament, and state branches of the National Serviceman's Association and the RSL of Australia.

"It can also be obtained via the internet at www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dpe site/honours awards/

"Eligibility for the medal will be dependent upon individuals having completed their national service obligation under either scheme," she said.

Mrs Vale said national servicemen were conscripted from all walks of life during the 50,s, 60 and 70s.

"The ANSM obverse features a distinctive emblem representing the Navy, Army and Airforce, below the Federation Star.

"It is surrounded by the words 'Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972.

"The medal's reverse features a central device of radial lines overlaid with the stars of the Southern Cross.

"Surrounding the device is a cog, symbolising the spirit of cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the Australian community.

"The medal ribbon colours are drawn from white, green and light blue representing the then colours of the Navy, Army and Airforce, while the central yellow and dark blue colours represent Australia's national colours at the time, with the outer ochre stripes representing the soil of Australia."

The ANSM will be worn immediately after long service awards with the Australian Order of Wearing.

Mrs Vale said applications for the ANSM would be processed in receipted order and she hoped that a great many national servicemen would be able to wear their medal with pride on ANZAC Day 2002.

By Graham Davis