The National Emergency Medal (NEM) was instituted in October 2011 for award to members of eligible organisations or individuals who rendered qualifying service in response to nationally significant emergencies within Australia. Eligibility Individuals must satisfy the prescribed eligibility…

The Mothers’ and Widows’ Badge was issued to the mother and/or widow of a member of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Imperial Force (including the Australian Army Nursing Service), Royal Australian Air Force or Merchant Navy killed in action, or died of wounds or from other causes whilst on…

The Meritorious Unit Citation is awarded to a unit for sustained outstanding service in warlike operations. The award was introduced in 1991. Design The insignia of a Meritorious Unit Citation is a rhodium-plated rectangular frame surrounding a ribbon of old-gold. The frame has a design of flames…

The Medal for Gallantry was introduced in 1991 and is awarded for acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances. Design The medal is a gold-plated medal with the obverse having a central device of a Federation Star on a circle of flames representing action under fire. The reverse has a…

The Iraq Medal was introduced in 2004 for service with the US led coalition operations in Iraq. The medal was awarded initially for a period of 7 days service in the prescribed area from 18 March 2003. From 1 May 2003 the qualifying period was extended to 30 days. Design The medal is cupro-nickel…

In 1999, Australia led the international force that saw the removal of the occupying Indonesian power from the former Portuguese territory of East Timor. To recognise the importance of this operation, the International Force East Timor Medal was established in 2000. The medal was offered by…

The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal is administered by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. It is awarded to members of recognised charitable or humanitarian groups who provide humanitarian assistance in designated areas of the world. The medal recognises humanitarian service,…

The ADF's tactical mission rehearsal activity strengthens military cyber capabilities with partners.

The Female Relatives’ Badge was established in 1940 for issue to the nearest female relative of a serving member of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Military Forces or Royal Australian Air Force. This badge was not issued to the relatives of members of the Merchant Navy. This badge is no…

To qualify for a Defence Force Service Medal, a member is required to complete 15 years of efficient remunerated service prior to 20 April 1999 and must have been serving on or after 14 February 1975. A minimum of 12 years in the regular forces and up to 3 years in the reserve (to total 15 years)…

The Conspicuous Service Medal was introduced in 1989 to recognise meritorious achievement or devotion to duty in non-warlike situations. Design The medal is nickel-silver with the obverse having a central device of the Southern Cross surrounded by a laurel wreath. The reverse has a horizontal panel…

The Conspicuous Service Cross was introduced in 1989 to recognise outstanding devotion to duty, or outstanding achievement in the application of exceptional skills, judgement or dedication, in non-warlike situations. Design The medal is a nickel-silver modified Maltese cross with the arms of the…

The Commendation for Gallantry was introduced in 1991 and awarded for acts of gallantry in action that are considered worthy of recognition. Design The insignia is gold-plated with a Federation Star superimposed centrally on a row of flames. The insignia is mounted on a plain orange ribbon. A…

The Champion Shots Medal was introduced in 1988 to encourage skill in small arms shooting in the Australian Defence Force. One medal is granted annually to each of the Services to be awarded to the respective winner of the Service competition. The competition is held at the Australian Army Skill at…

The Canine Operational Service Medal was introduced on 8 June 2017 to recognise the contribution Military Working Dogs make whilst serving on operations. The medal forms part of Defence's internal recognition scheme and is not part of the Australian Honours and Awards system. The Australian Defence…

The Australian Sports Medal was awarded in 2000 to those who contributed to Australia's sporting excellence. This medal recognises the efforts of a range of Australians including: current and former competitors coaches sports scientists office holders those who maintain sporting facilities and…

The Australian Service Medal 1945-75 was approved in 1995. It was awarded for service in, or in connection with declared non-warlike operations during the period commencing on 3 September 1945 and ending on 16 September 1975. Design The medal is nickel-silver with the Australian Coat of Arms…

The Australian General Service Medal for Korea was approved on 24 November 2009. The medal was awarded for service while participating in operations in South Korea in the period commencing 28 July 1953 and ending at the end of 19 April 1956. Design The medal is circular, 38 millimetres in diameter…

The Australian Defence Medal recognises Australian Defence Force personnel who have: enlisted for an indefinite period and rendered 4 years qualifying service enlisted for a fixed period and completed the specified period of enlistment, or a period of 4 years, whichever is the lesser. Eligibility…

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government established an Emergency Medal. This medal recognises service by uniformed emergency services and uniformed response agencies who perform in dangerous circumstances or in a significant emergency in the ACT. The medal was initially awarded for…

The Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal is for Officers or Instructors of cadets who have, on or after 14 February 1975, completed 15 years qualifying service. Clasps are awarded for additional 5 year periods of qualifying service. Prior to 1975, adult officers and senior instructors of cadets in…

The Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 was approved in 1997. It may be awarded for service in, or in connection with prescribed warlike operations from 3 September 1945 until 13 February 1975. Design The medal is nickel-silver. The obverse has a Federation Star surrounded by the legend The…

The purpose of the Army Combat Badge (ACB) is to recognise the unique service of a member who deployed on warlike operations and whose mission involved the likelihood or actual engagement in close combat. The ACB is to be worn by eligible personnel on the left breast above medals or medal ribbons…

The Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal was introduced in 2001 to recognise those who completed their obligation under the 2 National Service schemes that had operated in Australia between 1951 and 1972. Eligibility for the medal is dependent upon a person's obligation to serve and upon…

The Air Force Ground Combat Badge recognises service by permanent or reserve Air Force members whose deployed role required them to operate within a combat or escalated threat environment beyond that routinely experienced within a deployed base. In exceptional circumstances, service in a non-…

The Victory Medal was authorised in 1919 to commemorate the victory of the Allied Forces over the Central Powers. Each of the Allied nations issued a Victory Medal to their own nationals. Each nation used the standard ribbon but used different designs on the medal to reflect national identity and…

The Queen’s South Africa Medal was awarded for service in the Boer War in South Africa. The Australian colonies raised units and a number of Australians who were not able to join Australian units enlisted in British and South African units. Design The medal is a silver and bronze medal with the…

The Naval General Service Medal 1915-62 was instituted in 1915 for service in minor naval war-like operations. The medal was issued with a clasp denoting the area or purpose of operations. Subsequent service was recognised by the award of further clasps to be worn on the original medal. Design The…

The Mercantile Marine Medal was awarded to members of the Mercantile Marine who qualified for the British War Medal 1914-20 and served at sea on at least one voyage through a danger zone. Design The medal is bronze with the effigy of George V on the obverse. The reverse shows a merchant ship moving…

The Korea Medal was instituted in July 1951 and awarded for service in Korea between 1 July 1950 and 27 July 1953. Eligibility Personnel who served in the Korean War may be eligible to receive up to 3 medals: Korea Medal United Nations Service Medal (Korea) Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75…