Reserve Force Decoration RFD

Reserve Force Decoration: The Reserve Force Decoration is the only long service medal with a post-nominal entitlement – RFD. A clasp is awarded for each additional 5 years’ qualifying service. Qualifying service is an aggregate 15 years that need not be continuous. To be worn immediately preceding the National Medal or other long-service awards. The Chief of the Defence Force makes recommendations for the Medal to the Governor-General for approval. Members of philanthropic organisations serving with the Australian Defence Force are eligible for nomination. The Reserve Force Decoration may be awarded to an officer who has, on or after 14 February 1975 and before 20 April 1999, completed 15 years efficient remunerated commissioned service in the Reserve Forces. A minimum of 12 years as a commissioned officer in the Reserve and up to 3 years as a commissioned officer 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 commissioned Reserve service after qualifying for the medal. Regular service does not qualify towards clasps for this award.

From 20 April 1999 the Reserve Force Decoration was replaced by the Defence Long Service Medal. However, clasps can still be issued in accordance with the eligibility criteria.

The medal is an oval bright nickel medal surrounded by a gilt wreath of wattle. The obverse has the Joint Service Emblem on a rayed background. The reverse is inscribed ‘FOR EFFICIENT SERVICE IN THE RESERVE FORCES.’

The ribbon has three equal stripes of azure-blue and gold. The colours were the national colours of Australia at the time of introduction.