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 Ribbon
The RFM ribbon is azure blue with gold edges. The colours were the national colours of Australia at the time of introduction.
Clasps
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.
Eligibility
The RFM may be awarded to a member who has, on or after 14 February 1975 completed 15 years efficient service prior to 20 April 1999. Clasps are awarded for each further periods of 5 years efficient reserve service. Officer Service and service in the Regular Forces does not qualify towards clasps for this medal. From 20 April 1999 the RFM was replaced by the Defence Long Service Medal (DLSM).
A minimum of 12 years in the Reserve and up to 3 years in the Regular Forces can be counted towards the medal.
Note: Qualifying service for clasps can be accrued after 19 April 1999.
