Reserve Force Medal (RFM)

Reserve Force Medal (RFM)

The Reserve Force Medal (RFM) commemorates the commitment and dedication of officers who have served in the Australian Defence Force Reserve for extended periods of time. It highlights the importance of their service in maintaining Australia's defence capabilities and reflects the nation's gratitude for their contributions.

Eligibility

The RFM is awarded to members of the Reserve Forces who have completed 15 years of accrued service. The medal was replaced in April 1999 with the Defence Long Service Medal, however clasps could still be issued for every additional 5 years of service. Regular service did not contribute to the addition of clasps.

Clasps

The RFM shares the same medal clasps as the Defence Force Service Medal and Defence Long Service Medal, and the same dot as the RFD. They are issued for every 5 years of service in the Reserve Forces after the initial award of the medal. The clasp is attached to the ribbon above the medal with the full size and miniatures, and represented by a rosette on the ribbon bar. If you would like to purchase a clasp for your medals please click here: DFSM/DLSM/RFM Medal Clasps. RFD Dot for Ribbon Bar.

Design

The Reserve Force Medal is made of cupro-nickel, and features rays overlayed with the Defence Joint Service emblem. The reverse of the medal bears the inscription "FOR EFFICIENT SERVICE IN THE RESERVE FORCES" circling the edge. Copies have "REPLICA" engraved in the centre.

Ribbon

The accompanying ribbon has a base of dark blue, with yellow-gold edges.

Unmounted Medals

If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.

Reserve Force Medal (RFM) Full Size Court Mounted

The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.

It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.

Reserve Force Medal (RFM) Full Size Swing Mounted

The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.

Reserve Force Medal (RFM) Miniature Court Mounted

Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Reserve Force Medal (RFM) Miniature Swing Mounted

Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Reserve Force Medal (RFM) Ribbon Bar

A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.