Australian Cadets Forces Service Medal

Australian Cadets Forces Service Medal

The Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal (ACFSM) is a service medal that recognizes the contributions and dedication of Officers or Instructors of the Australian Cadet Forces (ACF).

Eligibility

The ACFSM is awarded to Officers or Instructors of Cadets who have completed a minimum of fifteen years of service in the ACF. Clasps are awarded for every additional 5 years of qualifying service. As the Australian Cadet Corps is under the sponsorship of the ADF, but not strictly part of the ADF, the medal is not available to Defence members as a long service medal.

Clasps 

The ACFSM shares the same clasps as the Defence Long Service Medal and Defence Force Service awards. They are awarded for every additional five years of service after the inital award of the medal. They are attached to the ribbon above the medal when the full size and miniatures are worn, and represented by a rosette or Federation Star (replaces the rosettes by the fifth clasp) on the ribbon bar. If you would like to purchase a clasp for your medal please click here: DFSM/DLSM/RFM Medal Clasp. DFSM/DLSM Dot for Ribbon Bar.

Design

The medal is made of cupro-nickel, and features the emblem of the Australian Cadet Force on the obverse. The design of the emblem mirrors that of the ADF, with a sword and torch crossed over an upright trident, with an eagle with spread wings underneath. Around the edge of the medal is the inscription "AUSTRALIAN CADET FORCES SERVICE MEDAL". The reverse features the Federation Star overlayed with a plaque, traditionally engraved with the recipients details. Copies are engraved with "REPLICA".

Ribbon

The accompanying ribbon has central stripes of blue and gold, with three outer stripes of navy, red, and light blue.

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.

Australian Cadets Forces Service Medal 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.

Australian Cadets Forces Service Medal 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.

Australian Cadets Forces Service Medal 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.

Australian Cadets Forces Service Medal 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.

Australian Cadets Forces Service Medal 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.