Defence Long Service Medal
$12.25 - $60.00
The prestigious Defence Force Service Medal honours the unwavering dedication and commitment of Australian Defence Force members. This esteemed military service medal commemorates their loyalty and invaluable contribution. Read more..
The Defence Force Service Medal is a military service medal established to recognize the dedication and commitment of members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who have completed a specified period of service. The medal honors those who have served with distinction and acknowledges their loyalty and contribution to the defence of Australia and its interests.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Defence Force Service Medal, personnel must have completed a minimum of 15 years of service in the Australian Defence Force, which includes the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force. The medal is also awarded to members of the Australian Regular and Reserve forces, as well as to those who have served in both capacities. Additional clasps may be issued for each subsequent period of 5 years of service completed. The Defence Force Service Medal was replaced with the Defence Long Service Medal in 1998.
Clasps
Additional clasps are added to the medal for every 5 years after the medal is initially earned. The clasps are attached to the ribbon above the full size and miniature medals, and are represented with a rosette or Federation Star (replaces the dots when the fifth clasp is earned) on the ribbon bar. If you would like to add a clasp to your medals please click here: DFSM/DLSM/RFM Medals Clasp. DFSM/DLSM Dot for Ribbon Bar.
Design
The Defence Force Service Medal is cupro-nickel, of an overlapped flower-like design with chamfered edges. The oberse of the DFSM bears the Defence Force Joint Service emblem. The reverse is inscribed around the edge with the words "FOR EFFICIENT SERVICE IN THE PERMANENT FORCES".
Ribbon
The ribbon of the Defence Force Service Medal features three equal-sized alternating stripes of yellow-gold and blue, with blue edges. These colours were Australia's national colours at the time of issue.
The Defence Force Service Medal is a symbol of the service and commitment of Australian Defence Force personnel who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to the defense of their nation. It is a testament to their loyalty and unwavering support in the pursuit of peace and stability, both domestically and internationally, and serves as a reminder of their role in shaping the future of Australia and its global presence.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
