History

The Medal for Voluntary Military Service was established on March 13, 1975. Between 1963 and 1975 there had been no award to compensate those in the French military Reserves after the suppression of the Order of Military Merit in 1962.

From 1975-2004 the Bronze Medal was awarded for 4 years of service, and the Silver Medal was awarded for 9 years of service. Since 2004 the Bronze Medal has been awarded for 3 years of service, and the Silver Medal has been awarded for 9 years of service. The Gold Medal has always been awarded for 15 years of service. The annual contingent is composed of 1200 Bronze Medals, 400 Silver Medals, and 130 Gold Medals.

The obverse inscription translates to “French Republic,” and the reverse inscription translates to “Voluntary Military Service.”