History

The Service Medal is awarded to Commissioned Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Privates of the Defence Forces, as well as to members of the Army Nursing and Chaplaincy Services, for long and faithful service.

There are four versions of the Service Medal that differ in ribbon and ribbon clasp according to the length of service and rank of the recipient.

The Bronze Medal (for Other Ranks) is awarded on a blue ribbon. It is awarded on a blue ribbon with a yellow stripe with a ribbon clasp after 5 additional years of service. Both versions feature an obverse inscription that translates to “The Service Medal,” and an inscription on the suspender bar that translates to “Service.” Officially-awarded medals have the recipient’s initials and service number on the reverse.