Defence Long Service Medal

The Defence Long Service Medal (DLSM) may be awarded to a member who has, on or after 14 February 1975, completed 15 years qualifying remunerated service in the ADF. This includes efficient service in Permanent and Reserve Forces. Clasps are awarded for each further periods of five years efficient service.

The regulations state that members are not entitled to have a Defence Force service award and the Defence Long Service Medal (DLSM) at the same time. The Defence Force service awards are: the Defence Force Service Medal, the Reserve Force Decoration and the Reserve Force Medal. Members wishing to have previously unrecognised service counted toward the DLSM are required to return the Defence Force service award before the DLSM is issued.

The Medal

The DLSM is a cupronickel medal. The obverse has the Joint Service Emblem surrounded by two sprays of wattle leaves and blossom. The reverse has a central horizontal panel surrounded by the inscription 'FOR SERVICE IN THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE'.

Ribbon

The DLSM ribbon has a central panel of seven alternating blue and gold stripes flanked by blue stripes gold edges. The colours and design reflect those of the replaced medals.

Clasps

The DLSM clasp is a cupronickel bar with the Royal Cypher flanked by sprigs of wattle in the centre. When the ribbon is worn alone a clasp is indicated by the addition of a cupro-nickel round rosette or a silver miniature Federation Star.

Post Nominals

There is no entitlement to postnominal letters for recipients of the Defence Long Service Medal.