Australian Active Service Medal

The Australian Active Service Medal recognises service of Australian Defence Force and certain other persons in prescribed warlike operations.

Another award entitled, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, also recognises service of Australian Defence Force and certain other persons in prescribed warlike operations for service only during the period 1945 to 1975.

How it is awarded

The Governor-General awards the Australian Active Service Medal on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Force or their delegate.

The medal is awarded with a clasp to denote the prescribed operation. Subsequent awards to the same person are made with an additional clasp.

The application form is available from the Department of Defence website. To access the Alternate Application Process, please call 1800 333 362. There is no post-nominal for this medal. 

History

The Australian Active Service Medal was established on 13 September 1988 by Letters Patent but it is for service from February 1975 onwards.

Medal design

The Australian Active Service Medal is a nickel-silver medal ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The obverse shows a Federation Star flanked by a wreath of mimosa.

The reverse bears a stylised laurel wreath surrounding the inscription 'For Active Service'.

Medal ribbon

The medal ribbon has a central red stripe to symbolise the danger of warlike operations. It is flanked by stripes of silver-green which in turn are flanked by stripes of light green, gold, dark green and brown.

Award category

Defence Operational Service/Campaign Medals