Australian Defence Medal | |
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![]() ![]() Medal and ribbon | |
Type | Service |
Awarded for | 4 years' service, completion of initial minimum period of service, death during service, or discharge as a result of injury [1] |
Presented by | Australia |
Eligibility | Members of the Australian Defence Force |
Clasps | None |
Status | Currently issued |
Established | 20 March 2006 [2] |
Total | 246,000 [3] |
Order of Wear | |
Next (higher) | National Medal [4] |
Next (lower) | Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal [4] |
The Australian Defence Medal is an Australian military decoration which recognises current and former Australian Defence Force personnel who completed an initial enlistment period, or four years' service. [1] It was established on 20 March 2006; however, it recognises qualifying efficient service of current and former Australian Defence Force Regular and Reserve personnel, including National Servicemen, who have served since 3 September 1945. [2] It is estimated that up to one million current and ex-serving personnel are eligible for the award. [5] At 30 June 2010, a total of 242,576 had been awarded. [6]
The criteria also include those who could not serve the four-year qualifying period or complete an initial enlistment period for one or more of the following reasons: