The Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal was established to recognize exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity for enlisted personnel in the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard. While sometimes referenced around 1962, the ribbon was formally established on April 1, 1964, and the medal was created on November 2, 1971
Key Details of the Award:
Purpose: Recognizes four years (later three) of honorable enlisted reserve service
Design: A circular bronze medal designed by the Institute of Heraldry, featuring an American eagle on the obverse and a cloud design with the Air Force Coat of Arms on the reverse
Eligibility: Exclusive to enlisted personnel; commissioned officers are not eligible
History: Initially created as a ribbon in 1964, it was converted to a full-sized medal in 1971
Equivalent: The medal is the reserve component equivalent to the Air Force Good Conduct Medal for active-duty airmen
