A bronze medal 1 ¼ inches in diameter, with a flaming torch in front of a crossed powder horn and a bugle within a circle composed of thirteen stars and thirteen rays. On the reverse is a different design for each of the reserve components. The reverse of all medals have the inscription "ARMED FORCES RESERVE" around the rim. Organized Reserve: On a wreath, the Lexington Minuteman statue as it stands on the Common in Lexington, Massachusetts encircled by thirteen stars. National Guard: The National Guard insignia (two crossed fasces superimposed on an eagle displayed with wings reversed. Air Force Reserve: The crest from the Air Forces seal (on a wreath, an eagle displayed in front of a cloud form). Naval Reserve: The center device of the Department of the Navy seal (an eagle displayed on an anchor in front of a ship in full sail). Marine Corps Reserve: The Marine Corps insignia (eagle perched on a globe superimposed on an anchor). Coast Guard Reserve: The central design of the Coast Guard seal (crossed anchors superimposed by a shield within an annulet).

Devices:

Bronze hourglass to indicate 10 years service; silver hourglass to indicate 20 years service; gold hourglass to indicate 30 years service; letter "M" to indicate mobilization in support of US Military operations or contingencies designated by the Secretary of Defense; and a numeral to indicate number of times mobilized.

Ribbon:

The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/16 inch Bluebird 67117; 1/32 inch Chamois 67142; 1/16 inch Bluebird; 1/32 inch Chamois; 1/16 inch Bluebird; 3/8 inch Chamois; center 1/8 inch Bluebird; 3/8 inch Chamois; 1/16 inch Bluebird; 1/32 inch Chamois; 1/16 inch Bluebird; 1/32 inch Chamois; and 1/16 inch Bluebird.

Criteria:

Award under one of the following conditions:

    a. Awarded for honorable and satisfactory service as a member of one or more of the Reserve Components of the Armed Forces of the United States for a period of 10 years within a 12-year period. Upon completion of the fourth 10-year period, a gold hourglass followed by a bronze hourglass shall be awarded.

    b. Awarded for mobilization on or after 1 August 1990, to members called to active duty and served under Title 10, United States Code (USC) (Defense Department) or Title 14 USC (Coast Guard) or the member volunteered and served on active duty in support of US Military operations or contingencies designated by the Secretary of Defense. The "M" device is worn to indicate mobilization. Subsequent mobilizations are denoted by the wear of a number to indicate the number of times mobilized. No hourglass is worn unless authorized under the above paragraph.

Components:

The following are components of the Armed Forces Reserve Medal:

    a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/231. (Stock number for the full size medal set with ribbon bar.) National Guard: NSN 8455-00-227-1713; USAR: 8455-00-269-5781.

    b. Medal (miniature): MIL-DTL-3943/231. Available commercially.

    c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/13. NSN 8455-00-265-4916.

Background:

The Armed Forces Reserve Medal was authorized by President Truman by Executive Order 10163, dated 25 September 1950. The Executive Order was amended by Executive Order, dated 6 August 1996, to include authorization for award based on mobilization.

Wear:

If only the "M" device is authorized, it is worn in the center of the ribbon. If both the "M" device and the hourglass are worn, they will be centered with the "M" device to the wearer’s right. If numbers are worn, they will be to the wearer’s left with the hourglass in the center and the "M" device on the right.

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