Armed Forces reserve Medal

The Armed Forces Reserve Medal (AFRM) is awarded to officers and enlisted members of the Reserve Components of the United States Armed Forces. Here are the key details regarding the medal, including its history, criteria for award, authorized devices, and relevant regulations. **History** The AFRM was established by Executive Order 10163 on July 1, 1949, and has been amended subsequently by Executive Orders 10439 and 13013. It recognizes the dedicated service of reserve service members after a period of satisfactory participation. **Criteria and Eligibility** To qualify for the AFRM, recipients must fulfill one of the following criteria: 1. Complete 10 years of honorable service performed within a period of 12 consecutive years. This is marked with the hourglass device. 2. On or after August 1, 1990, be called to active duty under specific sections of the U.S. Code, qualifying for the “M” device. 3. Volunteer and serve on active duty in support of designated U.S. military operations or contingencies, also qualifying for the “M” device. It is important to note that periods of service in any Regular component of the Armed Forces do not count toward the AFRM requirement; however, if a period of active service interrupts a reservist's eligibility, it is treated as a temporary suspension of progress toward the award【6:1†source】. **Subsequent Awards** Subsequent awards of the AFRM are denoted by the addition of devices: - An hourglass device is awarded for each 10-year period of qualifying service. - The “M” device is awarded for subsequent qualifying periods of active duty after the initial award【6:2†source】. **Authorized Devices** - **Hourglass Device**: Bronze, silver, or gold hourglass is worn to denote 10, 20, or 30 years of qualifying service, respectively. - **“M” Device**: Indicates the award was earned due to mobilization for active duty. - **Arabic Numerals**: Bronze numerals indicate the number of awards following the first award of the “M” device【6:0†source】【6:1†source】. **Additional Rules and Considerations** 1. Any member not meeting the moral standards required may have their eligibility recommended for disqualification by their commanding officer【6:2†source】. 2. The award is issued in a form of a medal and ribbon set, with no citation or certificate traditionally provided【6:1†source】【6:2†source】. The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is an important recognition of the service and commitment of reservists, reflecting their readiness and dedication to supporting military missions both at home and abroad.