The Air Force Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal was originally established as a ribbon bar by the Secretary of the Air Force on April 1, 1964 and was amended on May 1, 1973, when the medal was created. It is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a four-year period while serving in an enlisted status in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Awarded for a period of three continuous years of service computed from the date of assignment to a training category A, B or D for individuals with a beginning date before July 1, 1972. For individuals with a beginning date after June 30, 1972, the length of service requirement is three continuous years of service. Award the medal to individuals who accrue at least one year, but less than three years toward award of the medal and terminate their enlisted Reserve status as a commissioned or warrant officer regardless of the beginning eligibility date.
Creditable service ends when called to active duty. A period of more than 24 hours between reserve enlistments counts as a break in service. Credit must begin anew after the break. An active duty period is not a break in service. Do not credit service performed in the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard Reserve components. When determining service computation, exclude service as a commissioned officer.
