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New Zealand Defence Service Medal
The New Zealand Defence Service Medal was introduced in 2011 in order to give medallic recognition to all New Zealanders who have completed military service. It includes non-operational service, not only of those who have served in the Regular and Reserve Forces, but also those who completed compulsory military training or national military service obligations. The medal recognises the unique requirements of military service – a commitment to serving the Crown, being liable for operational service, and being subject to military discipline and the demands of the military lifestyle. It is estimated over 160,000 New Zealanders are eligible for this medal.
Medal(s)
New Zealand Defence Service Medal
The New Zealand Defence Service Medal (NZDSM) was instituted in April 2011 to recognise military service since the end of the Second World War. One or more of four clasps can be awarded with the medal determined by military service undertaken: Regular, Territorial, C.M.T. (Compulsory Military Training) and National Service.
Eligibility is three years of service in either the Regular or Territorial (Reserve) Forces of the New Zealand Defence Force (Navy, Army, Airforce), or those who undertook Compulsory Military Training (under the Military Training Act 1949) or National Service (under the National Military Service Act 1962).
The medal itself has the New Zealand fern frond and the badge of the New Zealand Defence Force which combines the emblems of the (Navy, Army and Air Force). The ribbon colours also represent the three services: Navy (dark blue), Army (red) and Air Force (light blue).