| Australian Defence Medal | |
|---|---|
 _ribbon.png){kind=small} Medal and ribbon | |
| Type | Service |
| Awarded for | 4 years' service, completion of initial minimum period of service, death during service, or discharge as a result of injury[1] |
| Presented by | Australia |
| Eligibility | Members of the Australian Defence Force |
| Clasps | None |
| Status | Currently issued |
| Established | 20 March 2006[2] |
| Total | 340,867[3] |
| Order of Wear | |
| Next (higher) | National Medal[4] |
| Next (lower) | Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal[4] |
The Australian Defence Medal is an Australian military decoration which recognises current and former Australian Defence Force personnel who completed an initial enlistment period, or four years' service.[1] It was established on 20 March 2006; however, it recognises qualifying efficient service of current and former Australian Defence Force Regular and Reserve personnel, including National Servicemen, who have served since 3 September 1945.[2] It is estimated that up to one million current and ex-serving personnel are eligible for the award.[5] At 30 June 2010, a total of 242,576 had been awarded.[6]
- ^ a b "Australian Defence Medal". It's an Honour. Australian Government. Archived from the original on 18 June 2009. Retrieved 20 June 2009.
- ^ a b "Australian Defence Medal". Defence Honours & Awards. Department of Defence. Archived from the original on 19 June 2009. Retrieved 20 June 2009.
- ^ Report of the Inquiry into recognition for members and families of members of the ADF who are injured, wounded or killed in or as a result of service (PDF). Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal. 2021. p. 159.
- ^ a b "The Order of Wearing of Australian Honours and Awards" (PDF). It's an Honour. Australian Government. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 February 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
- ^ "Australian Defence Medal: Questions and Answers". Defence Honours & Awards. Department of Defence. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
- ^ "Award statistics". It's an Honour. Australian Government. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 3 July 2011.