In October 2016, the rules for awarding the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to personnel in branches of the military changed to include regular officers.

The medal recognises the good conduct of armed forces personnel over a 15-year period. Following an independent review, the new rules allow those ranked as military officers to be eligible. This means that all regular serving members with 15 years of service, clear of disciplinary entries on their record, will be recognised.

Also, clasps are now available after each further period of 10 years’ service, rather than the previous 15 years’ service for each additional clasp.

The medal can be traced back to July 1830, when King William IV instituted the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. A century later, this was replaced by the Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military) (Gazette issue 33653).

On the change to the rules, Michael Fallon, defence secretary, said:

“Tracing its history back to 1830, the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is the oldest medal still being awarded. It is therefore right to make these changes and to be able to more fully recognise those who commit themselves to a career serving our country in the armed forces.”

Long Service and Good Conduct medals appear in Gazette Ministry of Defence supplements, which are published every Tuesday and include commissions, appointments and medals for the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

For more information:

• Long Service and Good Conduct rules updated
• The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh Receive Long Service and Good Conduct Medals

Publication date: 25 November 2016