DescriptionIrish Army FCA Reserve Service MedalAn Bonn Seirbhíse FCÁ Agus SM The Service Medal FCÁ and SMOriginal medal measuring 36 mm in diameter.Irish Defence Forces Reserve Service Medal (Irish: An Bonn Seirbhíse FCÁ agus SM) awarded to members of the Irish Reserve Defence Forces, formerly known as An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (FCÁ) and Slua Muirí ( Irish Naval Reserve) OverviewInstitution: Introduced in June 1961 as the Service Medal FCÁ agus SM, for members of the Local Defence Force (FCÁ) and Naval Reserve (Slua Muirí)Eligibility: Awarded to privates, non‑commissioned officers, and officers in the Reserve Defence Forces for qualifying years of service️ Service Requirements & DesignationYears of ServiceRibbon & Bar Details7 yearsPlain blue ribbon edged in yellow12 yearsRibbon with wide central yellow stripe and a medal bar21 yearsAdditional “21” bar on the ribbon representing long-lasting serviceThe medal itself is a 36 mm gilt-bronze disc, suspended from a hanger inscribed “Seirbhís”✅ Context & DistinctionThe Reserve Service Medal is distinct from the Service Medal awarded to members of the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF), which requires 10 years’ service, then upgrades at 15 and 20 years for PDF personnel.Official government records—including parliamentary answers—confirm that the medal is intended for reserve service, serving to formally recognise long service in the FCA/Naval Reserve or RDF, and remains in use under its successor organisation, the Reserve Defence Forces (established 2005) SummaryIn essence, the Reserve Defence Forces Service Medal, informally known as the “FCÁ & SM medal,” honours 7, 12, and 21 years of service in Ireland’s reserve military. As the statute evolved, the medal’s ribbon and bars visually denote each tier of commitment:7 yrs — blue ribbon edge12 yrs — ribbon with a central yellow stripe and one bar21 yrs — plus a “21” barIts counterpart for the Permanent Defence Forces—the Service Medal (An Bonn Seirbhíse)—has different criteria and progression.ℹ️ Additional NotesThe FCA/Reserve medal continues to be issued today to qualified Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve personneCollectors and former members often refer to it as a formal acknowledgement of long service and good conduct within the reserve forces.
