Description
Irish Army FCA Reserve Service Medal
An Bonn Seirbhíse FCÁ Agus SM
The Service Medal FCÁ and SM
Original 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)
Overview
Institution: 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 service
️ Service Requirements & Designation
| Years of Service | Ribbon & Bar Details |
|---|---|
| 7 years | Plain blue ribbon edged in yellow |
| 12 years | Ribbon with wide central yellow stripe and a medal bar |
| 21 years | Additional “21” bar on the ribbon representing long-lasting service |
The medal itself is a 36 mm gilt-bronze disc, suspended from a hanger inscribed “Seirbhís”
✅ Context & Distinction
The 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)
Summary
In 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 edge
12 yrs — ribbon with a central yellow stripe and one bar
21 yrs — plus a “21” bar
Its counterpart for the Permanent Defence Forces—the Service Medal (An Bonn Seirbhíse)—has different criteria and progression.
ℹ️ Additional Notes
The FCA/Reserve medal continues to be issued today to qualified Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve personne
Collectors and former members often refer to it as a formal acknowledgement of long service and good conduct within the reserve forces.
