REASONS FOR A NEW RECOGNITION MEDAL

The medal proposed is for the commitment an individual makes to join Australia's Defence Force to wear the uniform and defend our country.  The proposed new medal cannot be compared to medals that are given for 15 years long service, but is to be given to members of the public who have placed themselves in readiness to be called for operational service at any time.

The New Medal Group considers that this period of commitment is to be 2 years whether part-time or full-time service.  The commitment to that period is what counts.

individuals who commit themselves to defend the country do so with the highest patriotic motives in mind.  They know they could be called on in time of war and other emergencies to lay down their lives.  The medal sought is not for service in the sense of long service but more for those individuals who make a commitment to serve the Nation.

At present, unless a member serves overseas in an area that a medal is awarded, the first chance of a medal being awarded is after 15 years - if the member serves that long.  Today's average length of service is less than 8 years.

The RSL National Congress of September 2003 resolved:

That the League recommends the Federal Government introduce a Defence Force Medal for all persons who have served in the Defence Force both past and present and this to include Reserve Forces.  A qualifying period of two (2) years service, not necessarily continuous, is accepted as the minimum requirement.

The two groups of benefit would be:

a.  Previous members of the ADF who have served since 1 January 1946; and

b. Current serving and future members of the ADF.

EXAMPLES OF COMMITMENT

The following are some examples of those who have rendered valuable service to defend our Nation and its people and have been disadvantaged:

Post World War II Group

In this era many citizens served.  An example is two members who joined the RAN in the Communications area.  One was posted to a ship and as a result of his service received the 4 medals for service in Korea and those for the Malayan Campaign.  After serving for nine years he was discharged.

His friend was posted to a shore establishment and whilst eager to serve overseas did not go.  He left the RAN at the same time as his mate without any medal recognition and has not taken part in any commemorative services of parades.

RAAF Permanent Force

During the early 90's the RAAF reduced its numbers by many thousands.  Many of these members who would have served their 15 years had their service prematurely ended.  As a result members were discharged without medal recognition.

Allied Enlistments from Overseas Countries

Australia has readily accepted the talent and service of personnel from many overseas countries.  However, in many cases they do not serve the required 15 years to achieve recognition by way of an Australian medal.

Forced Discharge due to Injury

Many members joined the ADF with the prospects of a long-term commitment.  Due to the nature of employment in the ADF many are injured and unable to continue serving for the required 15 years with the result that they also do not receive recognition by way of an Australian medal.

Officers 1946 - 1972

Officers commissioned during this period who did not serve outside Australia between 1946 and 1972 (26 years service) received no medals as officers did not receive a long service medal at that time.

Naval Reserve/CMF/Army Reserve/ Air Force Reserve

Members of the above organisations served part-time and through civilian or family reasons left the service before entitlement to the 12 year medal, or as is the case now, 15 years.

Current Serving Members

May serve for 6, 9 or 12 years for example and if not posted overseas will leave without medal recognition.

BENEFITS OF A NEW RECOGNITION MEDAL

        .  Visible recognition of Defence service;

        .  Encouraging participation in official commemorative events e.g. ANZAC Day

        .  Promoting interest in ongoing Defence issues;

        .  A sense of reward for service for the commitment given;

        .  Help enlistments;

        .  Retention is more likely for the 2 year period as a member
           will stay for this period to qualify for the medal;

        .  It will improve the status of the member within the community; and

        .  In civilian life people are recognised by promotions or bonuses in
           their work place.  However in the ADF the promotion may apply but
           one of the motivators is to achieve a medal for recognition of their
           commitment.

UPDATE ON CURRENT INITIATIVES

To build on the existing and ever-growing groundswell of support for a recognition medal the New Medal Group was formed in July 2003.  The Group's aim is to assist the understanding of the Government so that approval can be made for this medal.  It offers to add its voice to those organisations in support of the concept:

THE RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIAN VETERANS AND DEFENCE SERVICES COUNCIL

RAAF ASSOCIATION INC RAAF WOMENS' SERVICES

NAVAL ASSOCIATION OF NSW

THE AUSTRALIAN LEGION OF EX SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN

DEFENCE RESERVES ASSOCIATION

THE NATIONAL SERVICEMEN'S ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL SERVICE & COMBINED FORCES ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

BRITISH COMMONWEALTH OCCUPATION FORCE ASSOCIATION

KOREA WAR VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF NSW

REGULAR DEFENCE WELFARE ASSOCIATION

VIETNAM VETERANS FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA

VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

RESERVE FORCES DAY COUNCIL

NEW MEDAL GROUP ACTION PLAN

For the last few years much work has been done by various groups seeking medal recognition.  In view of this we believe a most satisfactory deadline is ANZAC eve 24 April 2004.  By that time it is our wish that the medal be approved by the people of Australia and the Government.  This does not mean that the medal will have been designed and ready for issue.

Encourage politicians to commit themselves to support the approval of a medal that will recognise servicemen and women who have committed themselves to serve our country; and

Increasing public awareness, through the media, of the justification for this medal for a commitment to Australia of all individuals who served for 2 years full-time or part-time in the ADF.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Write to your local Federal Member.

Encourage your local organisation to write to your local federal member.

Attend the public meetings.

Organise the signing of a petition.