History

The Volunteer Reserves Service Medal was created in 1999 as an award to replace Long Service Awards for all branches of the armed forces. The Silver Medal is awarded to all ranks of the Volunteer Reserves of all armed forces, including the Royal Air Force, Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve, Army Reserve, and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, for 10 years of service. Members of the Honourable Artillery Company are awarded with a medal with a distinct ribbon.

Clasps are awarded to denote an additional 10 years of service. Rosettes may be worn to denote the award of a clasp when the ribbon is worn alone.

Since 2015, recipients of the Medal are entitled to use the post-nominals "VR" with eligibility backdating to 1999.