Originally created in 1964 as the "Air Force Reserve Ribbon", the decoration became a full sized medal, under its current name, in 1971. From 1965 to 1974, the award was presented for four years of honorable reserve service, however the time limit was lowered to three years beginning in 1975. Additional awards of the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal are denoted with oak leaf clusters. This is a slide on ribbon.