Medal for voluntary military service

The Medal for Voluntary Military Service (French: "Médaille des services militaires volontaires") is a French military decoration established on 13 March 1975 by decree 75–150. It was established in three grades to recognize voluntary military service in the reserves.

During World War I, the reserves served as an important part of the defence of France. Following the end of hostilities, in order to reward their volunteerism during training periods, a decree of 13 May 1934 created the "Cross for voluntary military service" (French: "Croix des services militaires volontaires") in three grades, bronze, silver and gold. This first incarnation of a truly reserve award was rather short lived being replaced on 22 March 1957 with the "Order of military merit" (French: "Ordre du mérite militaire") at the request of the "Union Nationale des Officiers de Réserve" (English: "National Union of Reserve Officers"). This award, like many other French orders, had three grades Knight, Officer, and Commander.