The Maryland National Guard State Service Medal is presented to members of the Maryland National Guard to promote efficiency and as a reward for five years of continuous state service. Commanders may forward request for the issuance of the state award at any time a member completes the service required. The request must include the commander’s certification that the service was continuous and satisfactory. Extended periods of unauthorized absence (more than five assemblies in a service year) will constitute a break in service and require the establishment of a new date from which satisfactory service is measured. Statutory and AGR tours do not constitute a break in service.The award is authorized under MDARNG Regulation 672-1.
Bottony devices will be worn to indicate additional awards of five year increments as follows:
The medal is a bronze Maltese cross, the center of the cross containing the Maryland State Seal. The ribbon consists of vertical stripes of gold, black, gold, black and gold.