A Bronze medal, 1 1/4 inches in diameter with a demi-torch (as on the Statue of Liberty) encircled at the top by the inscription ARMED FORCES SERVICE MEDAL on the obverse side. On the reverse side is an eagle (as on the seal of the Department of Defense) between a wreath of laurel in base and the inscription IN PURSUIT OF DEMOCRACY at the top.

The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/16 inch Goldenlight 67107; 1/8 inch Jungle Green 67191; 1/8 inch Green 67129; 1/8 inch Mosstone Green 67127; 1/8 inch Goldenlight 67107; Center 1/4 inch Bluebird 67117; 1/8 inch Goldenlight 67107; 1/8 inch Mosstone Green 67127; 1/8 inch Green 67129; 1/8 inch Jungle Green 67191; and 1/16 inch Goldenlight 67107.

See Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards.

The following are authorized components and related items:

On 2 March 1995, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management Policy) (OASD-RMP) requested that The Institute of Heraldry prepare a medal and ribbon design for the proposed Armed Forces Service Medal. This medal was to be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who participated as members of units involved in military operations of significant numbers with no foreign armed opposition or the threat of imminent hostile action. This medal is intended to meet a void in the criteria between the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Proposed design was forwarded by OASD-FMP to the Services and the Joint Staff. Concurrence in the establishment of the medal from the Services and the Joint Staff was received and the proposal was forwarded to the Office of Budget and Management (OMB) for issuance of an Executive Order. The medal was authorized by Executive Order 12985, dated 11 January 1996.

The AFSM shall take precedence immediately after the Southwest Asia Service Medal.