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:

1. One bronze bottony device for 10 years continuous service.
2. Two bronze bottony devices for 15 years continuous service.
3. Three bronze bottony devices for 20 years continuous service.
4. One silver bottony device for 25 years continuous service.
5. One gold bottony device for 30 years continuous service.
6. Additional bronze bottony devices may be worn for each five years of continuous service beyond 30 years service.

Description

The medal is a bronze Maltese cross

Maltese cross

The Maltese cross, also known as the Amalfi cross, is identified as the symbol of an order of Christian warriors known as the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Malta and through them came to be identified with the Mediterranean island of Malta and is one of the National symbols of Malta...

, the center of the cross containing the Maryland

Maryland

Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...

 State Seal

Seal of Maryland

The Great Seal of the State of Maryland is the official government emblem of the State of Maryland in the United States. Its official service is to authenticate acts by the Maryland General Assembly, but it is also used for display purposes at most state buildings...

. The ribbon consists of vertical stripes of gold, black, gold, black and gold.