The Services have recognised long service since the Army instituted its Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1830, with the Royal Navy instituting theirs the following year.
Both were initially issued for 21 years service with exemplary conduct. Over the years the design of the medals and the qualifying criteria have altered, with 15 years now being the length of time required for consideration.
Other medals have also been introduced over time to recognise varying aspects of long, efficient and accumulated service.
These medals, recognising particularly meritorious service, accumulated service on various campaigns, as well as long and efficient service in the Reserve Forces and the Cadet Forces are all still awarded today in one form or another.