The Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal was introduced in 2001 to recognise those who completed their obligation under the two National Service schemes that had operated in Australia between 1951 and 1972.
Eligibility for the medal is dependent upon a person's obligation to serve and upon this obligation being fulfilled under the National Service Act 1951 (As Amended), as it applied to the individual at the time of his service. Additionally, he must not have been discharged for disciplinary reasons. Women were not conscripted under the National Service Act.