Whilst perusing this thread having just viewed 'the unstoppable Derek Oldham' one covering his 50 years of service in the RAF, it occurred to me that as he transferred to the reserves 3 years ago after 'only' 47 years of regular time he probably won't be eligible for a LS medal. Somewhat ironic given that he's likely to be the longest serving RAF officer ever?
Yes, just as I said in post #67, Derek wouldn't qualify for the LS&GCM or the VRSM. It's absolute crock of **** the qualification period. There will be many stuck between having retired into full-time reserve service but unable to qualify for either medal. Personally, I think the LS&GCM should be for any full-time service, and that the VRSM should be for the part-time volunteer reserve only. So FTRS can then add any full-time reserve service to their full-time regular service with none of this 'half qualifying' carp - surely, you either qualify or you don't!!!
LJ