The Military Service Medal was authorized in 2006. It may be presented by a chapter or society to SAR members (or purchased by SAR members) who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, Coast Guard, or a country that was an ally of the United States, or in a United Nations Peace Keeping Force, who otherwise do not qualify for the SAR War Service Medal.

Proof of such service, in the form of a copy of the member's discharge papers or DD214 (or other U.S. Government proof in the case of a member, in active service), must be presented to his chapter or state society secretary before the medal can be purchased and/or worn.

The medal is available in miniature. A Military Service Medal Certificate is available. The Military Service Medal ranks the same in order of precedence as the War Service Medal. The ribbon is of the same color as the War Service Medal and is of the same size. This member may NOT wear both the Military Service Medal and the War Service Medal.