On the front are profiles of the busts of a 1950s era sailor, airman, and soldier representing the nation's Land, Air, and Naval forces, under which is spelled out "DDR".

On the reverse side are the state coat of arms of East Germany, surrounded with the words FÜR DEN SCHUTZ DER ARBEITER- UND-BAUERN- MACHT (FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE WORKERS-AND-FARMERS-POWER) surrounded by two branches of laurel.

The medal is suspended from a five sided cloth ribbon which is 48 mm (1.9 inches) at the widest point.

The Silver medal is suspended from the same basic ribbon but has the addition of a 3 mm (just over 3/32 inch) wide center stripe of silver/white.

The medal was awarded with a certificate and financial allowance and was worn on the left upper chest.