It was established on December 23, 1873 and is awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks of the Belgian Armed Forces for long service.

The version for exceptional service, gallantry or devotion to duty was created by the same royal decree, has the same jewel, but a different ribbon.

Officers are not eligible for the award, but also receive a decoration for long service: the Military Cross.

The reverse is identical except for the central medallion, the center bears the royal monogram of the reigning monarch at time of award surrounded by the relief inscription "ARMÉE * MÉRITE * ANCIENNETÉ" ("ARMY * MERIT * SENIORITY").

The medal is suspended by a ring through the suspension loop to a silk moiré ribbon of seventeen alternating longitudinal stripes of red, yellow and black.