The last of the Reserve Good Conduct Medals to be authorized,[3] the U.S. Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (ARCAM),[4] was established by the Secretary of the Army on 3 March 1971[3] and amended by Department of the Army General Orders 4, in 1974. The Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal was originally awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity while serving as a member of an Army National Guard or Army Reserve Troop Program Unit (TPU) for each four-year period of consecutive service completed on or after 3 March 1972. Effective 28 March 1995, the period of qualifying service for the award was reduced from four years to three years; however, this change was not retroactive. Additional awards of the ARCAM are indicated by bronze and silver oak leaf clusters.
