In brass, measures 35 mm wide. The raised inscription on the obverse, encircling the bas-reliefs of representatives of three branches of the NVA - Army, Air Force, and Navy, reads "For Outstanding Service in the National People's Army of the GDR." On the reverse, the inscription encircling the GDR state emblem reads "For Protection of the Workers' and Peasants' Power." The presentation case has black plastic bottom lined with light foam rubber inside, the lid is in Plexiglas.

The medal is in excellent condition, showing just a small area of mild pitting to the reverse. The ribbon on the suspension and ribbon bar is perfectly clean; both pin attachments are fully functional. The lid of the box is lightly scuffed; the scuffing is not too obvious and does not obscure the medal inside.

The medal (original name " Verdienstmedaille der Nationalen Volksarmee") was established on 1 June 1956 in three classes - bronze, silver, and gold, awarded for outstanding merit and personal readiness in support of increased combat capabilities and readiness of the National People's Army.