Member of the Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire

The MBE is awarded to members of the Armed Forces for a variety of reasons. Ranging from charity work, to awards for outstanding proffesional contributions in their chosen field.

The MBE is a star of four large points and four minor points in frosted silver. The medal is not named.

The ribbon is red, with a thin grey stripe in the centre and at the outer edges.

Between 1957 and 1974 the MBE could also be awarded for acts of gallantry. This is denoted by a silver crossed oak leave emblem worn on the ribbon.

Within the Armed Forces the MBE is sometimes referred to as "My Bloody Effort", whereas the OBE (which is generally issued to senior officers is referred to as "Other Buggers Effort".