Command Commendation

The Command Commendation is awarded to recognize deeds or activities beyond the demand of normal duty. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) grants the authority to specific commanders to award the Command Commendation. The CDS has directed that only commanders of an official command in accordance with the relevant Ministerial Organization Order, and reporting directly to the CDS, may be granted this authority.  The list of commanders who can currently award the Command Commendation is as follows:

• Vice Chief of the Defence Staff;
• Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy;
• Commander of the Canadian Army;
• Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force;
• Commander Military Personnel Command;
• Commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command;
• Commander of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command;
• Commander of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command; and
• Deputy Commander NORAD;

Nominations shall be submitted in accordance with instructions issued by the commander or NDHQ group principal concerned.

The Command Commendation may be awarded to:

• members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) (including members of the Regular Force, Primary Reserve, Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, Canadian Rangers) and holders of honorary appointments, for a contribution affecting or reflecting well on the command;
• members of the armed forces of a country other than Canada for an achievement or for meritorious service that is of benefit to the command, the CAF or Canada; and
• civilians for a deed or activity beyond the demands of normal duty that is of benefit to the command or the CAF.

The insignia for Command Commendations is a silver bar bearing three maple leaves.

Not Applicable

The insignia is worn on the uniform in accordance with A-AD-265-000/AG-001, CF Dress Instructions.

Not Applicable

The Command Commendations were created in 1995 and are accompanied by scrolls signed by an appropriate NDHQ group principal or a commander of a command.