Context

The Order of Military Merit was established to provide a worthy means of recognizing conspicuous merit and exceptional service by members of the Canadian Forces both regular and reserve. Military nominations shall be processed through the chain of command in accordance with A-AD-200-000/AG-000 - Honours, Flags and Heritage Structure of the Canadian Forces.

Eligibility and Criteria

Appointment to the level of Commander is made for outstanding meritorious service in duties of great responsibility. This has been interpreted to mean that, as a guideline, only Flag and General Officers are generally eligible to be appointed a Commander.

Description

The badge of the order is a blue-enamelled, straight-end cross pattée (four arms, narrow at the centre and expanding towards the ends). The badge is edged in gold, and bears a red maple leaf in its center, on a white background, surrounded by an annulus enamelled red which bears the inscription "MERIT-MERITE-CANADA" in gold, the annulus being surmounted by the Royal Crown enamelled in full colours. The reverse is plain with the exception of an inventory number.The Commander's badge has a small link at the top, to which is attached a larger ring and the ribbon passes through this for wearing around the neck.The ribbon is blue, 38 mm wide, with gold edges (4.8 mm).

Bars

There is no bar to this medal.

Wearing

The insignia of the Order shall be worn in sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive, and in the following manner: worn around the neck, suspended from the ribbon described above and takes precedence after a Member of the Order of Canada and before a Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.

The lapel badge, a blue cross with a red maple leaf centre, is worn on the undress ribbon.

Elevations within the order are indicated by the wearing of the lapel badge of the current and previous levels on the undress ribbon.

Postnomials

Commanders may use the post-nominal letters "CMM".

Historical Notes

Each badge is numbered on the reverse but not named.

The names of the appointees are published in the Canada Gazette. Appointments are usually made in July and December of each year and one cannot be appointed to the Order posthumously.

As of 1 June 2012, there have been 220 appointments at the Commander level of the Order since its institution in 1972.

The insignia was designed by Bruce Beatty.