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 Member is made for exceptional service or performance of duty. This has been interpreted to mean that, as a guideline, Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs), Petty Officers, Warrant Officers, and Junior Officers are generally appointed to this level. This is a guideline however and occasionally, Lieutenant-Commanders or Majors are appointed as Members if this is more appropriate for their level of responsibility.

Description

The badge of the order is a blue-enamelled, straight-end cross pattee (four arms, narrow at the centre and expanding towards the ends). The badge is edged in silver, and bears a silver maple leaf in its center, on a white background, surrounded by an annulus enamelled red which bears the inscription "MERIT-MERITE-CANADA" in silver, the annulus being surmounted by the Royal Crown enamelled in full colours. The reverse is plain with the exception of an inventory number.

A small ring on the top arm through which another small ring attaches to the ring at the bottom of a silver laurelled bar (3 rings in all).

The ribbon is blue, 38 mm wide, with gold edges (4.8 mm).

Bars

There is no bar to this Order but one can be promoted within the Order.

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: on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon described above, after a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order and before an Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.

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

Postnomials

Members may use the post-nominal letters "MMM".

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 had been 2 527 appointments at the Member level of the Order since its institution in 1972.

The insignia was designed by Bruce Beatty.