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 Officer is made for outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility. This has been interpreted to mean that, as a guideline, officers of the ranks of Lieutenant-Commander or Major to Captain(N) or Colonel are generally appointed to this level. Occasionally, a Flag or General Officer, A Lieutenant(N) or Captain, a Chief Petty Officer 1st Class or Chief Warrant Officer may be appointed as an Officer if it is more appropriate for their level or responsibility. For the latter (CPO1 and CWO), this usually occurs through promotion within the Order.

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 gold, and bears a gold 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.

A small ring on the top arm through which another small ring attaches to the ring at the bottom of a gold 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 Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and before an Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.

The lapel badge, a blue cross with a gold 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

Officers may use the post-nominal letters "OMM".

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 1 101 appointments at the Officer level of the Order since its institution in 1972.

The insignia was designed by Bruce Beatty.