Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation

The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) Commendation is awarded by the Chief of the Defence Staff to recognize deeds or activities beyond the demand of normal duty.

The CDS 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 deed or activity beyond the demands of normal duty;
• members of the armed forces of a country other than Canada for an achievement or for meritorious service that is of benefit to the CAF or Canada;
• Canadian civilians who are members of a uniformed Canadian government service or organization (such as but not limited to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Canadian Border Services Agency, Correctional Service of Canada, etc.) working in conjunction with the CAF, for a deed or activity beyond the demands of normal duty that is of benefit to the CAF; and
• other civilians for a specific deed or activity, beyond the demands of normal duty and limited in time, that is of benefit to the CAF.

In all other circumstances the appropriate award for other civilians, such as the recognition of long-term distinguished service or support to the CAF, is the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service.

The insignia for the CDS Commendation is a gold bar bearing three gold 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 Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation was approved by General J. A.  Dextraze, CC, CMM, CBE, DSO, CD, then Chief of the Defence Staff, in 1974.

The CDS Commendation is accompanied by a framed, gold-embossed scroll, inscribed with the member's name and an appropriate citation, and signed by the CDS.