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How many years of service are required for this medal?

To earn this medal, a service member must complete twelve years of honest and good work. King George VI created this award in 1949 to replace older British medals with a special Canadian version. It was first handed out in 1951 to honor long-term dedication. Serving twelve years shows a deep commitment to the Canadian military and the country.

What letters can recipients put after their name?

Once a person earns this honor, they are allowed to add the letters CD after their name. These letters stand for Canadian Forces' Decoration. It acts as a permanent sign that the person has finished their twelve years of faithful service. Many military members take great pride in using these letters on their official documents and name tags.

What unique shape does the medal have?

The medal is shaped like a decagon, which is a figure that has ten distinct sides. It is crafted from a shiny metal known as gilded brass. On the front, you can see three maple leaves along with an eagle, an anchor, and swords. These symbols represent the air force, the navy, and the army working together as one united team.

What happens if someone serves another ten years?

If a member stays in the military for ten more years after earning their first medal, they get a special reward. They receive a thin metal bar called a clasp that is attached to the ribbon. Each clasp features a tiny silver maple leaf to mark that extra decade of service. A soldier can earn these bars multiple times throughout their long career.

Can reserve members earn this award?

Yes, both full-time regular forces and part-time reserve members can earn this medal. It does not matter if a person serves every day or just on weekends and during special training times. As long as they complete the required twelve years of good service, they are eligible to receive it. This rule ensures that every person in the Canadian Armed Forces feels valued for their contribution.

How many years of service are required for this medal?

To earn this medal, a service member must complete twelve years of honest and good work. King George VI created this award in 1949 to replace older British medals with a special Canadian version. It was first handed out in 1951 to honor long-term dedication. Serving twelve years shows a deep commitment to the Canadian military and the country.

What letters can recipients put after their name?

Once a person earns this honor, they are allowed to add the letters CD after their name. These letters stand for Canadian Forces' Decoration. It acts as a permanent sign that the person has finished their twelve years of faithful service. Many military members take great pride in using these letters on their official documents and name tags.

What unique shape does the medal have?

The medal is shaped like a decagon, which is a figure that has ten distinct sides. It is crafted from a shiny metal known as gilded brass. On the front, you can see three maple leaves along with an eagle, an anchor, and swords. These symbols represent the air force, the navy, and the army working together as one united team.

What happens if someone serves another ten years?

If a member stays in the military for ten more years after earning their first medal, they get a special reward. They receive a thin metal bar called a clasp that is attached to the ribbon. Each clasp features a tiny silver maple leaf to mark that extra decade of service. A soldier can earn these bars multiple times throughout their long career.

Can reserve members earn this award?

Yes, both full-time regular forces and part-time reserve members can earn this medal. It does not matter if a person serves every day or just on weekends and during special training times. As long as they complete the required twelve years of good service, they are eligible to receive it. This rule ensures that every person in the Canadian Armed Forces feels valued for their contribution.

Home Library CanadaCanadian Forces' Decoration

Service medal

Canadian Forces' Decoration

This medal recognizes twelve years of good conduct and dedicated service in the Canadian military.

Canada Established 1949 All servicesPrecedence: Worn after exemplary service medals and before special commemorative medals

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for twelve years of good conduct and honorable service in the Canadian military.

Eligibility

Officers and non-commissioned members of the Regular and Reserve forces of Canada.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn after exemplary service medals and before special commemorative medals

Canadian Forces' Decoration, Service medal, Canada medal

History

King George VI approved the Canadian Forces' Decoration in 1949, and it was first presented in 1951. It replaced several older British long-service decorations to unify awards across Canada's armed services.

The medal has a unique ten-sided shape made of gilded brass. It shows three maple leaves and an eagle, anchor, and swords representing the air force, navy, and army. A thin clasp is added for every ten extra years of service.

Members are permitted to put the letters CD after their name once they receive it. It remains one of the most recognizable and widely worn medals across the Canadian Armed Forces today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Cold War Korean War Gulf War War in Afghanistan

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Marc Dicaire, including Meritorious Service Medal, Canadian Forces' Decoration, Meritorious Service Cross, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, General Campaign Star, Canadian Korea Medal, Sacrifice Medal, Medal of Military Valour, Star of Military Valour, shown against a light Canada flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

Meritorious Service Medal Canadian Forces' Decoration Meritorious Service Cross+6

Marc Dicaire

Who Was Master Corporal Marc Dicaire?

A highly decorated Canadian soldier who served in the Afghanistan war.

Canada2007

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Sources

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