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The Order of Military Merit was established on July 1, 1972 as a means of recognizing conspicuous merit and exceptional service by the men and women of the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve. There are three levels of membership --
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-- that reflect long-term, outstanding service in varying degrees of responsibility. The Order is an element of the Canadian Honours System (orders, decorations, medals and heraldic devices), established in 1967, Canada's Centennial Year.
The Queen of Canada is the Sovereign of the Order and the Governor General is the Chancellor, as well as being a Commander of the Order. Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff is the Principal Commander of the Order.
A military Advisory Committee recommends to the Chief of the Defence Staff the names of those serving members of the Forces considered to be the most worthy of appointment. The Chief of the Defence Staff then submits the list of names to the Governor General for approval.
Commanders of the Order are appointed for outstanding meritorious service in duties of great responsibility and are entitled to wear a badge suspended from a ribbon around the neck. Officers are appointed for outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility and Members are appointed for exceptional service or performance of duty. Officers and Members are entitled to wear their badge suspended from a point above the left breast pocket of service uniforms. The insignia of two levels of the Order may not be worn at the same time; the badge of one appointment must be returned upon promotion from one level to another. Each level also has corresponding post-nominal letters: C.M.M., O.M.M and M.M.M., respectively.
To maintain the high standards of admission and the prestige of the Order, the Constitution limits appointments to one-tenth of one percent of the average number of persons who were members of the Canadian Forces during the preceding year.
Since very ancient times, it has been the practice to award some mark of distinction to those in the military who distinguish themselves by their exemplary courage or merit. Insignia and the post-nominal letters to which each member is also entitled, are the visible marks of honour for the Order of Military Merit.
(January 1995)
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