Officer of the Order of Military Merit

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. 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.

Bars

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

Reverse

The reverse is plain with the exception of an inventory number.

Mounting

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).

Ribbon

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

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.

Naming

Each badge is numbered on the reverse but not named.

Postnomials

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

Dates

Order was established 1 August 1972.

Issued

As of 1 June 2012, there have been 1,101 appointments at the Officer level of the Order since its institution.

There have been 53 Signals and C&E Branch recipients of the OMM. Please see Officer of the Order of Military Merit - Signals Recipients for a listing of the individuals.