Special Service Medal - Domestic Operations Bar

[Blackadder1916]

Now I know I'm missing older deployments pre-2000. Locally about 15km from where I sit a CAF member was killed on wildfire response in the 1950's and there have been others over the years as well especially in the Search and Rescue field.

But overall it's been a busy couple of decades for the CAF and to share some persepective:

Unfortunately I don't have access to the number of CAF personnel involved as not all public facing missions list the number of staff. Same with many missions not including details as to which province/territory was involved. Some were in the thousands of CAF members...others less than a dozen. But all were called out for specific taskings above and beyond regular training and garrison duties.

foresterab

I suppose it is easier to count the number of "deployments" and pers involved when every fart and butt scratch is assigned an op name and a database is kept with each individual as a line item. But looking back at my own career (especially when I was a lowly jr. rank), I recall the times that I was sent on "taskings" - if they had been a named op, I either didn't know it (or been told) or quickly forgot. I do know that I fought forest fires, helped in ground searches for lost individuals, provided medical services at international level sports events, and among other miscellaneous doings, kept RCMP (and the ground they were searching) warm and dry while they were doing a forensic examination of a possible murder scene. I don't think there was ever a paper trail that could prove my involvement other than notations in my (now long gone) UER.

 

[Maxman1]

Box top counts towards the Alert bar.

 

[foresterab]

I suppose it is easier to count the number of "deployments" and pers involved when every fart and butt scratch is assigned an op name and a database is kept with each individual as a line item. But looking back at my own career (especially when I was a lowly jr. rank), I recall the times that I was sent on "taskings" - if they had been a named op, I either didn't know it (or been told) or quickly forgot. I do know that I fought forest fires, helped in ground searches for lost individuals, provided medical services at international level sports events, and among other miscellaneous doings, kept RCMP (and the ground they were searching) warm and dry while they were doing a forensic examination of a possible murder scene. I don't think there was ever a paper trail that could prove my involvement other than notations in my UER.

When I deploy to wildfires there is an assigned fire number - naming conventions vary by province - and usually there is a resource order for sustained large scale events. Local small scale stuff is still tracked by fire but the majority of work is "other duties as assigned". There is no award for deploying as that is part of my job...same as there is no award for a member of the CAF attending training or a battalion exercise in Canada. If I go outside of Canada - like some of my peers have - then its' the same deal as in Canada normally. The Canadian Honours system though seems to only recognize service outside of Canada - the SSM for NATO, Humanitarian work and/or the General Service Medal for EXPITITION work outside of Canada.

I struggle in some regards because there seems to be domestic operations initiated by the CAF and then operations that the CAF mobilizes for based upon provincial/territory emergency assistance. For some, especially reservists, this may be the only deployment they do in their enlistment. For others they may be deployed on domestic operations and then as a result not deploy outside of Canada. And while I like to think evaluations would capture all the positive work done it's not always the case so then how to do you compare CAF member X who was serving overseas vs. member Y who served equally honorably here in Canada on domestic operations?

Operation NANOOK is a good example for the annual exercise for mobilizing different elements of the CAF in harsh conditions with a wide range of manpower needs depending on the year....but we're also doing multi-national exercises as part of the operation, multi-agency (not just CAF), and has changing objectives by year. When I see CAF Reserve units deploying as formed units that is when I mentally start including the operation.

Operation LENTUS is the opposite story. The CAF is deploying to respond to civilian response emergency as requested by the Premier of a Province. Many have had large reserve force contributions depending on the nature.

Then there are the federal government civil assistance type missions - LASER (COVID Pandemic), Cadence (G7 Summit Security) and ELEMENT (Asylum Seekers) which are a unique type of tasking outside of what I, as a civilian, view as the CAF mandate.

I grouped by categories just for my own interest and comprehension. If there is a Domestic Operations award then maybe some current awards like "Rangers" "Alert" get absorbed or depending on the argument get moved from the SSM - which is primarily overseas criteria - to something else.

All I know is there have been a ton of CAF members supporting Domestic Operations and just adding them up has been worth the time to better understand the contributions the CAF has made.

foresterab

 

[daftandbarmy]

I had a Franco with really poor English who worked for me spell Arctic that way. He also pronounced the word "Artic" as well. I never had the heart to correct him LOL

 

[Booter]

I'd blame lack of coffee but honestly I screwed up the spelling and didn't run a spell check like I usually do.

Oh no problem- I thought your sources were spelling it that way- then I’d be concerned. I also make spelling mistakes so I get it

 

[Halifax Tar]

I suppose it is easier to count the number of "deployments" and pers involved when every fart and butt scratch is assigned an op name and a database is kept with each individual as a line item. But looking back at my own career (especially when I was a lowly jr. rank), I recall the times that I was sent on "taskings" - if they had been a named op, I either didn't know it (or been told) or quickly forgot. I do know that I fought forest fires, helped in ground searches for lost individuals, provided medical services at international level sports events, and among other miscellaneous doings, kept RCMP (and the ground they were searching) warm and dry while they were doing a forensic examination of a possible murder scene. I don't think there was ever a paper trail that could prove my involvement other than notations in my (now long gone) UER.

We have a long institutional history of being bad at administration.

My old UER is missing all kinds of stuff.

 

[Humphrey Bogart]

When I deploy to wildfires there is an assigned fire number - naming conventions vary by province - and usually there is a resource order for sustained large scale events. Local small scale stuff is still tracked by fire but the majority of work is "other duties as assigned". There is no award for deploying as that is part of my job...same as there is no award for a member of the CAF attending training or a battalion exercise in Canada. If I go outside of Canada - like some of my peers have - then its' the same deal as in Canada normally. The Canadian Honours system though seems to only recognize service outside of Canada - the SSM for NATO, Humanitarian work and/or the General Service Medal for EXPITITION work outside of Canada.

I struggle in some regards because there seems to be domestic operations initiated by the CAF and then operations that the CAF mobilizes for based upon provincial/territory emergency assistance. For some, especially reservists, this may be the only deployment they do in their enlistment. For others they may be deployed on domestic operations and then as a result not deploy outside of Canada. And while I like to think evaluations would capture all the positive work done it's not always the case so then how to do you compare CAF member X who was serving overseas vs. member Y who served equally honorably here in Canada on domestic operations?

The CAF doesn't actually do that type of analysis. From what I've seen, performance that is backed by actual metrics and data counts for very little in CAF SCRITs. Doing things like deployments often counts against you because you miss career courses and milestones.

 

[daftandbarmy]

The CAF doesn't actually do that type of analysis. From what I've seen, performance that is backed by actual metrics and data counts for very little in CAF SCRITs. Doing things like deployments often counts against you because you miss career courses and milestones.

HMS Pinafore enters the chat

"Stick close to your desks and never go to sea and you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navy."

- Gilbert and Sullivan

 

[Furniture]

The CAF doesn't actually do that type of analysis. From what I've seen, performance that is backed by actual metrics and data counts for very little in CAF SCRITs. Doing things like deployments often counts against you because you miss career courses and milestones.

It also shows you're will to do what you're asked to do, meaning you'll never get the special treatment the difficult people get to keep them "happy".

 

[dimsum]

HMS Pinafore enters the chat

"Stick close to your desks and never go to sea and you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navy."

- Gilbert and Sullivan

The CAF doesn't actually do that type of analysis. From what I've seen, performance that is backed by actual metrics and data counts for very little in CAF SCRITs. Doing things like deployments often counts against you because you miss career courses and milestones.

From what I’ve seen of the USAF (and other) system, theirs is even more messed up than ours.

I had a co-worker who was essentially forced to taking a Masters (any Masters) so that they can be in the zone to be promoted to Maj. And if they didn’t get promoted, they were kicked out bc “up or out”.

No, they don’t get reimbursed for said Masters. No, the Masters had nothing to do with their job. No, they didn’t get any time off to do said Masters.

I asked them why and their response was “well in my trade (an operator type trade, not Engineering or whatever), everyone else has one so it’s now just the thing to do”. Most E-8s and E-9s (MWO/CWOs) and DoD Civilians at the Maj equivalent level have at least a Bachelors, if not a Masters or a PhD who I’ve met - usually not in anything related to their job. It’s just a way to distinguish themselves during PER season for them.

It was honestly pretty eye-opening.

 

[daftandbarmy]

From what I’ve seen of the USAF (and other) system, theirs is even more messed up than ours.

I had a co-worker who was essentially forced to taking a Masters (any Masters) so that they can be in the zone to be promoted to Maj. And if they didn’t get promoted, they were kicked out bc “up or out”.

No, they don’t get reimbursed for said Masters. No, the Masters had nothing to do with their job. No, they didn’t get any time off to do said Masters.

I asked them why and their response was “well in my trade (an operator type trade, not Engineering or whatever), everyone else has one so it’s now just the thing to do”. Most E-8s and E-9s (MWO/CWOs) and DoD Civilians at the Maj equivalent level have at least a Bachelors, if not a Masters or a PhD who I’ve met - usually not in anything related to their job. It’s just a way to distinguish themselves during PER season for them.

It was honestly pretty eye-opening.

Degree inflation enters the chat...

New Report: Degree Inflation Hurting Bottom Line of U.S. Firms, Closing Off Economic Opportunity for Millions of Americans

BOSTON—The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 12 million Americans are either unemployed or underemployed, while new research finds that 3 in 5 employers report difficulty in filling middle-skills jobs – positions that require more education than a high-school diploma, but less than a...

www.hbs.edu

 

[Humphrey Bogart]

From what I’ve seen of the USAF (and other) system, theirs is even more messed up than ours.

I had a co-worker who was essentially forced to taking a Masters (any Masters) so that they can be in the zone to be promoted to Maj. And if they didn’t get promoted, they were kicked out bc “up or out”.

No, they don’t get reimbursed for said Masters. No, the Masters had nothing to do with their job. No, they didn’t get any time off to do said Masters.

I asked them why and their response was “well in my trade (an operator type trade, not Engineering or whatever), everyone else has one so it’s now just the thing to do”. Most E-8s and E-9s (MWO/CWOs) and DoD Civilians at the Maj equivalent level have at least a Bachelors, if not a Masters or a PhD who I’ve met - usually not in anything related to their job. It’s just a way to distinguish themselves during PER season for them.

It was honestly pretty eye-opening.

I think the American system is even more FUBARed than ours. It basically promotes rampant careerism...

The US Army is the exact same. I had a buddy who was an Infantry Officer in the 25th Infantry Division. Deployed on two 15 month combat tours to Afghanistan that were basically right out of West Point during McChrystal surge.

As such, he never attended Ranger School, which during peace time, the US Army basically considers a must have for Infantry Officers. At the time, it was NBD. He was doing well for a number of years... Platoon Leader, Company Commander, CIB, Citations, etc then the Army transitioned back to "peacetime" and not having Ranger School all of a sudden became a "HUGE" problem and he wasn't in the window where he could attend.

Do everything your told, lead troops in to battle in some pretty bad places then get held back by Green Army because you went to War instead of participating in "Extreme LARPing".... this explains a lot of things that are wrong with the US Military.

 

[foresterab]

We have a long institutional history of being bad at administration.

My old UER is missing all kinds of stuff.

For what it's worth it's not just the CAF. First lesson to some new hires was to protect your self and ensure that you - not the system - maintains a records file of deployments/evaluations/medical treatments/training. Because when you try go back 10 years or 20 years later or are asked to prove competency you need those old records to show. It's even more fun when you deploy out of province as Alberta for example allows for digital copies of training records...but BC you can be asked to produce your original safety tickets at any time by WorkSafe BC.

 

[foresterab]

So again having reviewed what is currently within the existing Canadian Military Honours system for recognition of service. Note this is not looking at any awards for bravery (already covered and awarded) or commendations for exemplary service (Departmental Awards).
Canadian Medals Chart - Canada.ca is the source I'm using so if I'm messed things up it's all on me.

I'm also looking at this from a perspective of what I feel would be appropriate recognition of service within Canada vs. the current challenges with recognition within the existing system. To be clear I'm looking at this for members of the CAF as the primary recipient so for the RCMP members viewing this or other response organizations like myself in Alberta this is not designed for folks like us. My thanks to a couple of forum members who also took a quick glance at this helping me straighten out some missed details.


How to recognize those who serve Canada especially if their service is within Canada?


Current Awards Issued:

The current Canadian Military Awards hierarchy is primarily based upon deployment to specific missions or theaters of operations outside of Canada. For those members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) serving within the national boundaries of Canada there are primarily two potential options outside of valour awards and/or commendation awards for exemplary service. :

1) Special Service Medal – for performance determined to be under exceptional circumstances, in a clearly defined locality for a specified duration.

Special Service Medal (SSM) - Canada.ca​

Service within Canada is currently only recognized via the bars “ALERT” and “RANGER”​

2) Polar Medal - is awarded to persons who render extraordinary services in the polar regions and Canada’s North, who have contributed to or endeavored to promote a greater understanding of Canada’s Northern Communities and its people, and who make significant contributions to polar exploration, knowledge, scientific research, and the securement of Canada’s Northern Sovereignty.

Polar Medal - Canada.ca​

Of the 32 medals issued to date only 3 have been issued to members of the CAF​

While additional long service awards do exist for member of the CAF who complete a minimum of 12 years of service many members do not serve that duration of time.


Jurisdiction Comparisons:

United Kingdom:
There are two separate awards potentially awarded for service within the boundaries of the United Kingdom:

1) General Service Medal – Issued for service in a specific role or area of operations.

Has been issued for activities such as bomb disposal post World War 2 or service in Northern Ireland.​

Submarine service is awarded the clasp “GLOBAL OPERATIONS”. Most are issued for specific international areas of operations​

General Service Medal (1918) - Wikipedia​

General Service Medal (1962) - Wikipedia​

General Service Medal (2008) - Wikipedia​

Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility​

​

2) Humanitarian Medal - Serious or Catastrophic emergency response defined by UK Government. Civilian and military eligibility. Created in 2023.

Humanitarian Medal - Wikipedia.​

United States
There are two potential awards for service within the boundaries of the United States:

1) Armed Forces Service Medal – awarded for non-combat service who participated, as members of U.S. military units, in a designated U.S. military operation deemed to have significant activity and encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action.

Armed Forces Service Medal - Wikipedia​

2) Humanitarian Service Medal - The activities in which the Humanitarian Service Medal may be authorized are designated by the United States Department of Defense. Such activities include natural disaster relief, evacuation of non-combatants from a hostile area, or humanitarian support to refugees. This medal may not be awarded for services rendered in domestic disturbances involving law enforcement, riots, or protection of property.

Humanitarian Service Medal - Wikipedia​

Australia
There are four possible awards for service within the boundaries of Australia:

1) Defense Medal - The Australian Defence Medal recognizes Australian Defence Force personnel who have 1)enlisted for an indefinite period and rendered four years qualifying service; or 2) enlisted for a fixed period and completed the specified period of enlistment, or a period of four years, whichever is the lesser.

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...ls/australian-awards/australian-defence-medal​

2) Australian Service Medal - The Australian Service Medal was approved in 1988, and may be awarded for service in, or in connection with a prescribed non-warlike operation.

Specific clasps have been issued for Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery and Special Operations. Most awards are tied to international theaters of operations​

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...stralian-awards/1975/australian-service-medal​

3) Australian Operational Service Medal - The medal was established to provide recognition to Defence personnel involved in declared operations or other service that the Chief of the Defence Force deems to be worthy of recognition.

Specific task orientated Operational Service Medals exist for Border Protection, Special Operations, and Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery​

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...rds/1975/australian-operational-service-medal​

4) National Emergency Medal - The National Emergency Medal (NEM) was instituted in October 2011 for award to members of eligible organizations or individuals who rendered qualifying service in response to nationally significant emergencies within Australia.

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...stralian-awards/1975/national-emergency-medal​

Proposal:

Creation of a Canadian Service Medal.

• To be issued to each member of the CAF who completes a honorable term of enlistment within the CAF or
• Federally recognized agencies assisting the CAF as part of defined exercises of national significance or
• Federally recognized agencies deployed on behalf of Canadians (e.g. CANTASK Force 2, Team Rubicon) at the request of a Canadian Province in response to an emergency situation.

Additional bars would be added to allow for recognition of CAF specific missions within Canada based upon the following proposed categories:

• Alert
• Ranger
• Search and Rescue
• Artic Operations
• Wildfire
• Flood
• Natural Disaster
• Security
• Public Health

30 days of combined service assisting a defined mission established by the Government of Canada would be required to qualify for a bar or as defined by specific bar criteria (ALERT, RANGER, SEARCH AND RESCUE). No additional bars would be issued for members completing multiple tours of eligibility. Credit will only be granted to a single award per deployment based upon the tasking mission.

Why do we need another medal:

1) Provides a common recognition by Canada that a member of the CAF served their country honorably.

2) Historical precedence. For those members who served in World War 2 and deployed outside of Canada to a inactive theater of operations received a separate form of recognition existed called the Defense Medal. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/medals-decorations/details/20 This included deployment to Newfoundland and British Caribbean Colonies.

3) Canada has a void in the current award matrix that most nations have recognized in recent years to acknowledge the work the military does in assisting the nation in times of emergency and natural disaster events.

• United Kingdom – General Service Medal revised in 2008
• United Kingdom - Humanitarian Medal created in 2023
• United States - Humanitarian Service Medal created in 1977
• Australia - Defense Medal created in 2006
• Australia - Australian Service Medal created in 1988
• Australia – Australian Operational Service Medal created in 2012
• Australia – National Emergency Medal created in 2011

This service is not recognized under the current possible Special Service Medal or Polar Medal

4) There has been a large increase in the number of taskings asked, and CAF members deployed, in response to both Federal missions and Provincial disaster response.

5) Some CAF members, through trade, unit assignment, or employment class may only serve within Canada. This would recognize the contribution those members make especially within the Reserves who do not have as many options to deploy outside of the country.

6) Does not duplicate any current awards with the exception of the two bars offered for the Special Service Medal (ALERT and RANGERS). Criteria for these bars can be carried over to the new medal allowing the Special Service Medal to be used for recognition of service outside of Canada via NATO, HUMANTIS, and other taskings.

Aware this won't happen today or tomorrow or most likely not for many years but I throw the proposal out there to provide an alternative to the SSM - Domestic Ops clasp discussion and what I would do if I was in power and could change things. Also aware this is very low priorities behind such things as 155mm artillery's shell supplies, properly fitting boots, recruitment and ship overhaul schedules but still felt it was worth the time to float.

Cheers,
foresterab

 

[daftandbarmy]

So again having reviewed what is currently within the existing Canadian Military Honours system for recognition of service. Note this is not looking at any awards for bravery (already covered and awarded) or commendations for exemplary service (Departmental Awards).
Canadian Medals Chart - Canada.ca is the source I'm using so if I'm messed things up it's all on me.

I'm also looking at this from a perspective of what I feel would be appropriate recognition of service within Canada vs. the current challenges with recognition within the existing system. To be clear I'm looking at this for members of the CAF as the primary recipient so for the RCMP members viewing this or other response organizations like myself in Alberta this is not designed for folks like us. My thanks to a couple of forum members who also took a quick glance at this helping me straighten out some missed details.


How to recognize those who serve Canada especially if their service is within Canada?


Current Awards Issued:

The current Canadian Military Awards hierarchy is primarily based upon deployment to specific missions or theaters of operations outside of Canada. For those members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) serving within the national boundaries of Canada there are primarily two potential options outside of valour awards and/or commendation awards for exemplary service. :

1) Special Service Medal – for performance determined to be under exceptional circumstances, in a clearly defined locality for a specified duration.

Special Service Medal (SSM) - Canada.ca​

Service within Canada is currently only recognized via the bars “ALERT” and “RANGER”​

2) Polar Medal - is awarded to persons who render extraordinary services in the polar regions and Canada’s North, who have contributed to or endeavored to promote a greater understanding of Canada’s Northern Communities and its people, and who make significant contributions to polar exploration, knowledge, scientific research, and the securement of Canada’s Northern Sovereignty.

Polar Medal - Canada.ca​

Of the 32 medals issued to date only 3 have been issued to members of the CAF​

While additional long service awards do exist for member of the CAF who complete a minimum of 12 years of service many members do not serve that duration of time.


Jurisdiction Comparisons:

United Kingdom:
There are two separate awards potentially awarded for service within the boundaries of the United Kingdom:

1) General Service Medal – Issued for service in a specific role or area of operations.

Has been issued for activities such as bomb disposal post World War 2 or service in Northern Ireland.​

Submarine service is awarded the clasp “GLOBAL OPERATIONS”. Most are issued for specific international areas of operations​

General Service Medal (1918) - Wikipedia​

General Service Medal (1962) - Wikipedia​

General Service Medal (2008) - Wikipedia​

Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility​

​

2) Humanitarian Medal - Serious or Catastrophic emergency response defined by UK Government. Civilian and military eligibility. Created in 2023.

Humanitarian Medal - Wikipedia.​

United States
There are two potential awards for service within the boundaries of the United States:

1) Armed Forces Service Medal – awarded for non-combat service who participated, as members of U.S. military units, in a designated U.S. military operation deemed to have significant activity and encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action.

Armed Forces Service Medal - Wikipedia​

2) Humanitarian Service Medal - The activities in which the Humanitarian Service Medal may be authorized are designated by the United States Department of Defense. Such activities include natural disaster relief, evacuation of non-combatants from a hostile area, or humanitarian support to refugees. This medal may not be awarded for services rendered in domestic disturbances involving law enforcement, riots, or protection of property.

Humanitarian Service Medal - Wikipedia​

Australia
There are four possible awards for service within the boundaries of Australia:

1) Defense Medal - The Australian Defence Medal recognizes Australian Defence Force personnel who have 1)enlisted for an indefinite period and rendered four years qualifying service; or 2) enlisted for a fixed period and completed the specified period of enlistment, or a period of four years, whichever is the lesser.

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...ls/australian-awards/australian-defence-medal​

2) Australian Service Medal - The Australian Service Medal was approved in 1988, and may be awarded for service in, or in connection with a prescribed non-warlike operation.

Specific clasps have been issued for Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery and Special Operations. Most awards are tied to international theaters of operations​

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...stralian-awards/1975/australian-service-medal​

3) Australian Operational Service Medal - The medal was established to provide recognition to Defence personnel involved in declared operations or other service that the Chief of the Defence Force deems to be worthy of recognition.

Specific task orientated Operational Service Medals exist for Border Protection, Special Operations, and Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery​

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...rds/1975/australian-operational-service-medal​

4) National Emergency Medal - The National Emergency Medal (NEM) was instituted in October 2011 for award to members of eligible organizations or individuals who rendered qualifying service in response to nationally significant emergencies within Australia.

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...stralian-awards/1975/national-emergency-medal​

Proposal:

Creation of a Canadian Service Medal.

• To be issued to each member of the CAF who completes a honorable term of enlistment within the CAF or
• Federally recognized agencies assisting the CAF as part of defined exercises of national significance or
• Federally recognized agencies deployed on behalf of Canadians (e.g. CANTASK Force 2, Team Rubicon) at the request of a Canadian Province in response to an emergency situation.

Additional bars would be added to allow for recognition of CAF specific missions within Canada based upon the following proposed categories:

• Alert
• Ranger
• Search and Rescue
• Artic Operations
• Wildfire
• Flood
• Natural Disaster
• Security
• Public Health

30 days of combined service assisting a defined mission established by the Government of Canada would be required to qualify for a bar or as defined by specific bar criteria (ALERT, RANGER, SEARCH AND RESCUE). No additional bars would be issued for members completing multiple tours of eligibility. Credit will only be granted to a single award per deployment based upon the tasking mission.

Why do we need another medal:

1) Provides a common recognition by Canada that a member of the CAF served their country honorably.

2) Historical precedence. For those members who served in World War 2 and deployed outside of Canada to a inactive theater of operations received a separate form of recognition existed called the Defense Medal. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/medals-decorations/details/20 This included deployment to Newfoundland and British Caribbean Colonies.

3) Canada has a void in the current award matrix that most nations have recognized in recent years to acknowledge the work the military does in assisting the nation in times of emergency and natural disaster events.

• United Kingdom – General Service Medal revised in 2008
• United Kingdom - Humanitarian Medal created in 2023
• United States - Humanitarian Service Medal created in 1977
• Australia - Defense Medal created in 2006
• Australia - Australian Service Medal created in 1988
• Australia – Australian Operational Service Medal created in 2012
• Australia – National Emergency Medal created in 2011

This service is not recognized under the current possible Special Service Medal or Polar Medal

4) There has been a large increase in the number of taskings asked, and CAF members deployed, in response to both Federal missions and Provincial disaster response.

5) Some CAF members, through trade, unit assignment, or employment class may only serve within Canada. This would recognize the contribution those members make especially within the Reserves who do not have as many options to deploy outside of the country.

6) Does not duplicate any current awards with the exception of the two bars offered for the Special Service Medal (ALERT and RANGERS). Criteria for these bars can be carried over to the new medal allowing the Special Service Medal to be used for recognition of service outside of Canada via NATO, HUMANTIS, and other taskings.

Aware this won't happen today or tomorrow or most likely not for many years but I throw the proposal out there to provide an alternative to the SSM - Domestic Ops clasp discussion and what I would do if I was in power and could change things. Also aware this is very low priorities behind such things as 155mm artillery's shell supplies, properly fitting boots, recruitment and ship overhaul schedules but still felt it was worth the time to float.

Cheers,
foresterab

The person, or persons, who are able to see this through to execution should be awarded a medal

 

[PrairieFella]

Well written! Anyone know anyone that can get a good idea like this into the right ear haha?

 

[dimsum]

So again having reviewed what is currently within the existing Canadian Military Honours system for recognition of service. Note this is not looking at any awards for bravery (already covered and awarded) or commendations for exemplary service (Departmental Awards).
Canadian Medals Chart - Canada.ca is the source I'm using so if I'm messed things up it's all on me.

I'm also looking at this from a perspective of what I feel would be appropriate recognition of service within Canada vs. the current challenges with recognition within the existing system. To be clear I'm looking at this for members of the CAF as the primary recipient so for the RCMP members viewing this or other response organizations like myself in Alberta this is not designed for folks like us. My thanks to a couple of forum members who also took a quick glance at this helping me straighten out some missed details.


How to recognize those who serve Canada especially if their service is within Canada?


Current Awards Issued:

The current Canadian Military Awards hierarchy is primarily based upon deployment to specific missions or theaters of operations outside of Canada. For those members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) serving within the national boundaries of Canada there are primarily two potential options outside of valour awards and/or commendation awards for exemplary service. :

1) Special Service Medal – for performance determined to be under exceptional circumstances, in a clearly defined locality for a specified duration.

Special Service Medal (SSM) - Canada.ca​

Service within Canada is currently only recognized via the bars “ALERT” and “RANGER”​

2) Polar Medal - is awarded to persons who render extraordinary services in the polar regions and Canada’s North, who have contributed to or endeavored to promote a greater understanding of Canada’s Northern Communities and its people, and who make significant contributions to polar exploration, knowledge, scientific research, and the securement of Canada’s Northern Sovereignty.

Polar Medal - Canada.ca​

Of the 32 medals issued to date only 3 have been issued to members of the CAF​

While additional long service awards do exist for member of the CAF who complete a minimum of 12 years of service many members do not serve that duration of time.


Jurisdiction Comparisons:

United Kingdom:
There are two separate awards potentially awarded for service within the boundaries of the United Kingdom:

1) General Service Medal – Issued for service in a specific role or area of operations.

Has been issued for activities such as bomb disposal post World War 2 or service in Northern Ireland.​

Submarine service is awarded the clasp “GLOBAL OPERATIONS”. Most are issued for specific international areas of operations​

General Service Medal (1918) - Wikipedia​

General Service Medal (1962) - Wikipedia​

General Service Medal (2008) - Wikipedia​

Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility​

​

2) Humanitarian Medal - Serious or Catastrophic emergency response defined by UK Government. Civilian and military eligibility. Created in 2023.

Humanitarian Medal - Wikipedia.​

United States
There are two potential awards for service within the boundaries of the United States:

1) Armed Forces Service Medal – awarded for non-combat service who participated, as members of U.S. military units, in a designated U.S. military operation deemed to have significant activity and encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action.

Armed Forces Service Medal - Wikipedia​

2) Humanitarian Service Medal - The activities in which the Humanitarian Service Medal may be authorized are designated by the United States Department of Defense. Such activities include natural disaster relief, evacuation of non-combatants from a hostile area, or humanitarian support to refugees. This medal may not be awarded for services rendered in domestic disturbances involving law enforcement, riots, or protection of property.

Humanitarian Service Medal - Wikipedia​

Australia
There are four possible awards for service within the boundaries of Australia:

1) Defense Medal - The Australian Defence Medal recognizes Australian Defence Force personnel who have 1)enlisted for an indefinite period and rendered four years qualifying service; or 2) enlisted for a fixed period and completed the specified period of enlistment, or a period of four years, whichever is the lesser.

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...ls/australian-awards/australian-defence-medal​

2) Australian Service Medal - The Australian Service Medal was approved in 1988, and may be awarded for service in, or in connection with a prescribed non-warlike operation.

Specific clasps have been issued for Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery and Special Operations. Most awards are tied to international theaters of operations​

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...stralian-awards/1975/australian-service-medal​

3) Australian Operational Service Medal - The medal was established to provide recognition to Defence personnel involved in declared operations or other service that the Chief of the Defence Force deems to be worthy of recognition.

Specific task orientated Operational Service Medals exist for Border Protection, Special Operations, and Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery​

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...rds/1975/australian-operational-service-medal​

4) National Emergency Medal - The National Emergency Medal (NEM) was instituted in October 2011 for award to members of eligible organizations or individuals who rendered qualifying service in response to nationally significant emergencies within Australia.

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...stralian-awards/1975/national-emergency-medal​

Proposal:

Creation of a Canadian Service Medal.

• To be issued to each member of the CAF who completes a honorable term of enlistment within the CAF or
• Federally recognized agencies assisting the CAF as part of defined exercises of national significance or
• Federally recognized agencies deployed on behalf of Canadians (e.g. CANTASK Force 2, Team Rubicon) at the request of a Canadian Province in response to an emergency situation.

Additional bars would be added to allow for recognition of CAF specific missions within Canada based upon the following proposed categories:

• Alert
• Ranger
• Search and Rescue
• Artic Operations
• Wildfire
• Flood
• Natural Disaster
• Security
• Public Health

30 days of combined service assisting a defined mission established by the Government of Canada would be required to qualify for a bar or as defined by specific bar criteria (ALERT, RANGER, SEARCH AND RESCUE). No additional bars would be issued for members completing multiple tours of eligibility. Credit will only be granted to a single award per deployment based upon the tasking mission.

Why do we need another medal:

1) Provides a common recognition by Canada that a member of the CAF served their country honorably.

2) Historical precedence. For those members who served in World War 2 and deployed outside of Canada to a inactive theater of operations received a separate form of recognition existed called the Defense Medal. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/medals-decorations/details/20 This included deployment to Newfoundland and British Caribbean Colonies.

3) Canada has a void in the current award matrix that most nations have recognized in recent years to acknowledge the work the military does in assisting the nation in times of emergency and natural disaster events.

• United Kingdom – General Service Medal revised in 2008
• United Kingdom - Humanitarian Medal created in 2023
• United States - Humanitarian Service Medal created in 1977
• Australia - Defense Medal created in 2006
• Australia - Australian Service Medal created in 1988
• Australia – Australian Operational Service Medal created in 2012
• Australia – National Emergency Medal created in 2011

This service is not recognized under the current possible Special Service Medal or Polar Medal

4) There has been a large increase in the number of taskings asked, and CAF members deployed, in response to both Federal missions and Provincial disaster response.

5) Some CAF members, through trade, unit assignment, or employment class may only serve within Canada. This would recognize the contribution those members make especially within the Reserves who do not have as many options to deploy outside of the country.

6) Does not duplicate any current awards with the exception of the two bars offered for the Special Service Medal (ALERT and RANGERS). Criteria for these bars can be carried over to the new medal allowing the Special Service Medal to be used for recognition of service outside of Canada via NATO, HUMANTIS, and other taskings.

Aware this won't happen today or tomorrow or most likely not for many years but I throw the proposal out there to provide an alternative to the SSM - Domestic Ops clasp discussion and what I would do if I was in power and could change things. Also aware this is very low priorities behind such things as 155mm artillery's shell supplies, properly fitting boots, recruitment and ship overhaul schedules but still felt it was worth the time to float.

Cheers,
foresterab

My only point is that some people might disagree with “no additional bars for multiple tours”.

If a SAR crew was involved in multiple high risk rescues, I wouldn’t begrudge them having a device added to note that.

 

[foresterab]

My only point is that some people might disagree with “no additional bars for multiple tours”.

If a SAR crew was involved in multiple high risk rescues, I wouldn’t begrudge them having a device added to note that.

SAR I really struggle with....not from what the mission is but the cost it takes on the individuals. It is also one field of operations where there has been multiple valour awards issued: Honours & Awards where in comparison to a much more common mission (by numbers of CAF members involved) like LENTUS there are very few.

A family member was a SARTECH...and while he'll tell stories from training...operations never. With the same long look I learned to recognized in many other combat veterans.

Some may say that a SARTECH trade patch/wings are recognition enough. But that also doesn't cover the helicopter/fixed wing pilots who also participate and it's a critical role. So it's one "Bar" that I think needs to be spelled out in more detail where it's either like RANGER (4 years completed duty) or ALERT (180 days on site) and both SARTECH and pilots are recognized though a mix of assignment and/or deployment.

At which point does a Valour award or Commendation also be appropriate for being involved in multiple high risk rescues? Will defer to those who have been on the pointy end and/or involved support such missions as to determine what is right.

Not sold one way or the other on the multiple tours for other mission awards. For example those members of the CAF who deployed multiple times on UN missions wear a number on the award to recognize the number of deployments. But for simplicity I went with a single award per mission category otherwise some CAF members I know would need overlong ribbons to account for the multiple LENTUS deployments alone

 

[daftandbarmy]

SAR I really struggle with....not from what the mission is but the cost it takes on the individuals. It is also one field of operations where there has been multiple valour awards issued: Honours & Awards where in comparison to a much more common mission (by numbers of CAF members involved) like LENTUS there are very few.

A family member was a SARTECH...and while he'll tell stories from training...operations never. With the same long look I learned to recognized in many other combat veterans.

Some may say that a SARTECH trade patch/wings are recognition enough. But that also doesn't cover the helicopter/fixed wing pilots who also participate and it's a critical role. So it's one "Bar" that I think needs to be spelled out in more detail where it's either like RANGER (4 years completed duty) or ALERT (180 days on site) and both SARTECH and pilots are recognized though a mix of assignment and/or deployment.

At which point does a Valour award or Commendation also be appropriate for being involved in multiple high risk rescues? Will defer to those who have been on the pointy end and/or involved support such missions as to determine what is right.

Not sold one way or the other on the multiple tours for other mission awards. For example those members of the CAF who deployed multiple times on UN missions wear a number on the award to recognize the number of deployments. But for simplicity I went with a single award per mission category otherwise some CAF members I know would need overlong ribbons to account for the multiple LENTUS deployments alone

“A medal glitters, but it also casts a shadow.” — Winston Churchill

 

[Maxman1]

So again having reviewed what is currently within the existing Canadian Military Honours system for recognition of service. Note this is not looking at any awards for bravery (already covered and awarded) or commendations for exemplary service (Departmental Awards).
Canadian Medals Chart - Canada.ca is the source I'm using so if I'm messed things up it's all on me.

I'm also looking at this from a perspective of what I feel would be appropriate recognition of service within Canada vs. the current challenges with recognition within the existing system. To be clear I'm looking at this for members of the CAF as the primary recipient so for the RCMP members viewing this or other response organizations like myself in Alberta this is not designed for folks like us. My thanks to a couple of forum members who also took a quick glance at this helping me straighten out some missed details.


How to recognize those who serve Canada especially if their service is within Canada?


Current Awards Issued:

The current Canadian Military Awards hierarchy is primarily based upon deployment to specific missions or theaters of operations outside of Canada. For those members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) serving within the national boundaries of Canada there are primarily two potential options outside of valour awards and/or commendation awards for exemplary service. :

1) Special Service Medal – for performance determined to be under exceptional circumstances, in a clearly defined locality for a specified duration.

Special Service Medal (SSM) - Canada.ca​

Service within Canada is currently only recognized via the bars “ALERT” and “RANGER”​

2) Polar Medal - is awarded to persons who render extraordinary services in the polar regions and Canada’s North, who have contributed to or endeavored to promote a greater understanding of Canada’s Northern Communities and its people, and who make significant contributions to polar exploration, knowledge, scientific research, and the securement of Canada’s Northern Sovereignty.

Polar Medal - Canada.ca​

Of the 32 medals issued to date only 3 have been issued to members of the CAF​

While additional long service awards do exist for member of the CAF who complete a minimum of 12 years of service many members do not serve that duration of time.


Jurisdiction Comparisons:

United Kingdom:
There are two separate awards potentially awarded for service within the boundaries of the United Kingdom:

1) General Service Medal – Issued for service in a specific role or area of operations.

Has been issued for activities such as bomb disposal post World War 2 or service in Northern Ireland.​

Submarine service is awarded the clasp “GLOBAL OPERATIONS”. Most are issued for specific international areas of operations​

General Service Medal (1918) - Wikipedia​

General Service Medal (1962) - Wikipedia​

General Service Medal (2008) - Wikipedia​

Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility​

​

2) Humanitarian Medal - Serious or Catastrophic emergency response defined by UK Government. Civilian and military eligibility. Created in 2023.

Humanitarian Medal - Wikipedia.​

United States
There are two potential awards for service within the boundaries of the United States:

1) Armed Forces Service Medal – awarded for non-combat service who participated, as members of U.S. military units, in a designated U.S. military operation deemed to have significant activity and encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action.

Armed Forces Service Medal - Wikipedia​

2) Humanitarian Service Medal - The activities in which the Humanitarian Service Medal may be authorized are designated by the United States Department of Defense. Such activities include natural disaster relief, evacuation of non-combatants from a hostile area, or humanitarian support to refugees. This medal may not be awarded for services rendered in domestic disturbances involving law enforcement, riots, or protection of property.

Humanitarian Service Medal - Wikipedia​

Australia
There are four possible awards for service within the boundaries of Australia:

1) Defense Medal - The Australian Defence Medal recognizes Australian Defence Force personnel who have 1)enlisted for an indefinite period and rendered four years qualifying service; or 2) enlisted for a fixed period and completed the specified period of enlistment, or a period of four years, whichever is the lesser.

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...ls/australian-awards/australian-defence-medal​

2) Australian Service Medal - The Australian Service Medal was approved in 1988, and may be awarded for service in, or in connection with a prescribed non-warlike operation.

Specific clasps have been issued for Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery and Special Operations. Most awards are tied to international theaters of operations​

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...stralian-awards/1975/australian-service-medal​

3) Australian Operational Service Medal - The medal was established to provide recognition to Defence personnel involved in declared operations or other service that the Chief of the Defence Force deems to be worthy of recognition.

Specific task orientated Operational Service Medals exist for Border Protection, Special Operations, and Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery​

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...rds/1975/australian-operational-service-medal​

4) National Emergency Medal - The National Emergency Medal (NEM) was instituted in October 2011 for award to members of eligible organizations or individuals who rendered qualifying service in response to nationally significant emergencies within Australia.

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...stralian-awards/1975/national-emergency-medal​

Proposal:

Creation of a Canadian Service Medal.

• To be issued to each member of the CAF who completes a honorable term of enlistment within the CAF or
• Federally recognized agencies assisting the CAF as part of defined exercises of national significance or
• Federally recognized agencies deployed on behalf of Canadians (e.g. CANTASK Force 2, Team Rubicon) at the request of a Canadian Province in response to an emergency situation.

Additional bars would be added to allow for recognition of CAF specific missions within Canada based upon the following proposed categories:

• Alert
• Ranger
• Search and Rescue
• Artic Operations
• Wildfire
• Flood
• Natural Disaster
• Security
• Public Health

30 days of combined service assisting a defined mission established by the Government of Canada would be required to qualify for a bar or as defined by specific bar criteria (ALERT, RANGER, SEARCH AND RESCUE). No additional bars would be issued for members completing multiple tours of eligibility. Credit will only be granted to a single award per deployment based upon the tasking mission.

Why do we need another medal:

1) Provides a common recognition by Canada that a member of the CAF served their country honorably.

2) Historical precedence. For those members who served in World War 2 and deployed outside of Canada to a inactive theater of operations received a separate form of recognition existed called the Defense Medal. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/medals-decorations/details/20 This included deployment to Newfoundland and British Caribbean Colonies.

3) Canada has a void in the current award matrix that most nations have recognized in recent years to acknowledge the work the military does in assisting the nation in times of emergency and natural disaster events.

• United Kingdom – General Service Medal revised in 2008
• United Kingdom - Humanitarian Medal created in 2023
• United States - Humanitarian Service Medal created in 1977
• Australia - Defense Medal created in 2006
• Australia - Australian Service Medal created in 1988
• Australia – Australian Operational Service Medal created in 2012
• Australia – National Emergency Medal created in 2011

This service is not recognized under the current possible Special Service Medal or Polar Medal

4) There has been a large increase in the number of taskings asked, and CAF members deployed, in response to both Federal missions and Provincial disaster response.

5) Some CAF members, through trade, unit assignment, or employment class may only serve within Canada. This would recognize the contribution those members make especially within the Reserves who do not have as many options to deploy outside of the country.

6) Does not duplicate any current awards with the exception of the two bars offered for the Special Service Medal (ALERT and RANGERS). Criteria for these bars can be carried over to the new medal allowing the Special Service Medal to be used for recognition of service outside of Canada via NATO, HUMANTIS, and other taskings.

Aware this won't happen today or tomorrow or most likely not for many years but I throw the proposal out there to provide an alternative to the SSM - Domestic Ops clasp discussion and what I would do if I was in power and could change things. Also aware this is very low priorities behind such things as 155mm artillery's shell supplies, properly fitting boots, recruitment and ship overhaul schedules but still felt it was worth the time to float.

Cheers,
foresterab

You should send that to the incoming government, namely individual MPs like Pierre Poilieve and maybe Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman, Shadow Defense Minister James Bezan, Todd Doherty sponsor of Bill C-386, and any others like the Shadow Ministers for Public Services and Procurement, Veterans Affairs, Emergency Preparedness, Public Safety, and maybe their associate ministers as well.

Or perhaps we could do a mass mailing project where we each mail them letters about this.