History

Established in 1972, the Order of Military Merit was created to recognize the exceptional service of the Canadian Forces members. The order consists of three grades: Commander (CMM), Officer (OMM), and Member (MMM). There is no maximum limit on the number of memberships, however appointments per year must not exceed 1/10th of one percent o the average number of members of the Canadian Forces in the previous year. The motto is Officium ante commodum, meaning "service before self."

Members are appointed for exceptional service or performance in their duty. Non-Commissioned Members, Warrant Officers, Petty Officers and Commissioned Officers to the rank of Captain/Lieutenant are eligible for this award. The badge is 40mm wide, made of silver with a silver central maple leaf and silver lettering. It is worn a blue ribbon with gold edges, on the left breast. A total of 2196 Members have been awarded, as of 2003.