Recognizing Our People: The RCAF Reserve Junior NCM Award

Magazine Article / December 13, 2021

What’s better than the satisfaction that comes with a job that’s really well done? How about recognition for that job well done? Every year, the RCAF Reserve takes the opportunity to recognize one deserving junior NCM amid our organization for their hard work, dedication, leadership by example, dress, deportment and their achievements ─both on and off duty─ over the past year. Air Reserve Flight Commanders have the responsibility to ensure that this selected recipient is honoured and formally recognized in a most fitting way. In recognizing a deserving junior NCM, the aim is to inspire their peers and demonstrate that our aviators are greatly appreciated and their efforts aren’t overlooked.

A plaque and accompanying certificate is presented during a special occasion the Flight Commander deems appropriate for this honour. For instance, the presentation could be made at a unit event, such as the annual Junior Rank’s Christmas Dinner, or during a professional development session. Maximum attendance is desired, so any event that involves a large unit presence is ideal.

Each year the RCAF Reserve CWO sends out a call letter to the Reserve Flight Commanders asking them to canvass the units and sections at their respective wing and squadrons to identify any deserving members. If there are more than one file the Reserve Flight Commander will select one candidate for nomination. The RCAF Reserve saw several outstanding nominations last year, so Flight Commanders are fully encouraged to resubmit any candidate(s) that were not selected the previous year.

To nominate, the following items are required:

• a completed nomination form
• the nominee’s biography and latest Member Personnel Record Résumé (MPRR)
• a narrative explaining why the member is deserving
• a Commanding Officer's letter of recommendation
• any other documents supporting the nomination, such as a commendation or letter(s) of appreciation.

The above requirements may appear to take some effort to coordinate, but really, is it too much to ask when compared to those extra efforts made all year long by your nominee? It is extremely important to formally recognize the contributions and achievements of our deserving Air Reserve junior non-commissioned members (NCMs) and encourage them in continuing to perform at a high level in their respective workplaces. So the next time you notice exemplary performance and attitude, take note! You just might be the catalyst to make a deserving someone’s year!