CJCR Gp Honours and Recognition | Chapter 5

Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Awards

1. The Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Honours & Recognition (CJCR Gp H&R) Program is intended to recognize meritorious acts, deeds, achievements, and dedicated service by cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) from across all three tiers.
2. Cadets and JCRs will wear H&R in accordance with A-CR-CCO-100/AG-001, Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Dress Instructions.
3. When a cadet or JCR is awarded a medal, they will be worn side by side according to the following order of precedence:
   1. Cadet/JCR Award for Bravery;
   2. The Lord Strathcona Medal;
   3. Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Cadet Medal of Excellence;
   4. Navy League of Canada Medal of Excellence;
   5. The Major-General W.A. Howard Award;
   6. Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Association Medal;
   7. Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS) Cadet Medal of Merit;
   8. Order of St. George Medal;
   9. Sea Cadet Service Medal;
   10. Army Cadet Service Medal; and
   11. Air Cadet Service Medal.
4. The medals are awarded as follows:
   1. at the corps/sqn/patrol:
      1. cadet/JCR Award for Bravery;
      2. The Lord Strathcona Medal; and
      3. RCL Cadet Medal of Excellence;
   2. at the Cadet Training Centre (CTC)/Enhanced Training Session (ETS):
      1. RCAF Association Medal;
      2. ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit; and
      3. Order of St. George Medal;
   3. specific to cadets, through the Cadet Leagues:
      1. Navy League of Canada Medal of Excellence;
      2. The Major-General W.A. Howard Award;
      3. Sea Cadet Service Medal;
      4. Army Cadet Service Medal; and
      5. Air Cadet Service Medal.
5. Over the years many awards have been developed by CTCs, Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups (CRPGs), corps/squadrons or donated by individuals, elemental Cadet Leagues and external associations/organizations to recognize cadets undergoing training at a specific CTC/ETS or on specific courses and at corps/squadrons/patrols. They are awarded at the discretion of the applicable CO in consultation with the award sponsor, as applicable. Criteria for the individual awards is the purview of award sponsors, however, applicable COs are responsible for ensuring that the criteria and selection processes for each award are communicated to the staff, cadets and JCR, and the nomination and selection processes are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
6. It is strongly recommended that the criteria and language of recognition be updated in accordance with the Gender-Based Analysis method. Criteria and language within new and existing awards must be inclusive in nature and designed to ensure equitable access for all associated audiences. They should reflect the intent of CANCDTGEN 006/23, Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Interim Guidance on Gender Inclusion. References provided within the CANCDTGEN provide knowledge and guidance in this area. Guidance can also be sought from advisors and knowledgeable staff within the Area/Regional/Divisional HQ, as required.
7. Specific to cadets, CTCs should engage the RCSU H&R Coordinator regarding the creation of any new awards.

Corps/Squadron H&R

8. At the corps/squadron level, three medals are available to cadets with two awarded annually: The Lord Strathcona Medal and the RCL Medal of Excellence. These awards recognize the cadet’s exceptional achievements and reinforce the aims of the Cadet Program. The presentation of the medals, typically during the Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR), celebrates the cadets and promotes excellence.
9. In addition to these medals, are the Sea, Army and Air Cadet League Service Medals and the Navy League Medal of Excellence.
10. Local awards may vary from one corps/squadron to another and can encompass a wide range of achievements. However, the selection process should be uniform throughout and is outlined in Chapter 2.

JCR H&R

11. JCR are elibile to receive many of the H&R that cadets are eligible to receive, including numerous medals and bursaries. Criterion and description for JCR specific H&R can be found within CJCR Gp Order 10050, JCR National Honours and Awards. The remainder of sections within this chapter are specific to cadets with the exception of the RCL Remembrance Day representative.

Cadet Award for Bravery

12. The Cadet Award for Bravery is awarded to a cadet who performs an outstanding deed of valour involving risk of life in attempting to save the life or property of others.

Description

13. This award consists of a circular silver medallion with ribbon. On the obverse, in relief, the heads and shoulders of three cadets, one from each of the three elements, and below the words: FOR BRAVERY – POUR BRAVOURE.
14. The ribbon, 38 mm wide, is light blue in the centre and is bordered on both sides by a vertical red stripe and then a vertical navy blue stripe. The navy blue represents the affiliation between the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and the Royal Canadian Navy, the red is for the affiliation between the Royal Canadian Army Cadets and the Canadian Army, and the light blue is for the affiliation between the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
15. A metal bar at the top of the ribbon reads CANADA and a second metal bar at the bottom of the ribbon, to which the medallion is joined, reads CADET.
16. The Cadet Award for Bravery is presented with a ribbon, an extra ribbon for court mounting and an accompanying certificate.

The Lord Strathcona Medal

17. In 1909, Lord Strathcona created a foundation to promote youth programs in Canada and recognize excellence among participants. In 1923, the Lord Strathcona medals were struck to recognize performance, leadership and dedication to the Cadet Program.
18. The Lord Strathcona Medal, the certificate and the lapel pin are awarded through the Strathcona Trust Executive Council.
19. The eligibility, requirements, selection procedure and description of the medal can be found in CJCR Group Order 5027-4, The Lord Stathcona Medal.
20. A narrative containing a brief historical account of the award must be read during the presentation of the medal and cen be found in CJCR Gp Order 5027-4 Annex A - Presentation Narrative.

RCL Cadet Medal of Excellence

21. The RCL is an organization with a long history of proudly supporting Veterans and striving to improve the lives of Veterans, including serving CAF members and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and their families.
22. The RCL created the RCL Cadet Medal of Excellence to recognize cadets who have gone above and beyond to help serve their community. The medal recipient is selected by the corps/squadron CO and the medal is presented at the Annual Ceremonial Review.

Eligibility

23. The RCL Cadet Medal of Excellence is awarded annually to cadets who demonstrate a high degree of participation and leadership in the area of citizenship, and in meeting and enhancing the aims of the Cadet Program.
24. Each corps/squadron may award one medal per training year unless other instructions are received by the RCSU based on guidance from the RCL.
25. The medal may only be awarded once to a cadet.

Description

26. This decoration is a circular old-silver coloured medal with a ribbon. On the obverse is the insignia of the RCL. The ribbon, 38 mm wide, is blue with a large gold median.

Criteria

27. The criteria for the selection of individual cadets require that they fulfill the following conditions through three years of cadet training:
    1. have fulfilled all requirements of the corps/squadron training program to achieve their qualification level;
    2. have participated in at least three community service events, in addition to the corps/squadron supported programs;
    3. must be seen by peers and superiors to exemplify the model cadet and enhance the status of their corps/squadron by:
       1. co-operation with peers and superiors;
       2. comradeship;
       3. promotion of goodwill and morale within the corps/squadron;
       4. supporting and assisting corps/squadron members; and
       5. enhancing the image of cadets in the local community.
28. A certificate will be generated by the RCL and presented along with the medal. All medals and certificates will be provided by the local RCL at the time of presentation.

Remembrance Day Representatives

29. One cadet from each element and one JCR are invited by the RCL to act as a youth representative at the National War Memorial in Ottawa each Remembrance Day. Cadet representatives are chosen through the Cadet Leagues.
30. The JCR Remembrance Day Representative is selected annually by the Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups (CRPGs) based on the following rotation:
    1. 2024 - 4 CRPG (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba);
    2. 2025 - 5 CRPG (Newfoundland and Labrador);
    3. 2026 - 1 CRPG (Nunavut, Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories);
    4. 2027 - 2 CRPG (Québec); and
    5. 2028 - 3 CRPG (Ontario).
31. The CRPG staff and CO select an individual based on the following criteria:
    1. at least 16 years of age (~four years of JCR Program experience);
    2. displayed key traits of a JCR (e.g., leadership, community service, personal achievement/skill development, etc.);
    3. attended regional/national events (past attendees have previously been participants of the National Leader Enhanced Training Session (ETS) or competitors for the National Marksmanship Championship, etc.); and
    4. recognized for their service as JCRs within their community (e.g., previous attendees have been recipients of the Order of St George Medal or The Lord Strathcona Medal etc.).
32. A JCR recipient may be escorted by a family member or Canadian Ranger.

Summer Training Activities H&R

33. The summer H&R Program is intended to recognize cadets at the CTCs and other summer training activities.
34. The CTC Commanding Officer (CO) will form a selection committee to ensure the most deserving candidates receive recognition based on an objective assessment of the candidates’ performance against the selection criteria.
35. The recognition will be presented at a graduation parades or other suitable event, ideally by a representative of the award sponsor or by the Reviewing Officer or CTC CO.
36. RCSUs are to provide a point of contact for each CTC, or other summer activity where a medal or bursary is being provided to cjcrhonoursawards-honneursrecompensescrjc@forces.gc.ca at least three weeks prior to the start of the activity.
37. The CTCs will update the FORTRESS record of all medal recipients by 31 August prior to being struck off strength at the centre.
38. Photos of the medal presentation to include the cadet’s name, corps/squadrons, and name of presenter will be uploaded as per direction from the CJCR Gp HQ Public Affairs Officer.
39. Recipients of the RCAF Association Medal, ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit, Order of St. George and Canada Company Youth Excellence Award will be promulgated in a Canadian Cadet General Order (CANCDTGEN) in early fall.
40. The annual Operation Plan will include the distribution of the ANAVETs Cadet Medal of Merit, Order of St. George medal and Canada Company Youth Excellence Awards by CTC or summer activity.
41. A cadet cannot be awarded the Order of St. George medal and ANAVETs Cadet Medal of Merit in the same summer.
42. Annually, the CJCR Gp Headquarters (HQ) H&R Coordinator will forward the required number of medals and ribbons to RCSU H&R Coordinators.
43. Replacement medals and ribbons may be obtained by emailing cjcrhonoursawards-honneursrecompensescrjc@forces.gc.ca indicating the medal recipient’s given names, surname and corps/squadron number. This request will be made by the recipient’s corps/squadron CO while the recipient remains a member of the Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO).

RCAF Association Medal

44. The RCAF Association is a national aerospace and community service organization established to commemorate the noble achievements of those who have served as members of Canada's air forces since its inception; advocate for a proficient and well-equipped air force and support the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program.
45. The RCAF Association has established annual awards to be presented to Air Cadets for excellence demonstrated on the Glider Pilot Training Course (GPTC) and the Power Pilot Training Course (PPTC).

Eligibility

46. A medal will be awarded to the top five cadets on the GPTC and the top five cadets on the PPTC.
47. The following selection criteria will be used to determine the medal recipients:
    1. overall achievement on the course;
    2. leadership qualities;
    3. dress and deportment;
    4. motivation; and
    5. cooperation with others.
48. The Deputy National Cadet Air Operations Officer will determine the top five cadets on each course based on performance and advise the applicable RCSU OC Air Operations who will arrange for the presentation of the medals. Where possible, RCAF Association members should be included in the presentation.
49. A cadet having previously received the RCAF Association medal for the GPTC, may also receive the RCAF Association medal for the PPTC in a subsequent year.

Description

50. A circular gold medal, 35 mm in diameter, with a St. Edward’s crown shouldered by laurel sprigs above a maple leaf superimposed with a flying eagle, the head to the sinister in the centre on the obverse with the word ASSOCIATION at the bottom. The ribbon is maroon bordered by dark blue and light blue stripes. The medal has a ring at the top through which the ribbon passes.
51. If an individual receives the medal a second time, they will receive a silver-coloured maple leaf clasp which is affixed in the middle and centre of the medal and the ribbon.

ANAVETs Cadet Medal of Merit

52. The ANAVETS in Canada is Canada's oldest veterans' association whose purpose is to unite people who have served in the armed forces. The ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit was established as a legacy of its desire to promote excellence and awareness of the ANAVETS organization.

Eligibility

53. One medal is awarded to the top cadet in each serial of eligible CTC courses. The list of courses will be promulgated in the annual Operation Plan. Eligible courses must be at least 4 weeks in length and trial courses are not eligible for an ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit.
54. The CJCR Gp H&R Coordinator will provide a list of recipients to ANAVETS each year by 15 September.
55. Cadets who have previously received the ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit are eligible to be considered for further awards of the medal in subsequent years.

Description

56. The medal consists of a pewter coloured medallion with ribbon. At the centre of the medallion is the centre portion of the ANAVETS insignia. Circling the insignia is written "ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE VETRANS IN CANADA" on one face and the “LES ANCIENS COMBATTANS DE L’ARMEE, DE LA MARINE ET DES FORCES AERINNES AU CANADA” on the reverse face. Along the edge, there is a striped border of red, white, and blue. The ribbon, 35 mm wide, is blue with two sets of thin vertical stripes of red and white. A metal bar at the top of the ribbon reads CADET and a second metal bar at the bottom of the ribbon, to which the medallion is joined, reads MERITUM.

Criteria

57. For each course eligible to award an ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit, the recipient will be selected using the following criteria:
    1. overall achievement on the course;
    2. leadership qualities;
    3. instructional abilities (criterion only used if applicable to the course for which the medal is being awarded);
    4. dress and deportment;
    5. motivation; and
    6. cooperation with others.

Multiple Medal Recipient

58. The award of a second ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit is indicated by a silver-coloured maple leaf clasp worn in the middle and centre of the medal and ribbon. A third award is indicated by a gold-coloured maple leaf clasp worn in the middle and centre of the medal and ribbon.
59. To receive a silver or gold coloured maple leaf clasp, recipients must return their second or third ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit through their corps/squadron CO. The corps/squadron is to follow the same procedure as for medal and ribbon replacement.
60. ANAVETS will apply the appropriate coloured maple leaf clasp and return the medal and ribbon to the cadet.

Scholarship

61. Recipients of the ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit are eligible to apply for the Col. Frank Kossa Memorial Scholarship each year that they are attending post-secondary education leading to a degree or diploma. Applications can be found on the ANAVETS website at http://anavets.ca/scholarships/colonel-frank-kossa-memorial-scholarship/. The deadline for application is 1 August of each year. The $1000.00 scholarship is chosen by an annual draw and is deposited directly into the student's account at their educational institution. Applicants can only win the scholarship once.

Order of St. George Medal

62. The Order of St. George is a Chivalric Order whose mission is to better the health and well-being of members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans and their families, and supports the CJCR Gp.
63. The Order of St. George medal recognizes a staff cadet who distinguishes themselves in their performance as one of the top staff cadets at a summer training activity based on a national standard to maintain the prestige and value of the medal. The CTC CO is the approving authority for the awarding of these medals.

Eligibility

64. To be eligible for consideration, a cadet must satisfy the following criteria:
    1. meets all requirements of the summer training program;
    2. employed at least 21 days as a staff cadet;
    3. is regarded by peers and superiors as exemplifying the model cadet;
    4. be a member in good standing;
    5. demonstrated outstanding leadership and compassion for subordinates, if applicable. Was able, through different leadership techniques to motivate subordinates to do what was required;
    6. completed three years as a cadet;
    7. participated in community service events that the activity promotes during summer training; and
    8. demonstrated exceptional instructional abilities, if applicable.
65. The medal is sponsored entirely by the Grand Priory of the Order of St. George.
66. This medal may be awarded only once to an individual.

Description

67. The medal is silver in colour, engraved with the symbol of St. George slaying the dragon and inscribed with the motto “Pro Merito” in Latin. On the reverse are the badges of the four CCOs.
68. The medal ribbon is 32 mm wide, red in colour and edged by a white vertical stripe on each side. The medal is accompanied by an undress ribbon.

Canada Company Youth Excellence Award

69. Canada Company was founded in 2006 to provide the children of fallen soldiers access to post-secondary education and continues to serve Canadian military members, their families, and veterans through many programs and education initiatives. As part of their education initiatives, they have committed to awarding $1000.00 bursaries to deserving Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR), Sea, Army and Air Cadets.
70. The aim of this program is to recognize cadets and JCRs who exemplify attributes of leadership and citizenship and are motivated to pursue post-secondary education, vocation, or other learning opportunities.

Eligibility

71. To be eligible for consideration, a cadet must satisfy the following criteria:
    1. minimum 16 years of age;
    2. demonstrate leadership throughout the activity by being proactive and an example to their peers and subordinates, where applicable;
    3. exemplify attributes of leadership and citizenship;
    4. motivated to pursue post-secondary education, vocation, or other learning opportunities; and
    5. use the bursary within two years of its awarding as credit towards tuition, fees, or equipment associated with the selected cadet’s post-secondary education or other learning pursuits.
72. Only awarded once to a cadet.
73. This bursary is based on merit during summer training activities and is not limited to staff cadets. It can be awarded to course cadets, if they meet the criteria.

Description

74. The bursary includes a $1000.00 cheque and a plaque.

Selection Process

75. Nominations for the bursary are to be submitted by the supervisor of the cadet to the CTC CO/Activity OC through the chain of command.
76. Cadets cannot apply for the bursary nor is financial need a criterion.

Presentation

77. The CJCR Gp H&R Coordinator will provide the recipients information to Canada Company by 15 September.
78. Cadets awarded the bursary can be recognized on parade with the formal presentation of the plaque and cheque to occur during a virtual ceremony in the fall. The plaque and cheque will be mailed to the cadet in advance so CTC/Activity staff must ensure that the following information is provided for each recipient to cjcrhonoursawards-honneursrecompensescrjc@forces.gc.ca:
    1. corps/squadron,
    2. legal name (for bursary cheque),
    3. desired name (for plaque),
    4. mailing address, if different from Fortress (specifically for cadets who are moving to attend school),
    5. email address, and
    6. phone number.
79. The information to be read during the presentation and the blank presentation certificate is located at the Cadet365 Honours and Recognition page.
80. The virtual presentation will occur the third week in October and further details will be promulgated under separate cover.