What is the Canadian Forces Decoration?

The Canadian Forces Decoration, abbreviated CD, is a long-service medal awarded to officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have completed twelve years of qualifying service with good conduct. It was instituted by Order in Council on December 15, 1949 by King George VI, replacing the older British and Canadian long-service medals previously used by the army, navy, and air force.

The medal is a circular gilt cupronickel disc bearing the obverse effigy of the reigning sovereign and on the reverse a stylised maple leaf within a wreath of maple leaves, surmounted by a crown, with the inscription 'CANADIAN FORCES' above and 'SERVICES CANADIENS' below. The ribbon is dark red 32 millimetres wide with three white stripes, designed by the Canadian Forces honours and awards committee in 1949.

Recipients earn a clasp every ten years after the initial award, recognising 22, 32, and 42 years of qualifying service. Members of the Reserve Force and the Cadet Instructors' Cadre qualify on the same basis as the Regular Force, with reservist time counted on a sliding-scale basis. The Governor General approves recommendations on the advice of the Chief of the Defence Staff.

The CD is one of the most widely worn Canadian honours: more than half a million Canadians have been awarded the medal since 1949. It is worn on the left breast in order of precedence after war and operational service medals and after orders of chivalry. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces use the post-nominal CD after their name, often appearing in the form 'Smith, John, MMV, CD' or 'General Smith, OMM, CD' on official correspondence.