Introduction

1. The Chief of Defence Force Commendation recognises special contributions to the New Zealand Defence Force deemed worthy by the Chief of Defence Force as deserving of formal recognition, which may not be covered by other awards.

Purpose

2. The purpose of the Chief of Defence Force Commendation is to:

aProvide formal Chief of Defence Force recognition of personal endeavours;

bAssist in promoting job and career satisfaction;

cContribute to incentives to excel or perform to a higher standard; and

dRecognise outstanding achievements or special service to the New Zealand Defence

Force as a whole.

Citations

3. There are two categories of citations:

aAn act of bravery in situations of risk to the individual or unit; and

bA singular accomplishment or extraordinary performance of duty.

Eligibility

4. The Chief of Defence Force Commendation may be awarded to any person or unit deemed to have satisfied one or both of the criteria at paragraph 3 of this annex.

5. Award of the Chief of Defence Force Commendation does not debar the recipient from consideration for a higher award in respect of the same service or circumstances. The Chief of Defence Force Commendation has equivalency with single Service Chiefs of Staff Commendations.

6. The following are eligible for a Chief of Defence Force Commendation:

aAny military or civilian New Zealand Defence Force personnel, particularly those

appointed to a Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force branch or staff;

bAny military or civilian New Zealand Defence Force personnel posted to a joint

position;

cNew Zealand Defence Force units forming part of a joint force; and

dNon-New Zealand Defence Force personnel and units. Administration

7. The procedures for the award of the Chief of Defence Force Commendation are as follows:

aNominations.

Nominations may be submitted through the chain of command to the Chief of Defence

Force through the Assistant Chief Personnel then the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff at any

time, using the format given at Annex A. The recommendation is to be accompanied by a

draft citation prepared in accordance with the guidelines given at Annex B. The awards will

be personally approved by the Chief of Defence Force.

bAward of Commendation.

The Commendation will be presented formally by the Chief of Defence Force at an

appropriate occasion and will take the form of a citation, a framed certificate and wearable

insignia. The names of those so recognised, together with the citation, will be published in

single Service newspapers and other publications recommended by Director

Communications.

cRecording.

The Assistant Chief Personnel is to maintain a record of all Chief of Defence Force

Commendations and Commendations awarded to individuals are to be recorded on ATLAS.

New Zealand

Chief of Defence Force Commendation