George Wallace said:
Quote from: Iterator on Today at 05:26:20
But when you see medal wearing non-military people (police, fire department, and legion members) you can occasionally notice those with the CD.
And from that you can identify those that served 12 years in the CF, but not all those that served in the CF (keep in mind police and others will have overseas medals as well).
So? What is your point? Those with some TI have a CD, those without don't. Those with Tours have medals for Tours. Those who didn't make any commitment don't have anything.
The point:
If service in the CF is worthy of recognition then lets not be timid about it. Service doesn't automatically become meaningful at 12 years, and that is the problem with the current CD - What does it mark? - It marks when you get your CD (pointing that out doesn't diminish your 12 years of service).
I find service in the CF to be worthy of recognition, but to make a new medal that would be eventually awarded to almost all members would be seen as cheapening all medals.
By using the CD in a way that would still leave the current holders of the CD distinct seems like a great idea. It is one of the lowest medals in order of precedence; it is eventually awarded to almost all members who are in for 12 years anyways; and it can be made even more useful by better marking Time In. I'm sure with some more thought on the topic you will find your opinion on the idea changing.
However, there appear to be 2 problems:
1)
"Those with Tours have medals for Tours. Those who didn't make any commitment don't have anything.".
There were a few people, including yourself, who feel that non-operational medals would be unworthy.
To follow that line of thinking would mean that a medal for 12 years of Service cheapens operational medals.
There are alternate ways of marking Time In (pins, badges), but then some people posted about how they wouldn't want to reach 12 years of service in the CF and not get the medal that they had been eagerly anticipating. I had not previously heard of that concern - live and learn I guess.
2)
The greatest concern comes from those who currently hold a CD. Even though the clasp system proposed would leave the current CD holders visibly distinct, there is a lot of apprehension about their CDs being cheapened. Again, it appears attitudes towards CDs have changed since I was in.
Still, not wanting to create a new medal, I'm left with what I would consider the obvious alternate idea. The SSM.
After all, it is already awarded for service in Canada (Ranger, Alert).
Awarding it would require no modifications. Just a bar would be required (perhaps CANADA). And for those who already have the SSM (mostly NATO) it can easily be distinguished because once you have 2 bars - the ribbon is then worn with a maple leaf.
As for when it would be awarded - either only at the door on your way out, or, at the door on your way out but earlier if you participate in an Aid to Civil Power operation (ice storms and such).
George Wallace said:
Your suggestion would only devalue the purpose of the SSM.
Well... You don't seem concerned about the CD or the SSM cheapening other medals, so how about a little leeway on at least the SSM.
And look on the bright side, since I already have an SSM you would be denying me this:
George Wallace said:
Let's just admit it........you would like to have another gong for your collection.