Special Service Medal (EIIR)
Special Service Medal (SSM)
The Special Service Medal (SSM) recognizes members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who have performed service under exceptional circumstances, in a clearly defined locality and for a specified duration.
Approved activities are those that were underway on 11 June 1984 or established thereafter.
The medal is always issued with a bar that specifies the special service being recognized — each bar having its own eligibility criteria.
Medal Details
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Full Size Medal: Includes 8 inches of ribbon and selected bar.
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Miniature Medal: Includes 5 inches of ribbon and selected bar.
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Mounting: This medal is supplied unmounted. Mounting services are available at an additional cost.
Available Bars & Eligibility Criteria
1. ALERT
Awarded for an aggregate of 180 days of honourable service on the posted strength of CFS Alert, or while operationally deployed to/at CFS Alert, since 1 September 1958.
Includes detachments such as aircrew flying into the station for re-supply missions.
2. EXPEDITION
Awarded for an aggregate of 180 days of honourable service performed outside Canada beginning 1 July 2007, while deployed on full-time duty in direct support of approved operations.
Postings to permanent positions outside Canada do not qualify. Service cannot be counted toward another Canadian or foreign service medal.
3. HUMANITAS
Awarded for an aggregate of 30 days of honourable service outside Canada from 11 June 1984 to 31 July 2009, in support of approved humanitarian operations conducted in response to disasters or human conflicts.
Service recognized by another Canadian honour is not eligible.
4. NATO / OTAN
a. NATO Service (1951–2004)
Awarded for 180 days of honourable service within NATO’s area of responsibility between 1 January 1951 and 19 October 2004, while:
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Posted to a NATO unit or Canadian/Allied formation under NATO operational control, or
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Serving in Canada in an operations room directly participating in NATO operational control.
Not all European or sea service qualifies.
b. NATO Service (2004–Present)
Awarded for 45 days of honourable service in approved NATO operations or direct support roles outside Canada beginning 20 October 2004.
Service not in direct support of NATO operations (such as training, exercises, or conferences) is excluded.
Eligible service under both criteria may be combined to reach the 45-day minimum.
5. RANGER
Awarded for four years of honourable service as a Canadian Ranger or Ranger Instructor, performing duties that support Canadian sovereignty.
Duties include reporting unusual activities, providing local expertise, and participating in a minimum of three Ranger Patrol Exercises since 1947.
Qualifying Patrol Types: 3, 4, 5, and 6
Non-Qualifying Patrol Types: 1 and 2
6. DISTANTIA
Awarded for:
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180 consecutive days, or
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270 aggregate days (including 60 consecutive days)
of honourable service beginning 5 November 2024, performed either in Canada or outside Canada (excluding theatres of operations), while remotely participating full-time in approved operations through the personal use of weapons systems or delivery of targeted effects enabled by technology.
Service must not be counted toward any other medal.