Colonel Commandant’s Recognition
The Colonel Commandant has several means of recognizing deserving individuals or groups that have performed meritorious service to the The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery or brought credit to The Royal Regiment. As the Office of the Colonel Commandant is the single most visible institution binding all Canadian Gunners, it is fitting that the recognition presented in his name is only awarded after receiving his personal approval.
Colonel Commandant’s Commendation
The Colonel Commandant’s Commendation has been instituted as a means of recognizing exceptional service to The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Care must be taken to ensure that the award is not presented so often as to trivialize its status nor must it duplicate or replace any existing award. Also, the Commendation must never be perceived as a “Second Prize” when another Army or CAF award is not approved. Nominations, endorsed by a Commanding Officer, should clearly describe the exceptional service meriting the commendation and include a draft citation not exceeding 250 words. If possible, a translation of the citation should be provided. Nominations are to be submitted to the Regimental Major who will forward them to the Colonel Commandant for final approval. Commendations will always be signed by, and where circumstances permit, presented personally by the Colonel Commandant. In those instances where the Colonel Commandant is not available, the scroll may be presented by a senior Gunner officer in a ceremony befitting its significance.
Colonel Commandant’s Certificate of Appreciation
The Colonel Commandant’s Certificate of Appreciation has been instituted as a means of recognizing contributions to the well-being of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery – typically by persons or entities outside of the immediate Regimental Family. Care must be taken to ensure that the award is not awarded so often as to trivialize its status nor must it duplicate or replace any existing award. Also, the Certificate must never be perceived as a “Second Prize” when another Army or CAF award is not approved. Nominations, endorsed by a Commanding Officer, should clearly describe the contribution meriting the commendation and include a draft citation not exceeding 250 words. If possible, a translation of the citation should be provided. Nominations are to be submitted to the Regimental Major who will forward them to the Colonel Commandant for final approval. Certificates will always be signed by, and where circumstances permit, presented personally by the Colonel Commandant. In those instances where the Colonel Commandant is not available, the Certificate may be presented by a senior Gunner officer in a ceremony befitting its significance.
Recipients of the Colonel Commandant’s Certificate of Appreciation.
Colonel Commandant’s Coin
The Colonel Commandant’s Coin is intended as a means by which special contributions to the effectiveness, success, well-being or reputation of The Royal Regiment can be recognized with a minimum of process or delay. Selection of recipients is entirely within the purview of the Colonel Commandant although he welcomes advice from Commanding Officers and RSMs, and others. All members of the Regimental Family and Friends of the Regiment, Gunner and non-Gunner alike, are eligible. The Colonel Commandant always carries a few spares, so if one is warranted, it can be presented on the spot.
