Posted by Grunt Captain from Canada on January 07, 2021 at 23:41:55:
I have one medal, my Canadian Forces Decoration. I'm a reservist, am very proud of my decoration, and consider it an accomplishment to have been awarded it.
I know some feel that reservists haven't "really" put in the time for a C.D. after 12 years in the reserves. Well, I disagree.
I was once of the opinion that certainly, if you stay in the reserves long enough and don't lose an MLVW in the woods or something stupid, you will get your medal. However, its not as easy as just hanging around for a while.
A few years before I was presented with my C.D., my Commanding Officer pinned one on the chest of another soldier in my unit, and made a few remarks on what this person had sacrificed in order to reach this point in his militia service. My respect for that medal has changed dramatically since then.
A few years later I was in a position to reflect back on what it took to get to that point of being presented my own C.D.
The average length of service in the reserves is 18 months. To stick around for 12 years shows a certain dedication that most recruits that enter the reserves don't have. When my civilian life required me to move, I have transferred regiments in order to maintain my service. I have used my personal vacation time to go on courses and on excercises. For over 12 years I have attended training one or two evenings a week, after school at first, and now after work. I give up at least one weekend a month, and usually more, in order to fulfill my military duties. I don't even have a spouse or children yet. It's even harder for those that have a job, family and the reserves to juggle.
The CD recognizes service. Think about the word service. Anyone wearing that medal has definitely made sacrifices and earned it. Not "the easy" way.
Be careful when you "read" someone's ribbons. You don't get the full story behind them until you talk to the soldier.
Grunt Captian
"Butts number 1, indicate!"