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The Cadet Forces Medal Obverse The Cadet Forces Medal Reverse

The Cadet Forces Medal

Overview

Instituted in 1950, the Cadet Forces Medal is awarded to officers in the Cadet Forces who have served continuously for twelve years.

A clasp may be awarded for each additional 12 years of qualifying service completed before 1 July 1971 and for each additional 8 years of qualifying service completed on or after 1 July 1971.

Description

The Cadet Forces Medal is silver and circular in shape, bearing on the obverse the Crowned Effigy of the Sovereign and on the reverse the representation of a torch surrounded by the inscription “The Cadet Forces Medal”. The name of the recipient is stamped on the rim of the Medal.

The ribbon has a central broad green stripe, flanked by narrow red stripes.  On the left are two additional narrow stripes of dark blue and yellow.  On the right are two additional narrow stripes of light blue and yellow.  

Clasps are awarded for each additional period of eight years of service. A silver-coloured rose emblem denoting the award of each clasp is worn on the ribbon when the ribbon only is worn.

Eligibility

Officers of the New Zealand Cadet Forces who have served continuously for twelve years.  

For full details see: (PDF, 187 KB)

Queries & requests

  • Wearing this medal

    The Cadet Forces Medal is worn with the Merit, Efficiency, and Service Awards in the New Zealand Order of Wear.  It is worn after the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the New Zealand Air Forces and before the New Zealand Defence Service Medal.

    For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:

  • Checking eligibility and applying for this medal

    NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) issues war, operational, and service medals to both former and current NZDF members. If you believe you or someone you know may be eligible for these medals, you can use our online eligibility tool to check and apply easily.

    Check eligibility and apply for unclaimed medals

  • Checking if this medal was issued

    Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record.  NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.

    Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page. 

    Request a service record