Defence FOI 856 2526 Documents for Release.pdf

Defence FOI 856/25/26
Document 1
OFFICIAL
DEFENCE PEOPLE COMMITTEE
20 JULY 2023
DPC 2023/111 – R2T OTHER INITIATIVE 8 - DEFENCE COMMENDATION SCHEME
Decision Required
1. This brief seeks agreement to make changes to the Defence Commendation Scheme in
order to enable more timely recognition via streamlining the existing process, as well as
addressing the unfulfilled recognition needs and expectations of junior to mid-rank
Defence members where there is a high propensity for separation.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Committee:
a. Note the Recruitment and Retention Tiger Team (R2T2)1 Report dated 10 Sep 22
found that the Defence Commendation Scheme did not fulfil the needs and
expectations of the changing Defence workforce demographic whereby members
consider the current Scheme complex, and not resulting in timely recognition.
b. Agree to the changes to the Defence Honour and Awards Manual (DHAM) at
paragraph 6 to reduce Defence Commendation process complexity, increase
propensity for personnel to nominate others, and accelerate the approval process.
c. Agree that the Awarding Authorities for Defence Commendations be simplified and
broadened as follows: 4* (SEC/CDF) Gold Level, 3*/SES Band 3 Gold, 2*/SES Band
2 Silver, and 1*/SES Band 1 (E) Bronze (Attachment A).
d. Agree to the introduction of a Command Commendation for appointed 04/05/06 ADF
Awarding Authorities (CO/OC), with a new badge (Attachment A).
e. Agree to no retrospective badge issue for previous Command Commendations
(including Commanding Officer Commendations/Awards) (Option 1).
Background
2. The R2T2 Report and community consultation found that:
a. Members consider the current Defence Commendation Scheme to be complex and
not resulting in timely recognition. Localised board processes, multiple layers of
recommending authorities and extensive written justification have been contributing
to the Scheme’s complexity and deterring nominations.
b. The Commendation Scheme does not have standing Awarding Authority delegation
for 1* or SES Band 1s. The current Scheme invests Principal Awarding Authority
status in 4* (SEC/CDF) Commendation, 3* for Gold, and 2* for both Silver and
Bronze Commendations.2
c. Junior ranks consider visible recognition to be highly desirable for CO/OC awards.
The Services currently have internal and Unit level processes allowing CO/OCs to
issue Commendations. These Command Commendations usually comprise a
certificate, but no ‘wearable’ visual recognition.
3. Objective. The objective of this proposal is to improve Defence employee “value
exchange” relating to recognition by:
a. reducing the complexity and timeframes for the awarding of Defence
Commendations
1 Recruitment and Retention Tiger Team (R2T2) transitioned to Recruitment and Retention Team (R2T)
following the R2T2 Report (22 Sep 2022), and commenced implementing the Report initiatives.
2 DHAM 39.15 - Principal Awarding Authorities are responsible for appointing commendation awarding
authorities within their organisation. Appointed Awarding Authorities will normally be division heads or
equivalent with status of at least 2*/SES Band 2. In exceptional circumstances, and only if the authority cannot
be delegated to a 2* or SES Band 2 officer, a 1*/SES Band 1 officer may be appointed an awarding authority.
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b.  devolving and diversifying Commendation Awarding Authorities
c.  introducing a new Command level commendation with ‘wearable’ recognition.
4.  Not included in this submission. This submission does not address Group
Commendations or medallic recognition for domestic operations.
5.  Proposal Overview. The A3 Plan on a Page overview for this proposal is provided in
Attachment A.

Reducing Nomination Process Complexity and Improving Timeliness
6.  The following changes to the Defence Commendation Scheme are recommended to
reduce process complexity and improve timeliness:
a.  Form AD112. To reduce the requirements of written justification, the AD112
(Nomination Form) and DHAM should be modified such that Commendations only
require a three paragraph Certificate Citation and not a Narrative plus a Citation.
b.  Mandated processing period. To address the timeliness of Commendation
processing, a mandated processing period of 28-days should be introduced.
c.  Nomination Processing (Boards). Some larger Commands hold regular (eg.
quarterly) Commendation Boards to deal with nomination volume and
standardisation. It is recommended that the DHAM discourage Boards, however in
cases where Boards are deemed necessary to manage volume and standardisation,
the timeframe at paragraph 6b is adhered to.
d.  Localised Directives and Policy. A large number of detailed local Commendation
processes exist that make the nomination process more complicated. It is
recommended that local directives, policy, procedures and websites be discouraged,
and the policy be articulated through the DHAM, DH&A (DPG), and the 3* Service
HQ H&A directorates only.
e.  Nominating/Recommending/Awarding Authorities. To encourage nominations
and ensure due consideration of each nomination, an AD112 nomination is still to
proceed to the Awarding Authority for final decision, even if not recommended by
the Recommending Authority.
f.  Merit and Commendation Level Writing Guide/Matrix. To simplify the process
for nominating personnel for the correct level of Commendation, a Merit and
Commendation Level Writing Guide/Matrix should be incorporated into the DHAM
similar to the HQJOC matrix provided in Attachment C.

Devolution and Diversification of Commendation Awarding Authorities
7.  Devolution of Bronze Awarding Authorities to 1* (E). It is recommended that the
current “Principal” and “Appointed” Awarding Authority definitions be simplified and
replaced with rank based Awarding Authorities. This will devolve the Awarding
Authority for Bronze Commendations from 2* to 1* and empower 1*(E) to recognise
high or noteworthy achievement of personnel in their Branch.
8.  Inclusion of SES Band Awarding Authorities. It is recommended that the Awarding
Authority delegation be broadened to include SES Band equivalents for Gold, Silver and
Bronze Commendations. This will open the recognition available for non-Service Groups
and will enable a more inclusive Defence Commendation Scheme.

Creating a New Command Commendation (ADF Only)
9.  What is the Command Commendation for? The Command Commendation would be
subordinate to the Bronze Level Commendation, and be awarded for commendable
achievement with direct and immediate impact at the tactical and unit level, during a
specified event, time and place. Attachments A and C refer.
10.  Command Commendation Visual Recognition. The introduction of a new Command
Commendation (with a wearable badge) is recommended as a retention initiative to meet
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the recognition needs and expectations of junior to mid-rank level personnel, where there
is a higher propensity for separation.
11.  Command Commendation Awarding Authorities. It is recommended that Awarding
Authorities for Command Commendations be ADF 04/05/06 level Command appointees.
12.  Design and wearing of a Command Commendation. It is proposed that the Command
Commendation be worn below (and subordinate to) the other Commendations on the
right hand breast pocket. An example is shown in Attachment A. The design of the
badge would be developed following this proposal’s endorsement.
13.  Administration. It is recommended that the Command Commendation nominations be
incorporated into Form AD112, with the award recorded in PMKeys.
14.  Retrospective Command Commendations. Not all previous Command/Commanding
Officer Commendations are recorded in PMKeys. Three options were explored to
consider retrospectivity:
a.  Option 1 - No retrospective issue of badge for previous Command Commendations.
b.  Option 2 - Retrospective issue of badge for all previous Command Commendations
recorded in PMKeys.
c.  Options 3 - Retrospective issue of badges for those below the rank of SGT(E) / 03
to target the junior to mid-rank level, provided previous Commendations are
recorded in PMKeys.
Option 1 is recommended due to the significant resource implication for the
administration and distribution of previous Commendations. If supported, this decision
will need to be carefully addressed in the communication plan to manage expectations.

Risks and Issues
15.  The key risks, existing or emerging issues and key interdependencies for this proposal
are outlined in Attachment A.

Finance and Resource Implications
16.  The ROM Cost of the new Command Commendation badges will be $94K per annum
ongoing (excl. GST), based on a generous award rate to 10% of the Defence population
per annum. Plus, there will be a one off design and set up cost estimated at $5K. (Costs
derived from the 2019 set up of the APS Long Service Pin). An outline of the resource
implications is provided in Attachment A and will be refined during the design of the
badge.

Next Steps
17.  A timeline for the next steps is provided in Attachment A.

Consultation
18.  Stakeholders from the Groups and Services have been consulted in the development of
this paper. Key feedback on the recommendations is provided in Attachment B.

Sponsor: RADM R. Plath, RAN
Paper Prepared by: s47E(d)

26 Jun 2023

Attachments
A.  R2T2 Other Initiative 8 – Defence Commendation Scheme Proposal – A3 Plan on a Page
B.  Consultation feedback from Stakeholders
C.  Merit and Commendation Level Writing Guide/Matrix
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Defence FOI 856/25/26
Attachmen
Document 1t B
Consultation feedback from Key Stakeholders during the proposal development
1.
The following feedback was received from the following key stakeholders’
representatives during the development of this proposal for R2T Other Initiative 8 – Defence
Commendation Scheme:
a.
Navy s47E(d)
b.
Army s47E(d)
c.
Air Force s47E(d)
d.
HQJOC s47E(d)
e.
JCG s47E(d)
f.
DPG – DH&A s47E(d)
2.
Stakeholder Feedback. Feedback received from the stakeholders can be summarised
as follows:
a.
Devolution of Bronze Commendation Awarding Authorities to 1* (E). There was
broad support for the devolution of authority for the Bronze Commendation to 1*
Awarding Authorities. Some stakeholders providing nuanced positions as to which 1*s
this would include:
o
Navy support devolution of authority to “Designated” 1* Bronze Commendation
Awarding Authorities only:
o
Army, JCG and DH&A support devolution of authority to All 1* Bronze
Commendation Awarding Authorities.
o
Air Force’s current position was to support devolution of authority to FEG
Commander and JTG 1* Bronze Commendation Awarding Authorities only,
however they would support full devolution if all other groups and Service agree
and it is consistent across Defence.
o
HQJOC support devolution of authority to “CJOPS Delegated 1*s” for 1* Bronze
Commendation Awarding Authorities if this is implemented and mandatory,
however, as it stands now ‘with the efficient and timely way JOC run its
Commendation process’ their preference would be to remain with its current
delegations (CJOPS Gold/Group, DCJOPS Silver/Bronze & delegation of both
Silver/Bronze to 2 Star Commanders of Operational Joint Task Force and
occasional 1 Star Commanders of an Operational Joint Task Force).
b.
Inclusion of SES Band Awarding Authorities for Gold, Silver and Bronze
Commendations. Stakeholders broadly supported the standing inclusion of SES Band
Awarding Authorities for Commendations to make it more inclusive. The current
Scheme supports the inclusion of SES Bands provided they receive a delegation from
ADF Principal Awarding Authorities within their Group to award Defence
Commendations.
c.
Commendation Boards. Commendation Boards were not supported by some
stakeholders who believed that Boards should be actively discouraged, however Army,
HQJOC and JCG advised that they used boards 3-4 times per year to deal with volume
and standardisation of the Commendations.
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d.
A mandated processing period for Commendations. Stakeholders broadly supported
a mandated processing period directive to drive efficiencies without removing Boards
for volume management and standardisation. The suggested time frames for the
mandated processing period ranged from 21 to 28 days. HQJOC and Army both
support the mandated processing period provided Boards remained at Command
discretion for volume management and standardisation. DPG (DH&A) highlighted that
any processing timeline and change to process needs to cater for timeline for fit and
proper persons’ checks.
e.
Command Commendation Visual Recognition. The support for the Command
Commendation visual recognition was mixed. There was broad support for the intent of
the Command Commendation proposal and its aim to address the recognition needs and
expectations of junior to mid-rank level Defence members. However, there was some
concern that increasing the number of wearable awards with a new commendation level
would increase the number of awards and devalue the Scheme. Further, Navy
specifically did not support visual recognition for Command Commendations as it
created a number of issues including lengthening the processing time to conduct
nomination registration and necessary compliance checks, and a possibility that the
lower level award may deter higher nomination because Commands may go for the
easier option. DH&A raised a concern with preserving the integrity of the defence
awards within the Australian honours and awards system, and reiterated that internal
recognition should not resemble or be confused with medals e.g. insignia of unit
citations.
f.
Command Commendation Awarding Authorities. All stakeholders supported 04-06
Command positions (Appointed COs and OCs of independent sub units) as Awarding
Authorities Command Commendations. Navy considered an Officer at the 03 level, in
general, not to have sufficient exposure and experience as an Awarding Authority,
however it depends on delegation and approvals by the Principal Awarding Authority
for each Service and Group.
g.
Retrospective Command Commendations. All stakeholders agreed that retrospective
issue will have a significant resource implication in administrative validation and
distribution, however consideration of retrospective Command Commendations would
need to be carefully considered to address member expectations.
h.
Merit. The Scheme is hierarchically based and allows for commendations to be
awarded based on the merit of the service or act. DPG (DH&A) highlighted that the
intersection of language between current and future merit levels needs to be clearly
articulated. Current merit level descriptors should be retained. The criteria and wording
for the award of internal recognition must not be the same as exists for honours and
awards eg. conspicuous service decorations in order to avoid Tribunal review. HQJOC
recommended consideration of a Commendations merit assessment Matrix similar to
the one they have currently in use. The other stakeholders were supportive of the merit
assessment Matrix proposal.
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OFFICIAL: Sensitive
DEFENCE PEOPLE COMMITTEE
17 AUGUST 2023
OUTCOMES
Minute No.07/2023
Drafting note: For simplicity, individuals are referred to by their position title where possible.
Further
information can be found in the attendance list at the end of this document.
s22
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s22
Item 21 – Recruitment and Retention Other Initiative 8 – Defence Commendation Scheme
Proposal (DPC 2023/111)
Sponsor and Lead: Head R2, RADM Robert Plath
70)
Head R2 presented the item noting Recruitment and Retention Tiger Team Report
showed people were dissatisfied with recognition and the existing commendation scheme
was too complex, took too long and people were not being recognised in a timely fashion
and there was a lack of a visible form of recognition from a Commanding Officers
commendation. Head R2 noted most feedback was received from junior ranks.
71)
The Services provided comment as follows:
a. ARMY acknowledged the intent and agreed in principle. Wish to retain the
nomination process but have flexibility around the mandated timeframes and
wish to retain the Board process
b. AIRFORCE agreed to support all of the recommendations as they showed enough
flexibility
c. NAVY expressed concerns about CN losing authority and would appreciate further
consideration and consultation
72)
CPERS summarised the discussion around Paragraph 6 of the paper:
a. Form AD112. Noted. ARMY wishes to retain
b. Mandated processing period. NOT agreed. Needs refinement to reflect flexibility.
c. Nomination Processing (Boards). Agree in principle. Needs refinement to reduce
administration management
d. Localised Directives and Policy. Agreed
e. Nominating/Recommending/Awarding Authorities. Agreed
f. Merit and Commendation Level Writing Guide/Matrix. Guide to be placed with
the manual not within the manual
73)
The Committee agreed the paper would return to DEPSEC DP and CPERS for approval
once refined and does not need further Committee review
74)
The Committee:
a. Noted the Recruitment and Retention Tiger Team (R2T2)1 Report dated 10 Sep 22
found that the Defence Commendation Scheme did not fulfil the needs and
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Document 2
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expectations of the changing Defence workforce demographic whereby members
consider the current Scheme complex, and not resulting in timely recognition.
b. Agreed to the changes to the Defence Honour and Awards Manual (DHAM) at
paragraph 6 to reduce Defence Commendation process complexity, increase
propensity for personnel to nominate others, and accelerate the approval process.
c. Agreed that the Awarding Authorities for Defence Commendations be simplified
and broadened as follows: 4* (SEC/CDF) Gold Level, 3*/SES Band 3 Gold, 2*/SES
Band 2 Silver, and 1*/SES Band 1 (E) Bronze (Attachment A).
d. Agreed to the introduction of a Command Commendation for appointed 04/05/06
ADF Awarding Authorities (CO/OC), with a new badge (Attachment A).
e. Agreed to no retrospective badge issue for previous Command Commendations
(including Commanding Officer Commendations/Awards) (Option 1).
Action230817/14 Head R2 to finalise the implementation plan and go live date with honours
and awards. To clear through CPERS and DEPSEC DP
s22
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Defence FOI 856/25/26
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Document 3
Defence
DEFGRAM 031/2025
Issue date:
31 January 2025
Expiry date:
25 April 2025
CHANGES TO THE DEFENCE COMMENDATION SCHEME
1.
Defence has made changes to the Defence Commendation Scheme in
response to feedback from ADF personnel of the importance of timely and visual
recognition of service.
2.
Changes include enhancements to the Defence Commendation Scheme to
reduce the complexity and timeframes for the awarding of Defence Commendations,
diversifying Defence Commendation Awarding Authorities, and the introduction of a
‘wearable’ badge to accompany the new Command Commendation.
3.
The changes to Defence Commendation Scheme will be incorporated into
Defence Honour and Awards Recognition Policy, and will be effective from
1 February 2025.
4.
All personnel are encouraged to use the Scheme to recognise their
personnel for their significant contributions to Defence.
Reducing Nomination Process Complexity and Improving Timeliness
5.
The following changes have been made to reduce process complexity and
improve timeliness of recognition:
a.
Form AD112. The AD112 (Nomination Form) will be amended so that the
new Command Commendation can be selected. Nominations for a
Command Commendation will only require a three paragraph Certificate
Citation, and not the Narrative plus a Citation that is required for other levels
of commendation.
b.
Commendation processing timelines. Where possible, Defence
Commendation nominations are to be processed within 28-days.
c.
Localised Directives and Policy. Local directives, policy, procedures and
websites that duplicate Defence Honours and Awards policy is discouraged.
Policy is to be limited to the Directorate of Honours and Awards (DPG) and
Service Headquarters Honours and Awards Branches only.
d.
Nominating/Recommending/Awarding Authorities. To encourage
nominations and ensure due consideration of each nomination, all AD112
nominations are to proceed to the Awarding Authority for final decision, even
where not supported by the Recommending Authority.
e.
Commendation Level Writing Guide/Matrix. To simplify the process for
nominating personnel for the correct level of Commendation, a
Commendation Level Writing Guide/Matrix has been developed and available
on the Directorate of Honours and Awards1 intranet page.
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Document 3
2
Introduction of a Command Commendation with Visual Recognition
6.
A new Command Commendation, which includes a wearable badge has
been introduced formally into the Defence Commendation Scheme. The Command
Commendation is subordinate to the Bronze Level Commendation, and may be
awarded to ADF personnel for commendable achievement with direct and immediate
impact at the tactical and unit level, during a specified event, time and place.
7.
There will be no retrospective badge issue for previous Command
Commendations (including Commanding Officer Commendations/Awards).
Delegation and Diversification of Commendation Awarding Authorities
8.
Delegation of Authorities. Service Chiefs and non-Service Group Heads
have the authority to delegate the responsibility to award commendations to
individuals within their Service or non-Service Group.
9.
Awarding of the Command Commendation. The authority to award the
new Command Commendation will be delegated to ADF Officers holding a
designated command appointment. This will broaden the recognition available for all
ranks and will enable a more inclusive Defence Commendation Scheme.
10.
For further details about the Defence Commendation Scheme changes, visit
the Directorate of Honours and Awards website2.
11.
Information on the Command Commendation is also available in a
Factsheet3.
12.
For further information on other initiatives visit the recruiting and retention
initiatives4, the Employee Value Proposition Hub5 for details on the benefits,
opportunities and conditions available to ADF personnel and their families, and the
ADF employment modernisation program6 websites.
1. http://drnet/People/HonoursandAwards/Pages/Defence-Commendation-
Scheme.aspx
2. http://drnet.defence.gov.au/People/HonoursandAwards/Pages/Defence-
Commendation-Scheme.aspx
3. http://drnet/People/HonoursandAwards/Pages/Honours-and-Awards.aspx
4. http://drnet/People/Jobs-Careers/Pages/Recruiting-Retention-Initiatives.aspx
5. http://drnet/People/Jobs-Careers/Employee-Value-Proposition/Pages/Employee-
Value-Proposition.aspx
6. https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/adf-employment-modernisation
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Defence FOI 856/25/26
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Defence FOI 856/25/26
Document 4
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UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED
Defence FOI 856/25/26
Document 5
Nominations
Respective Service or Non-Service Group Honours and Awards sections are responsible for the processing
of nominations, however all Commendation nominations must:
x Include a completed AD112 Nomination for Defence Commendation form for each
nomination. The level of information required for each type of nomination will be shown on
the AD112 when the applicable Commendation Type is selected.
Individuals cannot be nominated if:
x They are the subject of disciplinary or adverse administrative actions.
x They have already been nominated for an award for the same service within the Australian
Honours System.
x The individual has self-nominated.
Service previously recognised by either a Defence Commendation or an award within the
Australian Honours and Awards System, is not to be used to support a nomination for another
award unless clear evidence of additional performance or achievement is provided.
Recipients of a nomination should not to be informed they that they have been nominated and
nominations should remain confidential until approved by the relevant awarding authority.
All nominations must be progressed through the Chain of Command to the appropriate delegated
awarding authority for approval.
Award Administration
Approved commendations must be submitted to their relevant Service or Group Honours and Awards
administration office/cell, who are responsible for preparing the Commendation certificates, sourcing supplies
of badges and the arrangement of presentations.
A single Command Commendation badge set, consisting of the full size badge in conjunction with a
Commendation certificate will be provided to APS and contractor staff.
ADF personnel will be issued with two badge sets to comply with ceremonial uniform requirements.
Upon completion of presentation, the details of the Commendation must be recorded on the Recognised
Achievement Panel of the recipient’s PMKeyS record. Guidance on recording and relevant contacts are listed
in the PMKeyS Recording section on the Defence Commendation Scheme Intranet Page.
For further information about the Command Commendation, including
guidance on submitting nominations and awarding authorities can be found in
the Defence intranet at
s47E(d)

Defence FOI 856/25/26
Document 6
Defence Honours, Awards and Recognition Guidance
THE DEFENCE COMMENDATION SCHEME
Scope
The Defence Commendation Scheme (the Scheme) was introduced on 1 September 2010 to
recognise superior, excellent or high/noteworthy achievement for which awards from within the
Australian Honours System are not an appropriate medium of recognition. Defence
Commendations may be awarded individually or collectively to a group, unit or team. The scheme
was modified in late 2024 to include an additional level of recognised achievement with the
introduction of a Command level Commendation.
The Directorate of Honours and Awards manages the policy for the Defence Commendation
Scheme and the Groups and Services administer the Commendations, further information can be
found on the Defence Commendation Scheme intranet page.
The Scheme is an internal Defence award scheme that is open to any person that provides a
recognised service to Defence business or operations. The Scheme is hierarchically based and
allows for Commendations to be awarded based on the merit of the service or act. All individual
Commendations, except the Joint Secretary and the Chief of the Defence Force Commendation,
the Secretary Commendation and the Chief of the Defence Force Commendation, are awarded at
four levels - Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Command.
A Commendation may be awarded for a single or sustained period of action or achievement.
The following definitions apply:
Awarding Authorities 3 Star/SES Band 3 equivalent, includes Service Chiefs, Group Heads,
Associate Secretary, Vice Chief of the Defence Force and Chief Joint Operations Command.
Delegated Awarding Authorities Uniformed members or Public Servants may be determined as
an Awarding Authority, when delegated to approve awards, for a stipulated level or levels of
Commendation, by the Awarding Authority of their Group or Service.
The Command Commendation however, may only be awarded by ADF personnel.
Defence personnel includes Australian Defence Force members, Defence Australian Public
Service employees, contractors and consultants employed by Defence and foreign exchange
personnel. All Defence personnel are eligible for the Command Commendation.
Nominee or Recipient is a Defence personnel or any other person or group of people that has or
currently provides a recognised service to Defence business or operations deemed appropriate
and worthy by the Awarding Authority.
Core Elements
Individual Commendations
Individual Commendations may be awarded by the Chief of the Defence Force, the Secretary of
the Department of Defence (the Secretary), Awarding Authorities or Delegated Awarding
Authorities.
Individual Commendations consist of a signed certificate and a uniform/lapel badge. The Certificate
and badge carry an insignia specific to the type and level of Commendation being awarded.
The Defence Commendation Scheme has the following levels:

Defence FOI 856/25/26
Document 6
THE DEFENCE COMMENDATION SCHEME
Secretary and Chief of the Defence Force Commendation, awarded either separately or jointly,
to recognise service considered to be worthy or recognition above Gold level;
Gold Commendation, awarded for superior achievement or devotion in the application of skills,
judgement or dedication to duty and are awarded by Awarding Authorities;
Silver Commendation, awarded for excellent achievement in the application of skills, judgement
or devotion to duty and are awarded by Delegated Awarding Authorities;
Bronze Commendation, awarded for high achievement and are awarded by Delegated Awarding
Authorities; and
Command Commendation, awarded for noteworthy achievement and are awarded by Delegated
Awarding Authorities, principally designated ADF command appointments, as delegated by a
Service Chief or Non-Service Group Head.
Group Commendations
Group Commendations may be awarded by the Secretary, the Chief of the Defence Force or
Awarding Authorities. Delegated Awarding Authorities cannot award Group Commendations.
The Secretary and the Chief of the Defence Force may award either separately or jointly in order to
recognise service that is considered to be worthy of recognition higher than a single Service, ADF
or Defence Group Commendation.
Group Commendations are:
x awarded to groups, units or teams deemed worthy of recognition by an Awarding
Authority;
x a single level award, not distinguished by additional descriptors ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’, ‘Bronze’ or
‘Command’; and
x awarded with a certificate signed by the Awarding Authority, and a uniform/lapel badge
for each member of the group. The certificate and badge carry insignia specific to the
type of Commendation being awarded.
Commendation Types
Joint Commendations The Secretary and the Chief of the Defence Force may agree to award a
joint Commendation where the recognition is for service that has been of benefit to both the
Australian Defence Force and the Department of Defence.
Joint Commendations are:
x awarded as an individual or group Commendation; and
x a Joint Commendation certificate is signed by both and issued with the relevant Joint
Commendation badge.
Australian Defence Force Commendations are issued by Awarding Authorities within
tri-service Defence groups, for example, Joint Operations Command, Joint Capabilities Group, and
Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordinance Group.
Service Commendations, Navy, Army and Air Force are issued by Awarding Authorities within
the single Service.
Department of Defence Commendations are issued by Awarding Authorities within the Defence
enabling groups such as Defence Finance Group or Defence Science and Technology Group.
2

Defence FOI 856/25/26
Document 6
THE DEFENCE COMMENDATION SCHEME
Nomination Process
A decision matrix, narrative and proposed certificate guidance are available on the Defence
Commendation Scheme Intranet page, to provide detailed instruction to ensure nomination
compliance. Respective Service or Non-Service Group Honours and Awards sections are
responsible for the processing of nominations, however as a minimum all nominations are:
x To include a completed AD112 Nomination for a Defence Commendation form for each
nomination. The level of information required for each type of nomination will be shown on
the AD112 when the applicable Commendation Type is selected on the top of the form;
x To include a list of eligible personnel for Group Commendations;
x Allowed to be raised by any person;
x Not to be raised for a person who is concurrently nominated for an award for the same
service within the Australian Honours and Awards system unless specifically agreed to by
the Service/Group Awarding Authority;
x Only progressed if the nominee is not subject to adverse findings from administration or
unacceptable behaviour checks. Awarding Officers should exercise prudence if considering
persons who have been involved in recent controversial situations, or have been the subject
of disciplinary action or an investigative process; and
x To be processed to the level of the Awarding Authority consistent with the level of the
Commendation, for digital signature.
Service previously recognised by either a Defence Commendation or an award within the
Australian Honours and Awards system, is not to be used to support a nomination for another
award unless clear evidence of additional performance or achievement is provided.
Individuals and Groups are not to be made aware that they have been or were ever nominated for
an award.
Endorsed nominations are to be processed by the respective Service or Non-Service Group
Honours and Awards sections in accordance with that Service or Group’s procedures. All
nominations are to be recommended by an appropriate person within the Nominee’s chain of
Command that has direct knowledge of the nominee and can verify their achievements before
being forwarded to Awarding Authorities as appropriate. Awarding Authorities may:
x award the Commendation;
x award the Commendation at a level (maybe higher or lower) that they consider is appropriate
within their authorisation;
x reject a nomination if they do not believe a Commendation should be awarded;
x return a nomination to a lower level Awarding Authority, if it is considered that a lower level
award is warranted; or
x refer the nomination to a higher level Awarding Authority if it is considered that a higher level
award is warranted.
Service or Group Honours and Awards administration office must keep the nominator informed of
the final decision prior to presentation or rejection of the award.
Administration of Awards
Personnel from the Service or Group Honours and Awards administration office are responsible for
preparing the Commendation certificates, sourcing supplies of badges and the arrangement of
presentations.
A single Group, Gold, Silver or Bronze badge set, consisting of a full size badge and a miniature
badge, is issued in conjunction with a Commendation certificate.
3

Defence FOI 856/25/26
Document 6
THE DEFENCE COMMENDATION SCHEME
Two badge sets are issued to Australian Defence Force personnel to meet their ceremonial and
uniform requirements. Further badge sets may be issued under special circumstances at the
discretion of the applicable Service Chief.
Wherever possible, the Commendation should be presented personally by the Awarding Authority
with appropriate publicity and due ceremony. If this is not possible, the Awarding Authority may
delegate their presentation duties as they deem appropriate. It is important that the presentation be
timely, appropriate and public.
Following the formal presentation, details of Commendations are to be recorded on the
Recognised Achievement Panel of the recipient’s PMKeyS record. Guidance on recording and
responsible areas are listed in PMKeyS Recording section on the Defence Commendation Scheme
Intranet page.
Retrospective Service Commendations
The Defence Commendation Scheme is a formal system that extends the previous Service
Commendation systems to all Defence personnel. In the past, and in the absence of a suitable
Defence award, some groups implemented internal award schemes and issued their own forms of
Commendations in some circumstances, there is no provision in the Defence Commendation
Scheme for retrospective conversion of former awards to a Defence Commendation.
In 1983, Defence introduced a Service Commendation Scheme. Initially, only Commendation
certificates were issued. In 1993, Army introduced commendation badges; 1994, the Chief of the
Defence Force, Navy and Air Force introduced commendation badges.
On 8 December 2004, Group Commendations were formally introduced and approval was given
for a badge to be presented and worn by personnel involved in a group commendation.
In June 2014, a distinct octagonal badge was introduced for Group Commendations. This badge
may be retrospectively awarded to recipients of Group Commendations.
In February 2025, the Command Commendation was introduced. The issue of a badge for the
Command Commendation is not retrospective.
Badges will only be issued from 1 February 2025, the date of establishment of the award in the
official Defence Commendation Scheme.
Supporting Information
Supporting information can be found on the Defence Honours and Awards Intranet page or by
calling 1800 DEFENCE (1800 333 362).
DPG Guidance No:
2.01
Policy Owner:
Directorate of Honours and Awards, People Services Division
Current Status:
Approved ASHRS
Date Approved:
30 November 2024
Date of Next Review:
30 November 2026
Objective ID:
BN17821126
4

Defence FOI 856/25/26
Document 9
Directorate of Honours and Awards
Adding Defence Commendations to PMKeyS
Menu Path
Navigator > Human Resources > Administer Workforce > Administer Workforce (AUS) > Use > Recognised
Achievements
The Recognised Achievements search page is displayed.
Step 1
Enter the employee ID number in the Empl ID field, and select
.
Where the employee ID is not known, enter alternative search criteria and click
to locate
the correct payee.
I would recommend using the drop down box to change the description to “contains” to ensure the best
results.