Army Cadet Service Medal (ACSM)

Updated March 27, 2007
In celebration of the 125th year of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, the Army Cadet League of Canada created an award to recognize continuous meritorious cadet service by deserving Army Cadets.

To qualify for this award, a serving (or previous) cadet must have successfully completed four years of honourable service with no serious infractions, and be recommended by the Cadet Corps Commanding Officer.

Four each additional year of honourable service after four, cadets apply for a bar to their medal (see illustration - far right).

The medal design is as follows:

  • Round gold coloured medal, 35mm in diameter.

  • Obverse side: Badge of the RCAC, above badge the words "SERVICE – CADETS", below the badge the words "CANADA"

  • On the reverse of the medal a rectangular blank where the recipient’s name and corps may be engraved.

  • The ribbon border striping is the primary colours of The Army Cadet League of Canada (red/gold) with a green central stripe depicting Canadian youth.

  • Additional years of service shall be marked by the award of a bar to the medal, with a flat burnished maple leaf, in gold color, centered. Each additional year is marked by an additional bar.

  • On the undress ribbon, additional years of service shall be marked by a gold maple leaf, one for each additional year of service.

It is up to each qualifying cadet to apply for this award on form “Application for the Army Cadet Service Medal” (see below). Please also read the Frequently Asked Questions (below) for more details on when and how you qualify and how to complete the application.

If you think you qualify:

  1. Print off one copy of the form (included in the file below):
    Army Cadet Service Medal Application Form

  2. Complete and sign the top two sections, and

  3. Return the completed and signed form to the cadet office AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! (Do not wait until the last minute as it takes several weeks to get the approvals and have the medals sent to us by the Army Cadet League of Canada!!!)

    4.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Army Cadet Service Medal

Q. When do I qualify for the Army Cadet Service Medal?

A. This will depend on when you started at St. Andrew's College:

  • If you started attending S.A.C. in Grade 6 or 7, but were not yet 12 years old, you will qualify for the ACSM on your 16th birthday.

  • If you started attending S.A.C. in Grade 7 (and were already 12 years old) you will qualify when you have completed Grade 10.

  • If you started attending S.A.C. in grade 8, you will qualify when you have completed Grade 11.

  • If you started attending S.A.C. in grade 9, you will qualify when you have completed Grade 12.

  • If you belonged to another cadet corps (army, sea or air) prior to coming to S.A.C., you may add that time to the time you have been at St. Andrew's College.

Q. What if I had previous service in another Army, Air or Sea Cadet Corps before coming to St. Andrew's College?

A. An Army Cadet who has previously served with the Air Cadets or the Sea Cadets may count such service to the eligibility period for the ACSM. Eligible service is also portable (i.e. countable) between army cadet corps. You must of course provide proof of your service with another cadet corps when you arrive at St. Andrew's College.

Q. Will the Medal be issued to me automatically when I complete four years cadet service?

A. No. You must complete the application for (see above) and submit it to the Cadet Office for the approval of the Commanding Officer and Headmaster (as the sponsor representative). The medal will then be presented to you at an appropriate occasion.

Q. Where can I find a copy of the application form?

A. The application can be found at: Army Cadet Service Medal Application Form  

Q. What is my Cadet Enrolment Date?

A. This depends on your age when you started at St. Andrew's College:

  • If you were already 12 years old on the first day you started at St Andrew's College, your enrolment date is the same date as your first day.
  • If you were NOT 12 years old on the first day you started at St. Andrew's College, your enrolment date is the same date as your birthday on which you turned 12 years old.

Q. The application asks for my cadet release date - what is this?

A. The release date is the date you ended your cadet involvement. If you are still a cadet at St. Andrew's College, you should mark this space "N/A" (for not applicable). If you are a former cadet applying for the ACSM, indicate the date you graduated from St. Andrew's College.

Q. Where do I wear the Army Cadet Service Medal?

A. The Medal with ribbons and bars may be worn in accordance with military protocol over the left pocket on all ceremonial occasions . When in undress uniform, the ribbon shall be worn over and above the edge of the left breast pocket. The Army Cadet Service Medal will be worn at the extreme left of all decorations and medals of the Cadet system, all in accordance with existing dress regulations of the Canadian Cadet Organization and, if/where permitted, of the Canadian Honours System.

Q. What if I lose my Army Cadet Service Medal?

A. Replacement medals may be issued to an individual, at cost (currently $10.00), after proof of original issue is produced and an application re-submitted to the National Office. No replacement medal shall be issued without supporting proof of original issue, the onus to produce such proof being upon the applicant. Use the same application and check off the box marked "Replacement Medal".

Q. What if I graduated but was never awarded an Army Cadet Service Medal for which I qualified?

A. Former cadets who left the cadet corps (or graduated)  any time on or before December 31, 2003 may apply through #142 St. Andrew's College Highland Cadet Corps for this award, but will be required to offset the cost of the medal as determined by the Army Cadet League of Canada from time to time (the cost is $10.00 as of January 2004). Complete the application and attach a cheque for $10.00 payable to the Army Cadet League of Canada - National. Send or deliver your application and cheque to St. Andrew's College c/o Cadet Office.