[2] The decoration is awarded to all ranks, who must have a good record of conduct during the final eight years of claimed service.

[3] The medal was initially awarded to all members of the Royal Family who served in the Canadian Forces, even without completion of twelve years of service; this has, however, not been automatic since 1953.

The medal is decagonal (ten-sided, representing the ten provinces), 36 millimetres across the flats, with raised busts.

The reverse of the medal has a naval crown, three maple leaves and an eagle representing the navy, army and air force from top to bottom.

[1] The clasp is tombac and is 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) high, has the Canadian coat of arms in the centre surmounted by a crown, and is gold in colour.