It is the lowest level of merit award, classed as 'level 4', alongside a Mention in Dispatches and other King's Commendations.

[1] The holder is entitled to wear an emblem of a spray of silver oak leaves.

[2] Originally only one commendation or mention in dispatches emblem of each category could be worn on any one medal ribbon.

[6] In a change introduced in 2014, those with multiple awards may wear up to three of each commendation and mention in dispatch devices on a single campaign medal and ribbon bar.

[7] This table summarises the various King's and Queen's Commendations awarded by the United Kingdom: