Wissam al-Askari ("The Order of the Military") was founded by Sultan Mulay Abdelhafid of Morocco on 7 August 1910.

[citation needed] Revived and expanded by King Hassan II as the Wisam al-Istihqaq al-Askari al-Sharifiya or "Sharifian (Royal) Order of Military Merit", on 14 December 1966.

The decoration may also be conferred on general officers during for exceptional leadership during times of war, provided their services to date have already received recognition with appointment to the Order of the Throne.

Conferred for eminent and meritorious military services by officers of the armed forces including positions of command, training or the preparation of national defence.

The fourth class may be conferred on NCOs, ordinary soldiers and agents of the police and auxiliary service for acts of bravery in the course of security operations or the maintenance of law and order.