Military Distinction
Military distinction is a broad concept encompassing various forms of recognition and honors awarded for exceptional service or achievements within the armed forces. These distinctions are often manifested through military awards and decorations, which serve as a mark of honor for military heroism, meritorious or outstanding service, or achievement.
Types of Military Distinctions
Medals and Decorations
Military decorations are physical tokens, often in the form of medals, that symbolize various levels of valor, service, or achievement. They usually consist of a ribbon and a medallion. For instance, the Medal "For Distinction in Military Service" of Azerbaijan recognizes outstanding military service.
Titles and Ranks
In some nations, special titles or ranks are awarded as a form of distinction. In France, for example, the title of Marshal of France is a military distinction, awarded to generals for exceptional achievements rather than being a rank. Similarly, in the former Yugoslavia, the Marshal of Yugoslavia was the highest military distinction, equivalent to the highest military hierarchy.
Courses and Qualifications
Military distinction can also be achieved through the completion of certain prestigious courses. In France and Belgium, an officer who completes a course at a military academy may receive the Brevet d'état-major as a form of distinction.
Civilian Awards with Military Distinction
Some civilian awards have military distinctions as well, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the United States. This award can be further denoted as "with distinction," although there are no specific criteria for this designation.
Historical Context
Military distinctions have been present since ancient times, evolving in form and significance. The Egyptians, during the Old Kingdom and New Kingdom, awarded the Order of the Golden Collar and the Order of the Golden Fly. The Celts and Romans also had their forms of military decorations, such as the torc and the hasta pura, a spear without a tip.
Among the oldest military decorations still in use are Sweden's För tapperhet i fält (For Valour in the Field) and För tapperhet till sjöss (For Valour at Sea), which recognize acts of valor during wartime.