History
Until 1989 the Defence Force had no dedicated way to recognise outstanding service away from operations short of an appointment to the Order of Australia. The Conspicuous Service Decorations, instituted on 18 October 1989 by Letters Patent, filled that gap: the Conspicuous Service Cross at the first level, the Conspicuous Service Medal at the second, and the Nursing Service Cross beside them.
The Cross is awarded for outstanding devotion to duty, or outstanding achievement in the application of exceptional skills, judgement or dedication, in non-warlike situations. All ranks are eligible, and well over 1,400 awards have been made: to the commanding officers, project leads, senior sailors and aircrew whose work holds the peacetime Defence Force together. Awards are announced in the Australia Day and King's Birthday lists each January and June, with immediate awards announced separately when the Minister recommends them.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Conspicuous Service Cross is a nickel-silver modified Maltese Cross, each axis 38 millimetres, ensigned with the Crown of Saint Edward in nickel-silver, the arms of the cross interspersed with fluted rays. The obverse bears the Southern Cross surrounded by a laurel wreath; the reverse has a horizontal panel for the recipient's details. The cross hangs from a nickel-silver suspender bar.
The ribbon
Diagonal stripes of bush green and sandy gold.
The 32 millimetre ribbon has alternating diagonal stripes of bush green and sandy gold, colours drawn from the Australian landscape.
Clasps
A further award of the Cross is denoted by a bar worn on the ribbon.
Eligibility
The decoration is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence, for outstanding devotion to duty, or outstanding achievement in the application of exceptional skills, judgement or dedication, in non-warlike situations.
- It is awarded primarily to members of the Australian Defence Force, of any rank, and may be awarded posthumously;
- Awards are announced in the honours lists each January and June, with provision for immediate awards announced separately;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal CSC, with and Bar or and Bars for further awards.
Order of wear
The decoration is worn among the Australian decorations for service, interleaved with the Imperial awards of equivalent standing. The precise neighbours in the order of wear should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Conspicuous Service Cross awarded for?
Outstanding devotion to duty, or outstanding achievement in the application of exceptional skills, judgement or dedication, in non-warlike situations. It is the first level of the Conspicuous Service Decorations.
How does it differ from the Distinguished Service Cross?
The Distinguished Service Cross recognises command and leadership in warlike operations. The Conspicuous Service Cross recognises outstanding service everywhere else: training, capability, command and staff work away from operations.
Who is eligible?
Primarily members of the Australian Defence Force, of any rank. Awards may be made posthumously, and more than 1,400 have been made since 1989.
When are awards announced?
In the Australia Day and King's Birthday honours lists each January and June. The Governor-General may also make immediate awards on the Minister's recommendation, announced separately.
What do the ribbon colours represent?
The alternating diagonal stripes of bush green and sandy gold are drawn from the Australian landscape.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
Yes: CSC, with and Bar or and Bars for further awards.