deserves the award. Any cadet (CDTWO1(E) and below) can be nominated for the Cadet of the Year Award. Initially a two-day competition held each October or September in each year, this version of the award was short lived due to the cost and lack of ability to travel for some personnel. With the active competition version of the award only occurring between 2016 – 2018. The recipient is invited to the New Zealand Defence Force Person of the Year Awards to receive the award. Cadet Force Medal The most commonly received award is the Cadet Force Medal. Commissioned Officers are awarded the Cadet Forces Medal (CFM) after 12 years of continuous service from the age of 18 and choosing to become an Officer Cadet. After each further eight years of continuous service, a clasp to the CFM is awarded. Personnel who receive this award typically hold the rank of Captain(E) due to the time in service required for the medal. However, it's possible for Officers holding junior ranks such as Second Lieutenant (E) to be awarded this medal. Commandant's Commendation The 'COMDT NZCF Commendation' is available to NZCF personnel and Cadet Units whose contributions to the NZCF deserve formal recognition, but which may not meet the criteria for honours and awards from the Sovereign, or CDF/Service Chief/NZDF Commendations. A Commandant's Commendation may be awarded to a member of the New Zealand Cadet Force for an act of gallantry, bravery or specific courage that, in the opinion of the Commandant, is worthy of recognition but does not merit a higher award. Alternatively the Commendation may be awarded for a singular accomplishment or extraordinary performance of duty over time. Commandant's Coin Acting as an official 'challenge coin' of the New Zealand Cadet Forces. The Commandant's Coin is open to all individuals involved and associated with the New Zealand Cadet Forces. While not an award the coin is personal recognition to those who have provided valuable service to the NZCF; the service being above that normally expected. Recipients are at the discretion of the commandant. New Year/Birthday Honours While New Zealand Cadet Force members are not eligible for awards in the Military List of New Year or Birthday Honours. They are, however, eligible for awards in the Civil list New Zealand Defence Force Chiefs Commendations The New Zealand Chief of the Defence Force and single service Chiefs (Army/Navy/Air Force) make available Defence Commendation