Order of Military Merit (Russia)

Order "For Military Merit"
Order "For Military Merit" (obverse)
Awarded by  Russian Federation
Type	Single grade order
Eligibility	Citizens of the Russian Federation
Awarded for	Distinguished and exemplary military service
Status	Active
Statistics
Established	March 2, 1994
First awarded	January 6, 1995
Precedence
Next (higher)	Order of Courage
Next (lower)	Order "For Naval Merit"
Ribbon of the Order "For Military Merit"

The Order "For Military Merit" (Russian: Орден «За военные заслуги») is a military decoration of the Russian Federation established by presidential decree № 442 of March 2, 1994 to reward military excellence. Its statute was amended three times, first on January 6, 1999 by decree № 19, then on September 7, 2010 by decree № 1099 which modernised the entire Russian awards system and finally on December 16, 2011 by Presidential Decree № 1631.

The Order "For Military Merit" is awarded to military personnel for exemplary performance of military duties, for high combat readiness in ensuring Russia's defence; for high personal performance in career and vocational training, for courage and dedication displayed during the performance of military duties in the course of combat or combat-training objectives; for bravery and courage displayed in the performance of military duties; for merit in strengthening military cooperation with friendly nations.

The intended recipient and the person recommending the award must both have a minimum of 20 years of service.

The Order "For Military Merit" may be awarded to employees of the military–industrial complex of the Russian Federation, of scientific and research organizations or government agencies: for services in design, manufacture and commissioning of modern military equipment and weapons; for personal contributions to national defence policies, development of military science, in strengthening national defence and in promoting interstate military-technical cooperation.

The Order may also be awarded to foreign nationals from among the members of the armed forces of allied foreign countries: for merit in strengthening military cooperation with Russia and organising joint military manoeuvres during military exercises.

The Order "For Military Merit" is worn on the left side of the chest and when in the presence of other Orders and medals of the Russian Federation, is located immediately after the Order of Courage. A rosette in the colours of the ribbon of the Order may be worn on civilian clothing.

The Order "For Military Merit" is a 40 millimetres (1.6 in) wide silver and enamelled eight pointed star. The four diagonal points of the star being enamelled in the national colours of Russia, white, blue and red. The obverse has a central red enamelled medallion with the silver state emblem of Russia in the center. The medallion is surrounded by a silver band with a relief laurel wreath on the lower half and the relief inscription "FOR MILITARY MERIT" (Russian: «ЗА ВОЕННЫЕ ЗАСЛУГИ») following its outer circumference in the upper half. The otherwise plain reverse bears the award serial number at the bottom.