The Republic of Namibia has an honours system comprising orders, medals, military decorations, and police decorations. Legislation also provides for the establishment of decorations and medals for the intelligence service,[1] the prisons service,[2] and the fire services.[3]
These honours and awards superseded those used by the then territory of South West Africa before independence in 1990.
Orders
The following orders are conferred by the President of Namibia:[4]
- Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia mirabilis (1995- ) — for the President and other heads of state.
- Most Brilliant Order of the Sun (1995 -) — for meritorious service.
- Most Excellent Order of the Eagle (1995 -) — for diplomatic services.
- Order of the Mukorob (1995 -) — for meritorious military service.
- Most Distinguished Order of Namibia (1995 -) — for meritorious service.
Namibian Defence Force
The Namibian Defence Force has the following decorations and medals:
- Namibian Cross for Bravery: Gold
- Namibian Cross for Bravery: Silver
- Namibian Cross for Bravery: Bronze
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- Campaign Medal — for service in military operations, e.g. in East Timor and Sierra Leone.
- Medal of Honour — presented to the next-of-kin of NDF personnel who are killed on service.
- Commendation Medal — Awarded to NDF officers of ranks of Colonel and above, recognition of exceptional service, loyalty and diligence.
- Operation Mandume campaign Medal[5]— Awarded to NDF Personnel that participated in anti UNITA cross border operations.
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- Service Medal: Gold — for 30 years service in the NDF.
- Service Medal: Silver — for 20 years service in the NDF.
- Service Medal: Bronze — for 10 years service in the NDF.
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Namibian Army
The Namibian Army has the following decorations and medals:
- Army Pioneer Medal[6]— Awarded to Army personnel that were the pioneers of the Army in 1990
- Army 10 years service Medal[7]
- Army 20 years service Medal[8]
- Army Commendation Medal
Namibian Navy
The Namibian Navy has the following decorations and medals:
- Navy Pioneer Medal[9]
- Southern Cross Medal[10]
- Navy Cross Medal[11]
- Gold Star Medal[12]
- Sacharia Medal[13]
- Achievement Medal [14]
- Ten Year Service[15]
- 750 Days at Sea Service Medal[16]
- 250 Days at Sea Service Medal[17]
Namibian Air Force
The Namibian Air Force has the following decorations and medals:
- Air Force Pioneer Medal
- Air Force 10 years service Medal
- Air Force 20 years service Medal
- Air Force Commander's Exemplary Medal
- Air Cadre Medal
- Air Force Longevity Medal
Namibian Police Force
The Namibian Police Force has the following decorations and medals[18]
- NP Cross of Honour (CH) (2003- ) — for a very exceptional death-defying act of conspicuous bravery.
- NP Cross for Bravery (CB) (2003- ) — for an act of bravery in great danger.
- Decoration for Outstanding Meritorious Svce of the Highest Order (OMS) (2003- ) — for outstanding meritorious service of the highest order (officers only).
- Decoration for Outstanding Meritorious Service and Utmost Devotion to Duty (DSD) (2003- ) — for outstanding meritorious service and utmost devotion to duty (other ranks only).
- Commendation Medal (2003- ) — for special service of a high order.
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- Campaign Medal (2003- ) — for service in operations.
- Medal of Honour (2003- ) — presented to the next-of-kin of NPF personnel who are killed in the execution of their duties.
- Wound Medal (2003- ) — for being severely wounded in the execution of duty.
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- NP Service Medal: Gold (2003- ) — for 30 years service in the NPF.
- NP Service Medal: Silver (2003- ) — for 20 years service in the NPF.
- NP Service Medal: Bronze (2003- ) — for 10 years service in the NPF.
- Reservist Medal (2003- ) — for 5 years service as a police reservist.
- Honourable Discharge Medal (2003- ) — awarded on honourable discharge from the NPF.
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- President's Shottist Medal (2003- ) — for the winners of the annual shooting championships.