Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 2011-02-02
Invested on: 2011-06-10
Colonel Burt was the commanding officer of the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team, in Kandahar, from March to October 2009. His command presence and mentorship empowered the 1st Brigade, 205th Corps of the Afghan National Army to successfully conduct increasingly complex operations, disrupting enemy objectives and strengthening the Afghan government’s authority within the province. His leadership inspired his soldiers to persevere as they faced peril on a daily basis, all while mentoring soldiers at remote locations throughout the area of operations. Colonel Burt’s understanding of Afghanistan’s political situation ensured his unit’s success and reinforced Canada's international reputation.