Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 2011-09-18
Invested on: 2012-11-15
As commander of the Staff and Language Training Centre from January to October 2010, Colonel Cessford made a significant contribution to developing junior leadership in the Afghan National Army and police force. He called upon his extensive network of battle-hardened Afghan commanders and his own personal experience to develop a program for teaching combat leadership as it relates to Afghanistan’s unique counter-insurgency environment. Colonel Cessford’s efforts laid the foundation for the professionalization of Afghanistan’s security institutions, furthering stability and safety for the local population.