Posted on Sep 4, 2014
CPO Jon Campbell
134K
40
18
5
5
0
I tried to order a ribbon set on-line and the rack builder informed me that I could not have 4 gold stars and an O device on my Meritorious Team Commendation ribbon. I checked the manual, but I couldn't find any prohibition against having more than 4 devices. How do you properly wear a ribbon with an O and 5 awards? I have always put 2 stars on each side of the O.
Posted in these groups: Ribbons banner2 MedalsUs medals AwardsRibbons logo Ribbons
Avatar feed
Responses: 9
SFC Mark Merino
13
13
0
CPO Jon Campbell In the Army, we could only use up to 4 appurtenances on a reward. I believe that is universal for all services since the Dept of Heraldry is DOD. I ran into the same issue at the 10 Army Achievement mark. If silver is "5" and then the bronze only included "4" ....Then you either max out at 4 appurtenances or 9 awards. According to our beloved AR 670-1 the solution, as insane as it sounds, is to wear a second award. Your Meritorious Team Commendation ribbon with all the chatchkies comes first, and then the slick one immediately follows suit (in the lessor award position). I am sans coffee at the moment so if I am vague, put me on blast and I'll clarify. Try not being so high speed and you won't run into these issues....lol
(13)
Comment
(0)
SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
10 y
It's lonely at the top CPO Jon Campbell .
(0)
Reply
(0)
MSgt Scott Ashley
MSgt Scott Ashley
10 y
I had the same problem with the outstanding unit awards... It does look like a goof, but that's what you do...
(0)
Reply
(0)
SSgt Michael Cox
SSgt Michael Cox
>1 y
the problem is having room on the ribbon for all the devices. if i remember right my on my ribbon rack i have 2 outstanding unit ribbons because of my V and 4 oak leaf clusters wouldn't fit.
(0)
Reply
(0)
TSgt Joshua Copeland
TSgt Joshua Copeland
>1 y
SSgt Michael Cox, I have the same issue with the AFOUA. I have it with the "V" and "13" devices. Ends up being on Ribbon with the "V", 2 Silver OLC, 1 Bronze OLC and a second ribbon with a single Bronze OLC.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
CMSgt Mark Lewis
7
7
0
In the Air Force, the AFI guidance is you can only wear four devices on any one decoration/ribbon. If and when you have more awards then you wear a second decoration/ribbon of the same type.
(7)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CMC Robert Young
4
4
0
Jon, that's a new one for me. I've seen a number of people w/ five devices on their ribbons, typically as you say a combination of operational "O"s and stars denoting subsequent awards. Thinking maybe the vendor isn't up to speed on what is allowed.
(4)
Comment
(0)
CPO Jon Campbell
CPO Jon Campbell
10 y
I have seen it too and I've never had anyone tell me that 4 devices was the limit. It wouldn't surprise me if it was against Heraldry standards though. The CG has not always been in tune there.
(1)
Reply
(0)
LCDR Chaplain
LCDR (Join to see)
7 y
I believe the sea services allow 5 items per ribbon, while the Army and Air Force only allow 4. But it gets trickier too. Say you have the O and a gold star; USMC (hypothetically, since O is a USCG device) would put the star to the RIGHT of the O as the observer is looking at it, while USN/USCG would put it to the LEFT. Then a star on either side. Then USN/USCG put 2 to the left and 1 to the right. Then 2 on either side. So I'd assume, from that pattern, that as looking as an observer, it's 3 stars then an O then 2 stars (left to right). USMC would be the opposite, 2 then O then 3. USA/USAF would just have 2 ribbons. I can't find regs for that, it's in the old Medals of America Medals from 1939 to present book...and yes, I realize the post is around 1000 days old.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close