Posted on Feb 20, 2018
What is everyone's thought on wearing service ribbons in rows of 4 rather than the usual rows of 3?
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DA PAM 670-1 is the Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and paragraph 20–6.a.(2) states that "The determination of whether three or four ribbons are worn in each row is based upon the size of the coat and the position of the lapel." That said, the only photos I can find of people switching from the standard 3-across rack to the "grande" version are General Officers, Command Sergeants Major, and other ultra-senior service members.
I've been considering going big for a while to help with my OCD regarding alignment (4 across is a nearly identical width to the pocket), and now with the addition of 2 more hero medals, I'm starting think that it makes sense to go wide before I end up with a CIB on my shoulder!
Curious to get the group's throughs. Is 4-across something that people have seen in the real (non-Pentagon) world? Does it give off an air of pretentiousness or elitism that one may want to avoid? Does it risk giving some CSM a turrets tick because one of these things is not like the other? Or is it something that literally nobody has ever or will ever put this much thought into again.
I say again... OCD.
Thanks for the insight!
I've been considering going big for a while to help with my OCD regarding alignment (4 across is a nearly identical width to the pocket), and now with the addition of 2 more hero medals, I'm starting think that it makes sense to go wide before I end up with a CIB on my shoulder!
Curious to get the group's throughs. Is 4-across something that people have seen in the real (non-Pentagon) world? Does it give off an air of pretentiousness or elitism that one may want to avoid? Does it risk giving some CSM a turrets tick because one of these things is not like the other? Or is it something that literally nobody has ever or will ever put this much thought into again.
I say again... OCD.
Thanks for the insight!
Ribbons
Awards
Medals
Dress Uniform
Edited 7 y ago
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 40
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I think you are on the right track. If the 4-wise rack is the same width as your pocket, then go with that.
To me, it depends on your size and build. If you’re small like me, the 3-wide rack is called for. If your broader-chested, I think the 3-wide mount would look...off. Therefore, go with the 4-row.
I interpreted the option as being the same concept as the approximations on the female uniform. It’s meant to accommodate for different sizes.
To me, it depends on your size and build. If you’re small like me, the 3-wide rack is called for. If your broader-chested, I think the 3-wide mount would look...off. Therefore, go with the 4-row.
I interpreted the option as being the same concept as the approximations on the female uniform. It’s meant to accommodate for different sizes.
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SFC (Join to see)
Additionally, you could start alligning your ribbons and badges to the right of the pocket. It will get your wings and CIB out from under your lapel a bit more.
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CPT (Join to see)
That's the best part of this config in my opinion: I no longer feel bad about left-aligning everything. That'll bring the chesticles all the way to the pocket edge with the ribbons, mostly out from under the lapel. Tired of just showing off the B in that CIB!
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Have to agree with most on here. I'm 5'5" tall and if I went for the 4 across, I'd lose everything above the second row to my lapel. It's no secret that the majority of senior officers and NCO's are well above average height. The majority of them have a mass of awards and ribbons. It makes sense if you are 6'95" to have a 4 across rack, so your awards don't go over your shoulder.
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