After getting out of the USMC and joining the Navy Reserve, are there any new decorations I need to buy?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 18:57:32 -0400

I got out of the USMC with the following medals:
-Good Conduct (USMC)
-GWOT
-NatDef
Now I'm in the Navy Reserve. Is there any new decorations i need to buy???

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 14 at 2021 7:55 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 19:55:27 -0400

If they wanted you to have a medal they would issue you one

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2021 12:55 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:55:43 -0400

No new medals/ribbons to buy unless you've earned new medals/ribbons with the Navy

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 15 at 2021 9:38 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 09:38:46 -0400

Nothing new to buy from the USMC side but anything you earn on the Navy side would be additional.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2021 12:32 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 12:32:16 -0400

It's an important question to ask as many service members have not been awarded the things they earned over the years due to ignorance or laziness. That said, there shouldn't be too much at this early stage in your career. Make sure you maintain your USMC documents as you move forward.

As for the Navy Reserve, there are a few differences but not many to worry about. For example, unlike the Army and Marines the Navy and Air Force have a marksmanship ribbon instead of a badge.

The Navy got rid of the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal in 2014 and now issues the Navy Good Conduct Medal to Active Sailors and Reservists, so that's not something you have to worry about the difference of anymore.

If you deploy you will be eligible for the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. There's probably more but you'll just have to read the regs and communicate with your chain.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 15 at 2021 1:40 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 13:40:59 -0400

When you earn more, yes.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Apr 9 at 2023 5:33 PM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 17:33:30 -0400

I'd wait til you've actually been awarded a decoration before making any major purchases.