Should awards only be worn if they are annotated on your ERB?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 20:27:38 -0400

So obviously if it's not on your ERB then you can't wear it on your uniform. But what if it is on your ERB and you choose not to wear it? Is that even possible? Or are you mandated by regulation to wear it if you have it on your ERB? Doesn't matter much for me with my 2AAMs and 1 GCM but what about people who've been in awhile and have a decked out chest? I once saw GEN Dempsey wearing his class Bs wth just his nameplate and a handful of medals in a press conference

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2016 8:30 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 20:30:48 -0400

You can wear as few awards as you wish, so long as you wear them correctly and you indeed rate those awards. For certain events, the commander may mandate wear of all awards and accoutrements.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Oct 28 at 2016 8:38 PM

SSgt David Tedrow — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 20:38:18 -0400

In the Marines you only had to wear your personal decorations, did not have to wear unit awards, unless it was a full blown inspection, then you were required to wear all awarded.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2016 8:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 20:49:31 -0400

Yea I saw General Dempsey picture. That made me realize you don't have to wear all your awards. With the amount of awards he has and how tall he is, I'm sure he can't fit them all.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2016 9:25 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 21:25:13 -0400

Well, I don't know about the Army regulations, but I can comment on the Marine Corps unless they to have updated their Uniform Manual. I do believe that if you had earn the right to an award, then you should wear that award. Many Senior Marines during my time were obligated to wear your personal awards, followed by unit awards, then foreign awards if the requirement to do so with the proper uniform of the day or when required by the Commanding Officer. I don't know of any Marine who wouldn't want to wear their personal and unit awards on their uniforms. I guess it's a matter of pride.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2016 9:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 21:55:35 -0400

As the JCS, Dempsey only chose to wear the top two rows of his awards for everyday wear. He felt that the rest of his awards were irrelevant to his position, and it made things easier for his aide to set up his A's and B's since that is what he wore most of the time.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Oct 28 at 2016 10:31 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 22:31:56 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member - I have a couple of questions for you and for those of you that are AD, answering "If I remember correctly...". One if you just came from a board, why are you not referencing the appropriate regulations and publications that you have a question about? First up on the chopping block is AR 670-1 AND DA Pam 670-1, next would/should be AR 600-8-22 AND associated ALARACT messages, and last but not least AR 600-8-104 (HR Records Management).

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 28 at 2016 11:11 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 23:11:50 -0400

The current folk would point you to the correct answer that's valid at the moment. It has changed over time. Back in the day you were required to wear the NDSM but didn't have to wear others. Some local authorities would only allow the top row on khakis which I preferred anyways because it was simpler to slap on every day. Nowadays like what used to be said in the past "smoke 'em if you got 'em" seems to be the vogue but that's all part of the fruit salad mania that's been going on for years.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Oct 29 at 2016 8:19 AM

CPT Andrew Wright — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 08:19:38 -0400

If you have orders or the certificate for the award I doubt if anyone will fault you for wearing it.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2016 2:06 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 14:06:05 -0400

You may choose to not wear anything except your name plate and DUI/RDIs. The regulation does not state you are required to wear everything. Although shiny stuff is still shiny.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 29 at 2016 9:09 PM

SFC George Smith — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 21:09:55 -0400

if it isn't in your records You don't have it... It took 3 years after I retired for My 2 MSM's to catch Up...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2016 10:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 10:52:41 -0400

In my ASU I wear all of my awards. When in Class B I only wear the top three. Just my personal preference. The regulation does not state how many or few you have to wear only that you have earned them and they are in proper order.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2016 8:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 08:15:51 -0400

I have state awards from National Guard , so as long as I have back up documentation I am authorized to wear it.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Oct 31 at 2016 4:37 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 16:37:03 -0400

Before I separated in 09' after 14 years AFI 36-2903 stated "All" medals earned will be worn. I used to piss off my command when I did because my rack was larger than theirs due to being part of AFSOC for 10 of the 14 years.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Oct 31 at 2016 7:57 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 19:57:34 -0400

I don't understand why anyone wouldn't wear what they earned. Seems simple enough.

Response by SSG John Keith made Nov 1 at 2016 6:44 AM

SSG John Keith — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 06:44:27 -0400

Can you wear army civilian awards on your uniform, I think AR670-1 says you can please help clear this up?

Response by SGM Jeffrey Hall made Nov 1 at 2016 7:57 AM

SGM Jeffrey Hall — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 07:57:23 -0400

The ERB is an output document. Source documents are what grant you the authority to wear awards and/or decorations.

Response by SGM Jeffrey Hall made Nov 1 at 2016 7:59 AM

SGM Jeffrey Hall — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 07:59:19 -0400

The ERB is an output document and grants no authority to wear anything. Look at it like a resume. Source documents are what grant you the authority to wear awards and decorations. It is a Soldier's obligation to update their ERB, but the ERB does not grant authority for anything.

Response by SPC Wanda Vergara-Yates made Nov 1 at 2016 8:43 AM

SPC Wanda Vergara-Yates — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 08:43:31 -0400

I will let someone else speak to not wearing awards annotated in sm's records. However, when going before any promotion board, soldier's board or anything related to formal counsel, the two should always match. Remember that SSG's and up must update their DA Photo's when the records change or every two years. This affects your promotions guys. It is crucial to keep all of your records up to date so that when a tossup happens in your unit due to PCS, ETS, Retirement or casualty loss, the Army (and your local MILPO) knows exactly who can replace who and how soon it can happen. I know that my personnel knowledge has a date on it, but some things do not change. I would have extreme difficulty believing this could be one of them. Take care of your records, emergency data card, personnel files, and everything else pertaining to your service. It is the best way to get recognized for the hard work you do beyond your local chain of command. *Salute*

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 8:58 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 08:58:12 -0400

"Should awards only be worn if they are annotated on your ERB?"
Answer: No! Awards should only be worn if properly awarded with orders.
"So obviously if it's not on your ERB then you can't wear it on your uniform."
Answer: Wrong! You can wear any award you have been awarded (received award order)
"What if it is on your ERB and you choose not to wear it? Is that even possible? Or are you mandated by regulation to wear it if you have it on your ERB?"
Answer: Yes! You do not have to wear any award unless mandated by your commander, you only have to wear the required components in AR 670-1.

Note: For DA Photo or Boards the correct answer is your ERB has every award you have award orders for on it. The common procedure is if you were awarded something (i.e. an AAM) and you have the certificate and orders, but you have FAILED to update your ERB/ORB then you do not wear that award so your uniform matches your ERB. You should NEVER have to worry about this because you are a squared away Soldier and make sure your ERB/ORB is up to date at all times. ;-)

Response by CW2 Chris Wilson made Nov 1 at 2016 9:19 AM

CW2 Chris Wilson — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 09:19:26 -0400

My philosophy was to wear whatever awards I felt like wearing regardless of whether or not they're in my file - so long as you have the orders. I'm retired 3 years now and my file still does not have all my awards. Not really my problem anymore.

To my knowledge, the only time you're required to wear all of your awards is if your commander directs you to, such as for official photos or events. Even then, they're not really going to know unless your a recipient of a high award, such as the soldiers medal or silver star.

I recently saw a youtube video of LTG McMasters giving a talk somewhere. He was only wearing two rows of ribbons but he has enough to go over the shoulder. Personally, I think wearing every award when you have that many is a form of vanity. If you want to make a point, just wear your army service ribbon.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 9:20 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 09:20:53 -0400

The wearing of authorized awards is at the option of the soldier. No one is required, unless directed by their commander, to wear awards and badges. The only time a commander or Senior NCO would direct the wear of all authorized awards and badges is for a uniform inspection or pre-board/pre-official photo inspection. All authorized awards are in your ERB/ORB. If not, that needs to be corrected.

Response by SSG Thomas Arneson made Nov 1 at 2016 9:32 AM

SSG Thomas Arneson — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 09:32:56 -0400

What is an ERB?

Response by MSG Randall Rankin made Nov 1 at 2016 10:39 AM

MSG Randall Rankin — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 10:39:50 -0400

YES.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 1 at 2016 10:50 AM

MAJ Alvin B. — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 10:50:52 -0400

The regulations of each service govern the appropriate wear of awards and decorations on the uniform. If memory serves, you may wear some all or none of the ribbons you have earned subject to the aforementioned regulations. Clearly you may not wear unauthorized awards, or awards that you are authorized to accept, but not wear (often called table decorations). In the US Navy there is a tradition of only wearing your highest three on the shirt (Class B, etc...). Be proud of what you have accomplished, and wear what seems appropriate and in accordance with the regulations. On a closing note, you often find that end of service and/or retirement awards are often received after the DD214 is processed. However, as orders are issued, they are legitimate for wear. I hope this helps. Thank you for serving.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 11:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 11:07:29 -0400

I just ask myself who came up with the nonsense if it's not on your ERB, you can't wear it. Bullshyt!!! As long you have the supporting documents supporting the awards/badges/tabs earned, then you can wear it regardless if it's on the ERB or not. I haven't seen any regulation that states it's mandatory to wear on OCP or ACU, but on the ASU it would be good to display everything you earned. Once you get high in rank E7 & above, that's when the DA photo with all your awards and ERB really come into play. Those guys on the board want to match what's on ERB to what's on the DA photo.

Response by LTC John Wilson made Nov 1 at 2016 11:37 AM

LTC John Wilson — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 11:37:28 -0400

Awards should only be worn when they are documented by orders and are noted in your personnel file. You should be allowed to wear the awards or not to wear the awards with discretion.

Response by SFC James Asbill made Nov 1 at 2016 12:30 PM

SFC James Asbill — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 12:30:35 -0400

I used to have fun rotating my foreign awards.. and one in which I had more than one in a group.. I.E Air Assault wings and Jump Wings, EIB and CIB... made for some interesting conversations ..

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Nov 1 at 2016 12:44 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 12:44:07 -0400

About the only time you need to wear everything on you've earned is for your DA photo. At that point your photo needs to match your ERB/ORB. If it doesn't, any board looking at your photo is simply going to assume that you don't give a shit enough about your career to put your uniform together properly.

Response by LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr made Nov 1 at 2016 3:33 PM

LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 15:33:03 -0400

I knew a soldier in 1973 that only wore 1 ribbon - sky blue with 5 stars.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Nov 1 at 2016 8:02 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 20:02:54 -0400

Sp4 Byron Skinner. Really two issues are in this question. First did someone earn or not earn an award which is a matter of record, check the 201 file. The second is wearing ribbons. Over the years the military has created a lot of medals and badges to the point especially in the Air Force an E-2 can look like a Latin American Law enforcement officer. Most of these medals/ribbons are little more the soldier of the month awards. I would suggest for both Enlisted and Officers six ribbons should be allowed. Unit awards over the right hand pocket should be limited to three.

Response by SFC John Hill made Nov 2 at 2016 12:19 PM

SFC John Hill — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 12:19:49 -0400

If you have orders for the award, you are authorized to wear it. It becomes a matter of having one’s ERB updated to reflect the award.
As far as wearing authorized awards goes, from AR 670-1 22–2. Authorization
a. Commanders may require the wear of authorized awards on the following occasions:
(1) Parades, reviews, inspections, and funerals. (2) Ceremonial and social occasions.
b. Unless directed by a commander per paragraph 22–2(a), authorized awards are worn at the option of the wearer, when not prohibited, during normal duty hours. Personnel also may wear authorized awards on appropriate uniforms when off duty. Personnel are encouraged to wear authorized awards on the service, dress, and mess uniforms.
c. Soldiers may wear authorized awards on the Class B version of the service uniform during duty hours and when off duty, at their option.

Response by 1SG Robert Rush made Nov 2 at 2016 1:56 PM

1SG Robert Rush — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:56:05 -0400

I have always kept my ribbon bars up to date. Ever ribbon you have been awarded tells a story of you military life. One you should be proud of. They should be warn in accordance with the AR's. You should be proud of them. Ever unit I have been a part of, always wanted you to wear everything you have been awarded. That not only makes the individual stand out but his or her unit also. Take pride in wearing your uniform.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 11:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 23:29:01 -0400

In the Navy, you can wear your top 3 ribbons.

Response by SFC Eldon Meade made Nov 3 at 2016 12:17 AM

SFC Eldon Meade — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 00:17:02 -0400

The section on awards is the responsibility of the individual to insure it is correct. Never wear something that is not recorded properly.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 6:07 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 18:07:37 -0400

You are not required to wear all your awards unless the commander says so.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2017 8:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 08:11:11 -0400

yes

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2017 3:43 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 03:43:41 -0500

If you are doing a DA photo for a board such as E-7 promotion board, it has to be exactly what is on your ERB, otherwise it is my understanding that you have to wear on class A; nametag, rank, branch insignia, U.S. army insignia, weapons qualification, and army service ribbon. Or on class B you only have to wear rank and nametag.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2017 6:34 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 06:34:01 -0500

My father spent 27 years in, went thru CHEMICAL OCS in 1943, was entitled to a chest full of Awards. He never wore a single one. When he passed and was buried in Arlington we put every last one on his uniform. It was really for the family’s vain at the viewing the night before. The chapel at Arlington, the casket is closed and draped. Dad got his way, None of his colleagues ever saw his awards.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2017 8:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 08:17:07 -0500

FYI: 2017, it is now being called the SRB (Soldiers Record Brief) the whole system is being integrated with the Pay system (IPPS-A), so it will a one-stop shop so to speak.