Posted on Oct 28, 2016
Should awards only be worn if they are annotated on your ERB?
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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
DA Pam 670-1
Uniforms
ERB
Awards
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 39
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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.
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1SG (Join to see)
Generally I wear the whole nine yards. Not to look all grand or whatever, but because Joe looks up to you. It is a pain at times keeping all that current.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
I'll admit I didn't change a ribbon bar for just one ribbon, I changed it when there were two or more to add. Usually You had to obtain a new backing holder and I wanted to make it less frequent adding more to it rather than keep buying bars to hold them. I found though as i advanced in rank that I agree with You 1st Sergeant, they do have their value to demonstrate to You troops You have paid Your dues and maybe inspire them.
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LTC (Join to see)
The reg actually uses the term "authorized for wear".
However, keep in mind that when you take your official photo your ribbons should match your Record Brief. This has forced me to update my rack every year.
I have actually gone from a thin ribbon rack to a standard build it yourself as it is much easier to update every year.
I do still have my thin ribbon. And while it has about 4 fewer ribbons, I often just use that on my B's as it is easier.
However, keep in mind that when you take your official photo your ribbons should match your Record Brief. This has forced me to update my rack every year.
I have actually gone from a thin ribbon rack to a standard build it yourself as it is much easier to update every year.
I do still have my thin ribbon. And while it has about 4 fewer ribbons, I often just use that on my B's as it is easier.
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I knew a soldier in 1973 that only wore 1 ribbon - sky blue with 5 stars.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
If you earned that award, all rank and other decorations, coins, letters, rank and junk basically don't mean anything. It would be pretty epic to wear no rank or anythign else but that award. I doubt even the CSM or the Army would say anything to you.
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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.
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SGT (Join to see)
Very true. Soldiers (I would say service member but I don't know what other branches have instead) ERB/ORB is what personell uses to generate the info that goes on your DD214, so it is especially important to make sure it is up to date when preparing for ETS'ing or retiring. Especially if you have an award that gets you extra benefits in the civilian life...i.e. purple heart, silver star, medal of honor, etc...
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SFC (Join to see)
I wear what's on my latest DD214, I have attempted without success to get the ANG to update my ERB with my previous service awards whilst in the USMC.
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SPC (Join to see)
Is there anywhere I can find this in a regulation so I can show my 1SG, my unit “lore” is that if it isn’t on your SRB/ERB, you can’t wear it.
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SPC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see)Same here SFC, I have multiple awards and commendations on my Dd2-14 (prior navy) I know some don’t transfer to Army but they get dumbstruck when it comes to adding it to my SRB.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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COL (Join to see)
I recommend requesting that your record is corrected and all awards are included. This can be processed easily. If not for you, then to ensure your record of service is accurate.
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SPC (Join to see) - 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).
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SPC (Join to see)
I went to the board last year SSG Webster and I am well versed in my regulations even as a SPC, I just like to have open discussion with SMS of different rank and experience.
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SSG Robert Webster
SPC (Join to see) and SSG Marc W., thanks for the responses. Bottom line or the executive summary - the answers when it comes to something like this, should always be based on the regulations and local policies.
Next, it depends and that is where you go back to the regulations, publications and local policies for initial guidance.
It then comes down to just a few choices:
1. Is it explicitly or implicitly mandatory - DA Photo or by order of the commander/implicit such as when there is no previous guidance or policy (orders) for a promotion board.
2. Optional mandatory - this is one by regulation - if wearing a foreign award or badge, a US award or badge must be worn. Your choice - wear both, just the US one, or none at all.
3. Your choice absent of orders/policies to the contrary. Some commands actually spell it out in either local regulations and or policies, to make it easier for everyone.
Next, it depends and that is where you go back to the regulations, publications and local policies for initial guidance.
It then comes down to just a few choices:
1. Is it explicitly or implicitly mandatory - DA Photo or by order of the commander/implicit such as when there is no previous guidance or policy (orders) for a promotion board.
2. Optional mandatory - this is one by regulation - if wearing a foreign award or badge, a US award or badge must be worn. Your choice - wear both, just the US one, or none at all.
3. Your choice absent of orders/policies to the contrary. Some commands actually spell it out in either local regulations and or policies, to make it easier for everyone.
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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.
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1LT (Join to see)
Good information SGT. Thanks for posting this. I’ve still been running around saying ERB/ORB
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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.
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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.
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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.
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