What is the single most improperly worn ribbon?

CPO Jon Campbell — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 08:54:53 -0500

Every time I pick up a new issue of the Reservist magazine, I seem to see photos of people wearing the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (AFRM) improperly. It is probably the most complicated medal / ribbon in the military, but still, a Master Chief or Admiral should be able to wear it correctly. It is never worn without an attachment of some kind, so a naked ribbon immediately jumps out as just plain wrong. Are there other ribbons that rival the AFRM for improper wear?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 9:36 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 09:36:04 -0500

The Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals. Campaign stars are to be worn for each campaign in which the servicemember served one or more days, so no one should wear the ICM or ACM without at least one service star. <div><br></div><div>We all take pride in our service, and outwardly showing your pride is so simple that even this trivial matter becomes important. </div>

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 10 at 2014 12:17 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 00:17:24 -0400

I'm retired and don't wear them anymore but I have one that has an Oak Leaf on it. I think it is something like a Joint Meritorious Unit Award with a Presidential Border and Oak Leaf. One of those real odd ball things and had something to do with my participation with Fiery Vigil I think.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 7:24 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 07:24:23 -0400

Maj Kile hit the big one. Second to that one is the good conduct medal. Most of our awards the ribbon counts as one so if you have 2 then you only wear one oak leaf cluster, so on and so forth. The AGC is different in that when you have two, then you wear two knots (not just one), three awards, three knots so on and so forth.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 10 at 2014 7:27 AM

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 07:27:25 -0400

I feel like I should make a joke about ribbons being worn upside down...

Response by SFC Timothy Riser made Apr 10 at 2014 10:12 AM

SFC Timothy Riser — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 10:12:35 -0400

The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal - Blue to the heart

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 12:53 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 May 2014 12:53:52 -0400

The others have already been mentioned, but I see confusion with the NATO (ISAF) medal. I see people try to wear the ISAF Bar/Clasp that got issued with it- but while it's part of the medal for the other NATO countries, HRC states the bar is not authorized for US Army wear. I've seen people keep it on the medals (mini or full), and one person even put something on the ribbon. Also, the campaign stars do not carry over to the NATO medal: no stars unless you've been in multiple DIFFERENT NATO operations.

https://www.hrc.army.mil/TAGD/NATO%20Medal

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 9 at 2014 2:46 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 09 May 2014 14:46:40 -0400

I've got one with an Oak Leaf on it and a border. I want to say it's Joint Meritorious Unit and that is weird. Something about the Gold Border because the President signed it and damn if I remember why it required a that silly leaf in the middle but it just looks so odd.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 2:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 May 2014 14:50:07 -0400

Unit awards! Wheat grows up!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 20 at 2014 11:03 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:03:10 -0400

Well, you already hit the AFRM, so the rest of my peeves are:

1) Backwards Combat Action Ribbons.

2) Iraq and Afghanistan campaign medals with no campaign stars.

3)People not understanding the "knot/hitch" system on the Good Conduct Medal

4) People putting a star on their National Defense medal for getting out, and then reenlisting.

5)People not using shirt-stays! (Ok, it's not a requirement, but dammit people, you look like ass without them!

I have a ton more, but they're very Army award/uniform specific.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 11:33 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:33:47 -0400

I am going to double up on the NATO Medals. I received my first from Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1995-1996. Got my second one in 2011-2012 in Afghanistan. First: wasn't aware that you can only wear ONE...and for the recod I think that's dumb. If you were in different campaigns with NATO, you should be able to wear them, but regs are regs. Second: You can only wear the FIRST one you were awarded. SO...even if I wanted to wear the Afghan Nato Medal, I couldn't because it was my second award. Even though it looks different with the silver stripes. I actually took a DA photo with them both on and thank goodness I showed it to my CSM for a "proof read."

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 11:43 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:43:25 -0400

Second nomination here...almost forgot...and it's a pet peeve: misrouted fouregeres. The fouregere is meant to start at the button, go backwards BEHIND your shoulder and then under your arm-pit and then clasp on the button from the front, with the tip bending down in an upside down "U". I see people with it strung around the front and dangle straight off the shoulder.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 25 at 2014 8:57 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Sun, 25 May 2014 08:57:48 -0400

I'm going to nominate the Presidential Unit Citation. Many people wear it upside down. The wheat along the border should be opening skyward, like a "V"

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 26 at 2014 2:15 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Mon, 26 May 2014 14:15:13 -0400

NG Awards on Federalized Troops.
Campaign Stars on ICM

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2014 11:37 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 11:37:14 -0400

Combat Action Ribbon

i just tell folks that when you look at the ribbon, the center should be red, white, and blue. People jack it up all the time.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2014 12:49 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 12:49:36 -0400

The challenge with the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (AFRM) is that it has three separate devices that can be worn on it (Hourglass, "M", and numerals), and the positioning changes depending on which ones you have. Having one (either Hourglass -or- "M") is easy; you just center it. Having two (Hourglass -and- "M", or "M" -and- numeral) is strange because the "M" *always* goes centered while the Hourglass or numerals go on either the left or right, respectively, which makes the ribbon/medal seem unbalanced. The solution to that is to get all 3, so that it is balanced again...
BTW, mine is unbalanced in exactly this way. Hourglass and M, but no numeral. I have mild OCD so it bugs the hell out of me.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2014 7:50 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 19:50:52 -0400

The Naval Reserve Medal.

It has not been awarded since 1958. I feel like I am always correcting junior Petty Officers who go get it, thinking that it is their Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (Good Conduct), which itself has been phased out. The Navy is going to the single Good Conduct Medal for AC and RC.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 2 at 2015 5:59 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 17:59:19 -0500

One that isn't "wrong" but does draw a lot of looks is when an individual has so many awards that they have to wear a second ribbon.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 2:16 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 14:16:55 -0500

CPO Jon Campbell l Funny story about an improperly worn ribbon: I rate a MUC and a NUC, however when I went to the PX I purchased a PUC. I mounted it, and one day while walking around base in my Charlie uniform a 1stSgt pulled me aside and asked me about my service, and how long I've been in, and how old I was...I asked why he wanted to know so much about me, sort of caught by surprise. He then pointed to the ribbon and asked me which one that was, I told him NUC, thankfully, he told me NO, that is a PUC, and the last time that was given out was during Vietnam and if I didn't want additional attention, I would change it as soon as possible. He was gracious to let me move out smartly to the PX and square away my rack. Never made that mistake twice.

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 10:40 AM

BG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 10:40:34 -0500

I second that it is the AFRM. Primarily because almost no one gets the numerals right. Most people put a numeral for the number of times they have mobilized, but it is actually the number of operations you have mobilized for. So you could go to OIF three times but it still only counts as one. GOMO caught me on this prior to submitting for the GO board and I had to re-shoot my photo.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Mar 17 at 2015 5:11 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 17:11:04 -0400

If it is the one that I'm thinking about, it is , or was, naked until you got your first hourglass.
Maybe 10 years after first award? I think my father had a naked one. He had an ole USNR ribbon that he got for service from 1946 until 1951 and 1954* until 1958 (10 years) and then got the new one in 1968 and retired in 1972, so never got an hour glass.

You could not count AD time so it tolled when on AD for KPA.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 10:23 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 22:23:09 -0400

I see the Kosovo Campaign Medal worn upside down a lot.

Response by PO1 Woody W. made Mar 20 at 2015 9:58 PM

PO1 Woody W. — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 21:58:49 -0400

Numerous ribbons with a symmetrical color design or mark that are worn upside down or backwards. This is right out of the Navy's uniform Regulations covering Navy ribbons (some are dated, however, I'm sure were still mounted and worn incorrectly):

Section 5310, para 4:
Display ribbons which have a symmetrical color design or have stars as part of the design, as follows:
a. American Campaign Service Medal. The dark blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.
b. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. The blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.
c. Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. The dark blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.
d. Combat Action Ribbon. The outermost blue stripe is to the wearer's right, even when worn on the right side when large medals are worn..
e. European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. The blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.
Korean Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon. The red portion of the circular device in the center is
uppermost, and the ribbon has a gold frame.
g. Kosovo Campaign Medal. The broad blue stripe is to the wearer's right.
h. Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait). The black stripe is uppermost.
i. Inter-American Defense Board Ribbon. The red stripe is to the wearer’s right.
j. Medal of Honor Ribbon. The star should form an M with the single ray of all stars pointing up.
k. Merchant Marine Combat Bar. The light blue stripe is uppermost.
l. Merchant Marine Mariner's Ribbon. The red stripe is to the wearer's right.
m. Navy and Marine Corps Ribbon. The blue stripe is to the wearer's right.
n. Navy Occupation Service Ribbon. The black stripe is to the wearer's right.
o. Philippine Defense Ribbon. The stars form a triangle, base down.
p. Philippine Liberation Ribbon. The blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.
q. Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon. The blue stripe is to the wearer's right,
worn with gold frame.
r. Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon. The blue stripe is uppermost.
s. World War II Theater Ribbon. The blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 17 at 2015 2:08 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 14:08:53 -0400

Unit awards. Just remember the corn grows up.

Response by SSG Kenneth Lanning made Apr 19 at 2015 1:10 AM

SSG Kenneth Lanning — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 01:10:51 -0400

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; seen quite a few put it upside down (red/white/blue); should be blue/white/red as you look at it.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 9:31 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 21:31:45 -0400

I have had so many students come to my class with a star on their NDSM. I tell them to go to the MPF at lunch and get it fixed.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 11:03 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 11:03:03 -0400

I think that the NDSM worn by People who have been deployed more than once without the correct star on it is just wrong.

Response by SPC Carl K. made Apr 26 at 2015 12:16 PM

SPC Carl K. — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 12:16:43 -0400

Other than my Expeditionary Medal, I am most proud of this:

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 12:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 12:27:49 -0400

I mostly see peoples unit awards upside down ("the wheat grows UP not down")

Response by SgtMaj James Kuiken made Aug 24 at 2015 5:00 PM

SgtMaj James Kuiken — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 17:00:20 -0400

For Marines, especially the newbies, its the "ribbon rack" on the right side of the chest when wearing medals on the left side. A lot of them get confused with the "blue toward the heart", which is not correct. The blue is senior, and goes to it's own right (or left if you are looking at it)...which is the same for the ribbon rack. They invariably put the senior ribbons towards the heart (because that's how it goes on the left side), but when only the ribbons are on the right (with medals on the left), you still wear them in the same precedence / order as if they were on the left side of the chest...senior ribbons (and colors on those ribbons) go to their own right (or left, if you are looking at them).

Response by SGT William Howell made Nov 9 at 2015 9:48 AM

SGT William Howell — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 09:48:20 -0500

The Battle "E" on a Army Uniform. Yep try and figure it out if you have other medals that go on the right side.

Response by SSgt Jessie Bolado made Nov 26 at 2015 8:28 PM

SSgt Jessie Bolado — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 20:28:37 -0500

Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon when wearing medals.

Response by COL John Hudson made Dec 3 at 2015 9:09 AM

COL John Hudson — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 09:09:40 -0500

"DEPENDS." Always lots of water boiling over any issue with medals/ribbons, etc. Always check with your local IG if there's ever any question about proper wear (I held every IG position there is during one stint of my 30 years). I've fielded a lot of questions about stars/numbers, and the best COA is to always go to the proper Reg for understanding. One example of a system gone wacky: When I wore a younger man's clothes, I flew helicopters in Vietnam (troop carrying 'Slicks' and some Gunships). At that time in our history, award of the combat Air Medal (AM) was predicated on hours flown separated by type of mission...one AM for each 25 direct combat mission hours and one AM for each 50 resupply hours flown. I accumulated 1,955 hours of documented combat flight time during my two tours, and earned "55" awards of the AM. The ribbon was displayed with a number of 54 on it; the ribbon itself constituting the first, basic award. Confusing...you bet, and a pain to explain. Subsequently, the entire manner of award of the AM was changed to a more manageable system for proper recognition (amen!).

Response by CPO Morgan Hurley made Jun 4 at 2016 12:39 AM

CPO Morgan Hurley — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 00:39:54 -0400

Actually the M is only if someone has been mobilized and the hourglass is only added after the second 10 years (20) of service, much like a star gets added to a Navy Comm or Navy Achievement upon second award. but is not worn for the first one.

Response by SPC Nathaniel Femiano made Dec 9 at 2016 11:51 AM

SPC Nathaniel Femiano — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 11:51:36 -0500

How does this work for someone who got out prior to the ref change my dd214 doesn't reflect the 2 service stars I should have.

Response by SFC William Stephens made Dec 9 at 2016 1:43 PM

SFC William Stephens — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 13:43:07 -0500

I think a lot of people get this one wrong on there DA photos as well, I won't lie when I was working at the Fort Lewis Museum An old Timer WWII Veteran correct me on the wear of this award and this is the single most important award on my uniform as well, to be worn correctly, It can always be worn backwards if not put of correctly. Watch out.

Response by SGT Myles Taylor made Dec 10 at 2016 7:55 AM

SGT Myles Taylor — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 07:55:29 -0500

Here's a fun one always got told by higher ups to place a gold frame around one of my unit awards that I had from prior service when it's not authorized a good frame.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Dec 16 at 2016 10:27 PM

SFC William Farrell — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 22:27:36 -0500

CPO Jon Campbell I usually consider myself pretty up on ribbons and medals but when I retired I had no idea I was authorized a device on my Armed Forces Reserve Medal. when I had some mounted at Medals of America, they mentioned it to me. I'm not sure if that change came out after I retired in 1996. And even the picture that you posted is interesting in that you dont see many E-6's with the Legion of Merit.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 17 at 2016 7:47 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 07:47:37 -0500

I go by the importance and ranking of the ribbon, I also have a chart that shows where the ribbons are suppose to go.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 6:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 May 2017 18:13:18 -0400

All of them if the reflection on the ribbon isn't V's pointed down, according to TOG.

Response by SPC Thomas Bourland made May 2 at 2017 8:48 PM

SPC Thomas Bourland — Tue, 02 May 2017 20:48:21 -0400

Typically when I would have to wear the dress uniform I would have the Korean at the dry cleaners check the order to avoid an error. About the only comment given would be along the lines of dam you are old.

Response by SGT Jon Creager made May 2 at 2017 10:15 PM

SGT Jon Creager — Tue, 02 May 2017 22:15:06 -0400

Plain wrong not plane wrong.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 2 at 2017 11:43 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 02 May 2017 23:43:43 -0400

I don't see it in your example...

Response by MSG Johnathan Mathes made May 3 at 2017 12:09 PM

MSG Johnathan Mathes — Wed, 03 May 2017 12:09:10 -0400

Wow a ssg with a LOM

Response by LCpl Ian Houston made May 3 at 2017 12:45 PM

LCpl Ian Houston — Wed, 03 May 2017 12:45:42 -0400

Your spelling is just Plain wrong.

Response by SFC Dave Zaragoza made May 3 at 2017 3:19 PM

SFC Dave Zaragoza — Wed, 03 May 2017 15:19:44 -0400

I see many ncos n officer alike put a numeral 2 or more on their AFRM, when asked they say I deployed 3-4 times to Iraq or Afghan for OIF, OEF, or ONE. I remind them same contingency is still 1, regardless of multiple deployments. Of course i get shrugged off.

Response by SFC David Hudson made May 3 at 2017 4:50 PM

SFC David Hudson — Wed, 03 May 2017 16:50:07 -0400

I'll just share a story: My Airborne unit in Alaska received a visit from the Army Chief-of-Staff, and of course, we all turned out in our Class As. One of our NCOs was told he "looked outstanding!", and received a CoS coin. After it was over and we were BSing, I mentioned that he looked great, but was out of uniform. He had worn both his CIB and his Master Parachutist Badge above his ribbons. The CoS missed it, our CSM missed it, and our 1SG missed it...despite every last one of us, including them, only wore our CIB above our ribbons.

Response by SPC Joe Haney made May 3 at 2017 5:02 PM

SPC Joe Haney — Wed, 03 May 2017 17:02:01 -0400

When you get out... and go to Memorial Day events wait until,you see the commemorative medals. They're the worst!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2017 5:57 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 May 2017 17:57:14 -0400

My pet peeve is stars on the Navy Expeditionary Medal. While not impossible, it is extremely difficult to earn stars on this medal, while many sailors essentially add a star for each additional deployment, this is not correct.

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made May 3 at 2017 8:22 PM

MSG Michael McEleney — Wed, 03 May 2017 20:22:01 -0400

Ironically the picture doesn't have the AFRM shown.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made May 3 at 2017 9:11 PM

CH (LTC) Robert Leroe — Wed, 03 May 2017 21:11:52 -0400

A General asked me why I was wearing 2 of the same ribbons. I pointed out that the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Humitarian Service Medal are similar. He walked away.

Response by SPC Russel Brock made May 3 at 2017 11:01 PM

SPC Russel Brock — Wed, 03 May 2017 23:01:23 -0400

The Fouregere isn't hard to figure out....

Response by TSgt G Redman made May 4 at 2017 4:34 AM

TSgt G Redman — Thu, 04 May 2017 04:34:47 -0400

Kosovo campaign.

Response by SGT Victoria Belbusti made May 4 at 2017 7:39 AM

SGT Victoria Belbusti — Thu, 04 May 2017 07:39:24 -0400

I was at the ww2 museum in New Orleans and they had ribbons mislabeled in the incorrect order and upside down. I brought it to their attention but they seemed disinterested. They had the American campaign medal upside down.

Response by SSG Jason Gilmore made May 4 at 2017 8:28 AM

SSG Jason Gilmore — Thu, 04 May 2017 08:28:16 -0400

Army members wearing Marine combat patches. I had a 1SG tell me to buy a 2MARDIV patch at the Surplus store for my uniform. I opened up AR670-1 and showed him where it said that Marine Unit patches were not authorized for wear on Army uniforms. Main reason for this is that the Marine Corps stopped using unit patches after WW2, and therefore, no current unit patches exist (hence the reason he wanted me to get it from a Surplus store). I carried a copy of that page of the ref with me because I saw so many prior service improperly wearing Marine patches.

Response by SSG Daniel Warner made May 4 at 2017 5:53 PM

SSG Daniel Warner — Thu, 04 May 2017 17:53:11 -0400

So... what worries me is they didn't notice the incorrect placement of the special skills badge in the picture here.... divers badge goes to the wearers right closest to the heart... just saying

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2017 8:15 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 May 2017 20:15:16 -0400

Went to the Army birthday ball and corrected 2 Soldiers walking around with upside down ribbon racks. Like seriously, rackbuilder.com - it does the work for you!

Response by CPT Peter Haglin made May 5 at 2017 12:43 PM

CPT Peter Haglin — Fri, 05 May 2017 12:43:04 -0400

The plane is wrong?!

Response by CWO4 Tim Hecht made May 5 at 2017 5:03 PM

CWO4 Tim Hecht — Fri, 05 May 2017 17:03:12 -0400

Years ago, about 20 of us Coasties attended a class at the Naval Supply Corps School in Athens, GA. About 6 of us were Chief Petty Officers who in less than a month were being commissioned as CWO2 (Finance and Supply).

1991 was a bad time or the Navy WRT personnel issues. Flight Training was hurt the worst and a lot of the Navy O-1 and O-2s in attendance at the Bsic Supply Officer Course had been in flight training weeks earlier. They had been hosed...bad.

That didn't stop us; most of us Chief's had already earned 3-4 rows of ribbons; many of the Navy personnel had but the National Defense Ribbon - of which we had a bronze star denoting second award. Some of my friends retired with three National Defense Ribbons. We considered the young O-1s to be fair game and as they would question us about our ribbons, one of us would invariably mention to the "victim" that their National Defense Ribbon was upside down! Eventually, our Class Instructor asked us to go easy on them - up till that time we didn't know many o them had been forced to the Supply Corps involuntarily!

Response by MSgt Carl Stokes made May 5 at 2017 10:32 PM

MSgt Carl Stokes — Fri, 05 May 2017 22:32:05 -0400

there are just too damn many new ones coming out, try having been in two branches of service and keeping a proper rack.

Response by SFC Donald Doherty made May 6 at 2017 1:30 PM

SFC Donald Doherty — Sat, 06 May 2017 13:30:06 -0400

Plain

Response by COL Dave Patton made May 6 at 2017 9:15 PM

COL Dave Patton — Sat, 06 May 2017 21:15:22 -0400

My understanding was that the first award indicated 10 years of Reserve service by itself. Attachments were awarded for service increments after 10.

Response by PO2 Jed Peterson made May 7 at 2017 10:22 AM

PO2 Jed Peterson — Sun, 07 May 2017 10:22:45 -0400

Plane wrong? Is that an Air Force joke or just PLAIN wrong?

Response by SPC John Cummings made May 7 at 2017 12:18 PM

SPC John Cummings — Sun, 07 May 2017 12:18:23 -0400

Kind of off topic....I was in Iraq in 03 and got out in 04. My DD214 has an Expedition medal listed. How do I go about finding out if that was retroactively changed to ICM and any other subsequent changes?

Response by SFC Bruce Pettengill made May 7 at 2017 5:42 PM

SFC Bruce Pettengill — Sun, 07 May 2017 17:42:44 -0400

hopefully this helps https://www.pinterest.com/pin/ [login to see] 52725723/

Military

2011-army-ribbon-order-of-precedence-chart.jpg

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 8:11 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 08:11:01 -0400

I find it funny when individuals stagger their ribbons when there's no chance of the lapel covering any of them.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made May 8 at 2017 2:02 PM

SFC Bill Snyder — Mon, 08 May 2017 14:02:28 -0400

And you think you have problems keeping things straight? What about these poor guys?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 3:06 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 15:06:51 -0400

Saw a picture of an officer on the wall of the PX in Afghanistan. I believe he was a general officer if memory serves and part of the AAFES chain of command. He wore both the CAB and EIB. I also have both and though they have nothing to do with each other you are not allowed per regs to display both. I would like to also wear both but regs are regs. Maybe he got away with it due to his rank.

Response by Randall Smock made May 9 at 2017 5:33 PM

Randall Smock — Tue, 09 May 2017 17:33:55 -0400

plane?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 6:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 May 2017 18:44:33 -0400

Your grammar doesn't fly....

Get it? Just plane wrong? Hahaha

Response by SGT John Thomas made May 10 at 2017 3:45 PM

SGT John Thomas — Wed, 10 May 2017 15:45:11 -0400

The Web Warrior Cyberdeployment Ribbon!

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made May 10 at 2017 8:36 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Wed, 10 May 2017 20:36:33 -0400

Maybe the Army of Occupation Ribbon which I was awarded years ago, very easy to wear it backwards, I think the black part faces in!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 10:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 22:57:07 -0400

For the Army, AR 670-1 talks about authorized uniform regs, but the DA PAM 670-1 talks about the actual wear and placement.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 9:09 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 09:09:52 -0400

Plain , not plane!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 9:19 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 09:19:51 -0400

The biggest mistake I see on Army uniforms is the number of Overseas Service Bars (combat stripes). They always count their months wrong. If a soldier deployed on a 12 month rotation and was there from June 28th, 07 to July 1st, 08, that counts as 13 months when calculating the months for the bars. If they have several deployments, a lot of times they have extra months that add up to another bar. You can't go off the month total tallied on your ERB. That is for HRCs total for other things. You actually have to count your month separately. Even one day of a month counts as a total month but it will not calculate as a month on the tally if it wasn't 30 days. I've corrected SGMs and 1SGs on this even.

Response by SFC Scott Beck made May 11 at 2017 1:03 PM

SFC Scott Beck — Thu, 11 May 2017 13:03:17 -0400

If leaders would educate and check their soldiers there should be no improperly wore ribbons! Just saying

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 2:15 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 14:15:31 -0400

Regimental affiliation while wearing a foreign badge.... I've seen a lot of Soldiers wear the GAFPB above their Regimental affiliation

Response by SGM Harvey Boone made May 11 at 2017 4:02 PM

SGM Harvey Boone — Thu, 11 May 2017 16:02:11 -0400

SGM'S, MSG'S' PLT SGT'S and DRill Sgt's in the Reserve and Guard seem to think they know it all 99% will not check a Reg for guidance and if you don't want to get blacked balled You had better be sneeky when talking to one just have the reg in hand and use a hell of a lot of tack. Most will stab you in the back in a heart beat.

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made May 12 at 2017 2:16 AM

SFC Charles Kauffman — Fri, 12 May 2017 02:16:48 -0400

Never got caught up with the hype over ribbons. After 27 years and too many deployments to count, it's hard to find a ribbon holder for 27+ ribbons. I picked a 9- place holder and prioritized. Just because you rate it, don't mean you gotta wear it. I cut out the BS ribbons like the ASR, GWOT's, etc. I mean if you're wearing the ICM, ACM, MSG stripes, people are going to assume you've been to AIT, and we're in after 9/11.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 11:04 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 11:04:56 -0400

Has anyone heard if Congress is going to make the Cold War Medal a legitimate medal us old timers can wear or will it stay a VFW/American Legion Medal?
It would be nice to have that recognition of serving during the Cold War.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 11:56 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 11:56:13 -0400

*plain

Response by TSgt Travis French made May 12 at 2017 7:56 PM

TSgt Travis French — Fri, 12 May 2017 19:56:21 -0400

Not so much a normally wrongly worn ribbon but a funny story. I'm 2009 I was at RAF Alconbury in the U.K. During a Change of Command for our new Security Forces Commander coming in, somehow something caught my attention. During our new Commanders introduction address I start looking him over trying to figure it out. From approximately 50 meters away I figure it out. His AF Basic Training and Expert Ribbons were reversed.

Being a SSgt at the time and the new Commander being a Major I wanted to be sure so I just held it in. Once we were back at our unit, I was able to get a close enough look to confirm the mistake. I waited for the Major to finish speaking with a SNCO and when the opportunity presented itself I introduced myself as his UDM/NCOIC Supply/One man logistics person. After asking if I asked if I could speak with him for a second, I was able to get him out of earshot where anyone could overhear the conversation. I told him I had noticed there must have been an accident during preparation by the local creators and that his ribbons were displaying incorrectly.

He thanked me, corrected it and I never heard grief from any leadership on it. Will always be the best Commander I ever served.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 11:42 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 May 2017 11:42:59 -0400

After scanning over topics and running across your original message about the AFRM, I realized I was wearing mine wrong. I mobilized shortly after 9/11 and have since deployed twice (for a total of 3 mobilizations supporting ONE,OIF/OND, and OEF). To be honest, I never read the reg and went on word of mouth on the "M" device. Improperly had a "3" on there and flicked it off because of the post. RP keeping me straight!

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2017 5:24 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 17:24:03 -0400

And a journalist should be able to use English. "PLAIN"

Response by SSG Ed Hover made Jun 16 at 2017 10:55 PM

SSG Ed Hover — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 22:55:14 -0400

Armed forces expeditionary is often worn backwards

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jun 20 at 2017 1:12 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 13:12:02 -0400

I first came in back in the 70s. We didn't have so many badges, pins, ribbons, tabs, & other things on our uniforms. I am retired now & won't even dare try to figure out my ribbons now. So many changes just about every year. To multiple ribbons yet. Even my Army of Occupation ribbon that was stopped being issued when the Berlin Wall came down now has attachment for it. I did my 1 year tour in Iraq back in 2004-2005 & now I think it takes 2 stars. When will the Army stop making so many uniform & award changes & get back to readiness & training?

Response by 1stSgt Troy Seals made Jun 20 at 2017 5:58 PM

1stSgt Troy Seals — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 17:58:15 -0400

The one the unit clerk awarded himself.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Jun 20 at 2017 6:27 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 18:27:20 -0400

Outstanding Unit Award if you have a V. According to the regulations you can have the V and 3 other devices. So if you have more you are wrong you should have two ribbons like I have on my ribbon rack.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 12:04 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 12:04:29 -0400

I guess that's true it's a ten year award so hourglass immediately accompanies it.

Response by 1SG Jerome Schumacher made Jun 21 at 2017 12:23 PM

1SG Jerome Schumacher — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 12:23:13 -0400

Army of Occupation ribbon.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 10:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 22:13:15 -0400

My only question is...what's up with this "Leg Ranger"?

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 10:23 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 22:23:45 -0400

AFRM should be worn with M device. Bronze for first citation, not sure of requirements for silver and gold. M for "mobilized". Reserve deployment participation medal

Response by MSgt Dan Calhoun made Jun 21 at 2017 10:43 PM

MSgt Dan Calhoun — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 22:43:48 -0400

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. The three center stripes are supposed to go blue, white, red...i see it backwards often...even in official photos

Response by SPC Jarin Bradley made Jun 21 at 2017 11:02 PM

SPC Jarin Bradley — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 23:02:29 -0400

I have 3 branches of medals that's fun, its like playing musical chairs.

Response by SPC Wayne Stambaugh made Jun 22 at 2017 3:17 AM

SPC Wayne Stambaugh — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 03:17:19 -0400

....as jst *plain wrong......js

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2017 6:06 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 06:06:56 -0400

There's a SGT in my unit that wears the Korean War medal along with the Korean Defense Service Medal Bc he claims he was told to get it. I tried to enlighten him but he wasn't having it hahaha

Response by SFC William Beersdorf made Jun 22 at 2017 6:46 AM

SFC William Beersdorf — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 06:46:35 -0400

In my experience, the Expeditionary Medal is usually worn incorrectly. Some folks place the middle stripes red/white/blue when it should be blue/white/red.

Response by SFC Chris Horvath made Jun 22 at 2017 6:59 AM

SFC Chris Horvath — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 06:59:30 -0400

Wearing a campaign star for each tour they did on the Iraq and afghan medal, it doesn't work that way. Same for the national defense ribbon it is not one for every tour just one per war and Iraq and Afghan fall under GWOT. And then just wearing them out of order kills me I have corrected CSMs 1SGs and more as an E5 and the sad thing is I had more ribbons. I could go on but my whole thing is everyone wants more chest candy we'll wear the damn things right and be the standard.

Response by SCPO Martin Parr made Jun 22 at 2017 3:47 PM

SCPO Martin Parr — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 15:47:23 -0400

What attachment? I was awarded this and did mot get an attachment.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2017 7:57 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 19:57:40 -0400

I would point out that SSG Saunders in the picture posted under your question is incorrectly not wearing bronze service stars on his ACM and ICM ribbons.

Response by 1SG James Mccall made Jun 22 at 2017 8:45 PM

1SG James Mccall — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 20:45:09 -0400

Plain wrong

Response by SFC Bill Forte made Jun 22 at 2017 9:29 PM

SFC Bill Forte — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 21:29:40 -0400

Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Ribbon. Looking at it the center bands should be blue, white and red. Looking at the medal will show this.

Response by SPC Steven Belcher made Jun 23 at 2017 8:36 PM

SPC Steven Belcher — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 20:36:11 -0400

It may be but your spelling should be plain not plane

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2017 11:33 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 11:33:24 -0400

Drivers and qualification badges, the drivers badge has a higher precedence.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2017 11:11 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 23:11:25 -0400

badges are what drives me nuts, 1 inch space, then the order of prec id usually backwards

Response by SFC Hal Jeauxdevine, BSM w/"V", MSM, PH, Arcom w/“V” made Jul 3 at 2017 2:48 PM

SFC Hal Jeauxdevine, BSM w/"V", MSM, PH, Arcom w/“V” — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 14:48:53 -0400

In my experiences, the Unit citations are the most mis-worn ribbon. The SSG soldier pictured is wearing his RANGER tab wrong. Higher the award then closer to the heart. To wear a RANGER tab lower than a marksman award is sacrilegious!

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Nov 6 at 2017 1:09 PM

SGT Mathew Husen — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 13:09:55 -0500

Easy rack builder

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 5:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 17:09:52 -0500

I have seen some post about the national defense ribbon and stars as an old timer with a break in service I have a star on mine due to being in during the Gulf War got out and came back in 2006 and was awarded the second for OIF in 2007. So there will be some out there wgo will have a star on the NDF ribbon.

Response by MSG Jim Booker made Nov 29 at 2017 7:29 PM

MSG Jim Booker — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 19:29:14 -0500

There is no attachment on the AFRM until 10 yrs of service or mobilization.

Response by MGySgt Jerry Suarez made Jul 2 at 2018 12:42 AM

MGySgt Jerry Suarez — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 00:42:56 -0400

The combat action ribbon (CAR) worn upside down

Response by PFC David Ziegler made Feb 6 at 2019 10:35 AM

PFC David Ziegler — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 10:35:33 -0500

at the SOTU last night an Air Force General had his medals upside down . was this done for a reason?

Response by CPT Robert Holden made Dec 20 at 2019 3:27 PM

CPT Robert Holden — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 15:27:44 -0500

While I’m not familiar with the award .,we’ve all made mistakes and this why there is a manual or chart for awards

Response by SGT Daniel Rocco Ames made Dec 21 at 2019 4:56 PM

SGT Daniel Rocco Ames — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 16:56:06 -0500

I'm more shocked that someone this high speed would be a "leg" Ranger.

Response by CPT Robert Holden made Dec 22 at 2019 5:49 PM

CPT Robert Holden — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 17:49:25 -0500

No idea what the most wrongly warn Ribbon is. But unit awards are pretty easy to keep track of. Their always worn on the left

Response by CDR Matthew McLaughlin made May 13 at 2021 12:43 AM

CDR Matthew McLaughlin — Thu, 13 May 2021 00:43:23 -0400

Chief Campbell - Actually, my first AFRM was awarded in 1995 with no device, and it took the system a while to catch up with the change that happened in 1996. Older members who retired before 96 could still sport a bare ribbon. That said, it is a bit confusing.
Another one that gets messed up is the ballistic missile submarine patrol pin. The pin counts for one patrol, then stars for the second and subsequent. The SUBRON even screwed it up on my DD214; I had 6 patrols but they recorded me as eligible for the pin with a 5-patrol silver star and a 1-patrol gold star, which would represent 7 patrols.