When are you supposed to wear a staggered right ribbon holding bar?

2015-12-06T16:26:53-05:00

I checked AR 670-1 but didn't find any reference to the mounting/mounting bar for ribbons. I understand the obvious intent of not having the ASU jacket overlapping with ribbons, but I was wondering if there was more specific regulation on when to get a straight ribbon versus a staggered right ribbon mounting bar/rack. Thanks!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 6 at 2015 4:35 PM

2015-12-06T16:35:18-05:00

Old regulation used to say when more than 50% of an award would be covered. Sadly the verbage disappeared with the rerelease...

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 6 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-12-06T16:49:48-05:00

USMC verbiage: When more than one row of ribbon bars is worn, all rows except the uppermost will contain the same number of ribbons. If the number of ribbons worn causes the ribbons to be concealed by the service coat lapel/khaki shirt collar (one-third or more of a ribbon concealed), ribbon bars will be placed in successively decreasing rows; e.g., four-ribbon rows, three-ribbon rows, two-ribbon rows, single ribbon. The left (outer) edge of all decreasing rows will be in line vertically; except that when the top row presents an unsatisfactory appearance when so aligned, it will be placed in the position presenting the neatest appearance (usually centered over the row immediately below it).

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Dec 6 at 2015 7:22 PM

2015-12-06T19:22:10-05:00

Never a big fan of the fruit salad. I didn't join the Marines to get Boy Scout badges.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2015 12:13 AM

2015-12-07T00:13:53-05:00

I think is a preference thing. I am a bit more broad in the chest so I my lapels really don't cover much. I do offset my CIB. I just find a ribbon rack without the spaces. I didn't think they were that hard to find but I never found what at Bragg or in the Army. I did find one in Columbus. I had a 1SG in IBOLC tell me to try to get the one without the gaps due to have too many rows. It has to do with it looking clean. I agree. It saves space and it looks cleaner to me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2015 2:00 AM

2015-12-07T02:00:05-05:00

LTC Yinon Weiss, the regulation does not require a right stagger, but when used it is customary to do so at the point that over half a ribbon is covered by the lapel. This will vary by how broad-shouldered a Soldier is. For me (size 40R), I wear a total of fifteen ribbons, aligned right. Bottom two rows are four ribbons, then two rows of three, and two rows of two. This keeps them all off the lapel, with the second row of three partially covered.
You don't "have to" do it, but I do recommend it for official photos.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2015 5:30 AM

2015-12-07T05:30:27-05:00

Hello sir. I'm only authorized 5 awards, but because my lapel is goofy I stagger it to the left due to to much of my ribbons being covered.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 9 at 2019 9:37 PM

2019-08-09T21:37:42-04:00

Interesting!