Army Service Ribbon - Should it be discontinued?

Nope...

I don't know why the Services came up with these participation ribbons in the 1980s. The Air Force has the Air Force Training Ribbon with requirements similar to the ASR. I "earned" the Air Force Training ribbon for completion of C-130 advanced pilot course in 1980 (second time through the same course, but that's another story). All of the Services should get rid of participation ribbons. Other Air Force participation ribbons include the long overseas tour ribbon, short overseas tour ribbon, combat readiness medal, outstanding airman of the year, Air Force recognition ribbon, outstanding volunteer service medal, nuclear deterrence service medal, Air Force special duty ribbon, Air Force NCO PME grad ribbon, and Air Force basic training honor grad. We got along without these ribbons and medals in the 1970s and 1980s. I don't know where we went wrong, but we have way too many ribbons. It's easy to provide recognition to folks who do well in training by allowing them to earn an achievement medal. Outstanding Airman of the Year--how about an Air Force Commendation Medal? We have enough medals and ribbons to cover our needs without participation ribbons for all.

We didn't have those in my Army, POS

On a separate note in my quest to see the Army de-junkify the Dress/Service Uniform, someone tell me how the ASU looks better than pink and greens? Even phot shop can't fix how they look in the DA Photo.

I know this going to offend some people but the Army uniform is akin to walking Christmas tree. Get rid of the ribbon, once you complete basic & AIT you wear your branch insignia. Get rid of that ribbon, service ribbons in general should go away or become real medals. Some other clown like devices need to go, i.e. green tabs (a piece of felt to signify your a leader...really), regimental crests (unless of course you are in actual regiment, then drop unit crests), drop the unit crest as well, plastics discs, cords and ropes and other dangling looking Para cord looking devices...good God, you don't know your Infantry, you need to be decorated with cheap Walmart looking plastic devices? Epaulette's, should go as well. Black Beret for everyone, send immediately to the trash can of bad ideas. Bringing back the pink and greens, thank God the Army has Sergeant Major who wants to get rid of some of the bad ideas and replace it with what looks good, instills pride, instead of looking like Michael Jackson circa late 1980's.

As long as their duties are performed Honorably and consistently so. i believe that it should be maintained

As previously stated the ribbon was issued because the war in Viet Nam had ended and the NDSM was no longer being awarded, the average soldier may not have had any ribbons to show for three or more years of service. The regulation should be changed to issue the NDSM in lieu of the Army service ribbon.

Keep the Army Service ribbon; it actually symbolizes something. Get rid of the good Conduct medal.All that is, is just a "I been a good boy award."

I'd can it for the reasons already stated.

SGM Matthew Quick
I always thought it was just a silly addition to give 1SGs and CSMs something to bitch about in inspections of new soldiers.