Can I wear my state awards now that I’m in the reserves?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 12:25:37 -0400

I have state awards as I use to be in the guard.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2023 2:49 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:49:09 -0400

You can not. Those awards are from your state when you are in title 32. They were only recognized by the state. The Army reserve is still the federal army. The federal army doesn't recognize State awards. It is the same way when a national guard officer gets a state promotion and doesn't have his Federal promotion so the federal government doesn't recognize it.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 22 at 2023 2:50 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:50:47 -0400

This from DA PAM 670-1, paragraph 22–5. "Order of precedence within categories of medals". Seems like it depends upon your status. MAJ Private RallyPoint Member CPT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2023 4:05 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 16:05:01 -0400

Army or Air Guard state ribbons/medals are only authorized wear when in Guard status and only in that assigned state. They are not recognized federally active or reserve.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2023 10:02 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 10:02:25 -0400

Unfortunately no, as others such as CPT Private RallyPoint Member has stated they were awards you earned from your State that fall under state laws and your respective State's National Guard regulations and that now that you are in the Reserves that changes your order status as stated by LTC Stephen C..

Bear in mind however there are awards you should have received from your time in the Guard that are recognized as Federal and as such recognized by the Reserves such as the Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, so if you were eligible for those reach out to your new S1 to get them added. I often find that regardless of State that the ARCAM is often not awarded for many years due to poor unit and S1 tracking as well as ignorance on behalf of the Soldier. I met a MAJ who received six ARCAM's all at once when they were retiring, among other service awards long overdue.

Regarding your State awards while you are now in the Reserves, frame them or put them on your desk as a conversation piece. Be proud of your time in the Guard even now as you look to your future in the Reserves.