Posted on Nov 8, 2014
Can some ribbon racks be over the top, or is more always better?
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Ribbons
Air Force
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When we get to the point of looking like an Italian Private or a South American Dictator, discretion should be a better point of valor. No need to wear them all, all of the time. I know someone will say "it's required" or "it's authorized", "but he earned them". Ok. If you want to send a message, wear the top three rows. Start a trend for the option--some GOs do that.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
SGM (Join to see), I am kinda shocked to see a SGM advocate to openly disobey a lawful regulation requiring the wear of all decs.
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PV2 Abbott Shaull
Yes, sometimes, less is better. There are some that mean somethings to you, others that are required to wear with the unit you are with, but after so many, you start looking like you more into the points and ticket puncher than one who is serving with pride.
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It's easy to find envy when you don't have what another has. It's easy to say "so what" when you have it. I've said the same about badges. But I remember as a young paratrooper looking at my 4 stacked Csm wanting to be that guy. I am proud of what I've got. I don't want more. But that's because I have plenty. If I take away from the meaning of it, what will the young guys think. So I've given into it and now I just smile. Say thanks. Act a little like a badass. Not coz I want to, but because I would've wanted that same cam to do it to pvt Ibarra back then.
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After the awards the rest is just where you were able to go and during what time period. I mean really National Defense, GWOTSM, AFRM with mobilization device, NATO ribbons, etc. You earned as you showed up for the bus or plane. It is more about experiences to me than about having to go to the store to find ribbons and trying to find a rack that I can use to fit the ribbons on it for my next photo.
Does it look ridiculous sometimes? Yes. But hey haters gonna hate.....and well there is regulations of how to wear them and not seem so crazy. And btw who smiles in these photos?
Does it look ridiculous sometimes? Yes. But hey haters gonna hate.....and well there is regulations of how to wear them and not seem so crazy. And btw who smiles in these photos?
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
It's the Air Force....we are a happy group of people. It isn't like we are in the Army or something.
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As we all talk about "Smaller ribbon racks," we also need to remember AFI 36-1408:
"All ribbons and devices will be worn on the men’s service dress uniform." (Paragraph 4.9.1.3.3)
Most days I have to wear Service Dress, I'd probably wear only "Decorations" and "Unit Awards" vice "Service Medals and Ribbons." But, the AFI does not permit that option. His "Decorations" alone would outweigh most Air Force ribbon racks.
"All ribbons and devices will be worn on the men’s service dress uniform." (Paragraph 4.9.1.3.3)
Most days I have to wear Service Dress, I'd probably wear only "Decorations" and "Unit Awards" vice "Service Medals and Ribbons." But, the AFI does not permit that option. His "Decorations" alone would outweigh most Air Force ribbon racks.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
Lt Col (Join to see), I mentioned that earlier when folks brought of the sister service habit of only wearing the "top" few rows.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
I believe that once upon a time, the Air Force had that provision in the AFIs as the "all, some, or none" rule. But, that changed at some point.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
Lt Col (Join to see), When I came in (1998) it was "all, some or none" on the shirt and "all or some" on the jacket. Went to a retirement of a Chief and he only wore his BMT ribbon. During his speech, he addressed it and said this was the most important ribbon any member of the Air Force earns, It is the one that "makes you an Airman."
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What a rock star!! I've only seen Army and Marine GO/FOs and SEL have racks of that size!!
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As long as everything is earned and worn properly, that is all that matters. I am not casting any doubt of the integrity of the NCO depicted. Never met him, have no idea on his story.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
To the best of my knowledge everything is legit. Becoming a 2 time Command Chief is a rigorous process.
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CMSgt James Nolan
I have no doubt that he earned them. Many are all about what bad places your career has taken you. If he (and it appears he was) was a regular deployer, he would most definitely accumulate some BLING. Bulk of what I have came from the last 14 Air Force years.
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HOLY FRUIT SALAD Batman!!!! I count 42 awards on his chest...not counting the 2 badges
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CW5 (Join to see)
That was a test, SGT Richard H.. Congratulations, you passed! (Actually, I counted five rows of three, but you're right, there are six rows of three and six rows of four. Good attention to detail!!!)
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Why do some people get all butt hurt about how big someones rack is. Does it make them feel left out? Would participation ribbons make them feel better? Maybe they would feel better having this pinned on their Class A's.
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