Can some ribbon racks be over the top, or is more always better?

DITTO

Agree that this is a bit much DESPITE having "earned" them. Look at photo's of WW II admirals - Halsey, Mitscher, King, Spruance, Nimitz, etc. They all had two or three rows total. Today's flag officers are starting to look like officials of a banana republic, and the value of significant awards is thus diminished.

I agree on the point of singling out the individual who is just following the uniform regs. issued by the Air Force. I think that the point was that The US military uniform is beginning to look like what might come from a broadway or hollywood costume wardrobe. Civilians used to look at a service member in uniform and and assume that the more ribbons the greater the hero. There are troops out there with a chestfull of color who may never been in a area of conflict.

Don't get me wrong. Any man or woman who puts on the uniform is a hero by my definition which is to knowingly place yourself in a situation where you may be injured or lose your life in service of others.

Personal awards like good conduct ribbons, campaign awards, wars, conflicts i.e Iraq, Vietnam, Korea etc. and awards for personal or unit valor for acts in war or peace are fine. However perhaps acknowledgement for recruiting, drill instructor, or other "I was there" type recognition could be resticted to letters of commendation/certificates in your service record.

I am not sure that if it is in your file that are you "Required" to wear it are you? This is almost making want to look up each of his Ribbons to see if they even make sense....LOL

LTC Lowell Marx - Yep, it happens. My son was awarded an AAM as a Marine assigned to secure an LZ in Haiti following the overthrow of Aristide in '04.
The citation stated (paraphrased) a number of civilians with various weapons numbering approximately 300, attacked the helicopter as it landed in order to gain access to the food being brought in for that community. LCPL Brandon led his security unit consisting of five other Marines from their established post to the landing zone forming a security perimeter immediately around the aircraft assuring the safety of the crew, the aircraft and its cargo by repelling the attack thus giving time for the aircraft to leave the area undamaged.

CMSgt Bill Yarnall - I was thinking he would have been an AC-130 Gunship Aircrew. I would assume he would have Master Jump Wings at that rank if he was a PJ. Aircrew makes the most sense for how many tours and the presence of multiple Distinguished Flying Crosses he has. The Joint medals make me think AFSOC. I know AC-130 crew from 4th SOS received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Ultimately, I am impressed with the resume this Senior NCO is wearing. I'm always fascinated by the story a uniform can tell.

LTC Lowell Marx - Probably got it in a joint exercise. I knew some AFSOC guys with NavComs aswell.

If a military man or woman is awarded a medal or medals, they deserve to wear them!!! End of conversation!!!

Others have mentioned before "all, some, or none" options and the AF had that in the AFI at one time. However, that is no longer in the AFI. he was wearing them according to the AFI. Yes, it is a lot and very expensive to maintain especially if he ordered thin mounts but they typically look more professional than sliding ribbons on ribbon racks.

Mine is over the top. Including state decs, 26. I look like some third world dictator. Most aren't for anything special.

TSgt Michael Williamson - I like your post very much. The last sentence is the best.

There are some branches of the military that give a medal or ribbon for just about everything.

That's what it looks like...

Agree 100 %, he has earned every one of those ribbons and has been to many places most on here have never been to or will go to! Good on you Chief, thanks for your dedication and service!

Lol!

CSM Michael J. Uhlig , I wonder if he needs help putting on the jacket!

Well CSM Michael J Uhlig, did you know there occasions when you salute with the left hand?

He probably puts a 10 pound counterweight in his right pocket to keep from falling over.

I'm going to have to watch this movie now...funny excerpt.

The video is funny! Going to show it to my S1 first thing in the morning

Almost forgot one, HQ tour. Raised my hand in formation when PltSgt asked if anyone can type....looked left, looked right and fell out. Did almost 6 months in S1.

Now that’s funny!

MSgt Phi W. Any interest in amplifying that disagreement?

Other services do not award ribbons freely, but since the AF do...the CCM is in a official photo in class A uniform which AFI gives him no option to wear some. This question is pointless it call in question the CCM's integrity in his awards/ribbons, which I give benefit of doubt unless proven otherwise.

MSgt Phi W. My point was more about the service difference in award volume, just like what you mentioned.

"For any item, the more of it you have the less each instance of it is valuable. No doubt the Corps' SEL is (deservedly) heavily stacked as well, but he doesn't look quite as catoonish, does he?" The 'cartoonish' quip is about the AF and really all other services' uniforms when compared to the Marines' not the CCM's integrity in wearing awards I'm sure he earned in his service. Sorry if that wasn't apparent.

I have seen nothing but good things here so far!

Excellent insider input, Brian - thank you.

My pleasure. He is a great guy that genuinely cares about his folks...the kind of guy that you WANT to follow.

Although I tend to agree there are often too many ribbons issued on the blue service uniform He is wearing He has no choice, the wear isn't optional but required. When a regulation gives no option until it is changed You wear what is earned and required for wear. For official photos, board appearance etc. not wearing decorations You have earned can harm You in those processes. I had 5 rows but then they have ribbons for things now they didn't when I was still in uniform. I only wore them on My blues as it was required, Having the option I did not wear them on other uniform combinations, only the specialty badge and Security Police Shield and name tag as those things were required. i tend to like the approach the Marines have and not having excess decorations on their uniform. As an individual I've never been overly impressed by excess but You still have to comply with the requirements of Your branch of service for grooming standards and proper wear of the uniform and uniform decorations and accessories.