What ASU ribbons are better for a board, flat ribbons or traditional Clothing and Sales ribbons?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 06:51:07 -0500

What is better for the board, the Flat ribbons from places
like Rack Builder or the rail system from Clothing and Sales? I think the flat
looks more professional and neat but if the Army wanted me to use it they would
sell it at clothing sales. So I don't know what to do.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 4 at 2013 7:03 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 07:03:25 -0500

The thing with the thin ribbons is, if you get any new award, you have to scrap the whole thing and buy a whole new rack... The cost can get very prohibitive quickly.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 7:06 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 07:06:42 -0500

I don't think it matters. As long as they are properly placed, in the right order, and clean (no frayed ends, smudged, etc). I got mine from Rack Builder, but I didn't buy the thin ones. I think they look chintzy. That's just my opinion.

Response by SSG Chuck H. made Dec 4 at 2013 7:07 AM

SSG Chuck H. — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 07:07:06 -0500

I have to agree that the flat setup looks more professional and neat and for board purposes I am of the opinion that neat and professional is the goal. I have heard of some clothing sales locations having a kiosk like thing where you can order a flat setup although I've not seen one.
As infrequent as many units wear the ASU the flat setup it would seem that the only time one would need to update it is for board purposes. Potentially costly, yes however what is the end state goal, neatness/professionalism and promotion or using "what the Army wanted me to use?" Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 10:43 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 10:43:02 -0500

I love mine from Ultra Thin, it doesn't cost much more than building your own from the PX.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 4 at 2013 10:58 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 10:58:06 -0500

Either way is acceptable, but I believe that you answered your own question. You said that the flat rack looks more neat and professional....and they do. With that being said, AAFES does not carry them. You have to pay a little more out of pocket. If it is authorized, and you think it presents a more neat and professional appearance, then I would suggest that you go that route. In the end, it is your uniform, your photo and you want to set yourself apart from you peers at board time...

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Dec 4 at 2013 12:38 PM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 12:38:23 -0500

How intense are the inspections? Speaking for myself, if it was an average inspection, I'd go with what looks best to me. However(!) if its an IG or something close to it, I'd use the ones that are at clothing sales. You could possibly, like many Marines I knew, make up two sets, one that pleases you, and one that is "Govt Issue" when necessary.

Consider the glasses... everyone had to have the Gvt Issued sort if they wore glasses, but no one wore them after Boot... until the IG when all your gear had to be identical to everyone elses, just because its issued.

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Dec 4 at 2013 12:51 PM

1SG Johnny Carter — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 12:51:35 -0500

I like the build a rack a lot better and looks very professional. Lets be honest when you look at some racks Soldiers build, they need help.

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 2:52 PM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 14:52:31 -0500

I go with thin ribbons. IMO they look more professional looking and not as bulky. If I need to update the rack I just send it back and they adjust it for a small cost and send it back to me.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 3:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 15:01:10 -0500

I prefer the thin ribbons because I think they look neater and more polished. I guess it's a personal preference. As for the no-spacing, not all the services space their stuff so that's not an issue for me.

Ultra Thin are fast and accurate and handle any issues I've had. They also do a great job of mixing ribbons from various services but having one service ribbons serve priority over another. Try switching services and see how crazy that mess is. "Can I wear this ribbon?" "Which goes first?" Ugh!

Response by CMC Robert Young made Dec 4 at 2013 4:21 PM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 16:21:03 -0500

I prefer the thin ribbons particularly on the shirt because of the weight. It can be a little pricy if you need significant updates, but because they are lighter, they don't droop to one side or the other. I've been using Medals of America at http://www.usmedals.com for years now. They are sharp, professional looking, and delivered quickly. The company is owned by a retired COL, and all of the customer service reps are prior military. Great customer service and a huge help if you have awards from different services. They'll figure out what belongs where, and get it done. They have also mounted my minis for my DDB/WJ and my full size medals for my Full Dress.

Military Medals, Ribbons, Awards, Patches and More | Medals of America

Make Medals of America your premier source for Military Medals. Find a great selection of Badges, Patches, Rank, Rates and Insignia, military clothing and more.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 5:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 17:09:24 -0500

Thank you all for the input

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 8:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 20:45:00 -0500

Investing in the EZ build rack ribbons is a investment in your carrer advancement.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Dec 5 at 2013 10:47 AM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 10:47:05 -0500

If the Army wanted you to use it they would issue it to you...that is the same as saying it was in Army Times so it must be true (lol). Use the thin ribbons they are the heat!!!

Response by CSM Michael Evans made Dec 5 at 2013 12:38 PM

CSM Michael Evans — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 12:38:03 -0500

Totall agree with MSG Stankovich! Take pride in "your" uniform and get the DA Photo you want to represent to the Board members. You are attempting to reflect a true professional who cares and goes the extra mile to seperate themselves from their peers. I personally have had mine professionally built for many years!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 7:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 19:52:06 -0400

I was told by my Drill Sgt years ago that you could be either Cheap or Lazy but you could not be both. No saying that rack builder is being lazy just that once you get it you just put it on. Cheap you get everything from aafes and do it your self, again also not cheap but it is less expensive. Just my two cents. I will be going for a new DA photo and will be going through rack builder or someone like them.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 3 at 2014 9:51 AM

SFC Christopher Perry — Sat, 03 May 2014 09:51:11 -0400

SSG Trewhella,

I have worn the thin ribbon racks for some time. I like the appearance because of the fact that it sits so flush to the uniform and you never have to stress a ribbon moving around. That being said, updating gets expensive. I just had to update mine this week to the tune of $47. Where you could probably have made the same change at clothing sales for $6-7.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 5:41 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 17:41:18 -0400

I use Ultra thin now. I wish I had been using them for years. I figured out the cost and it's not much more than building your own at AAFES.

They look great

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 8:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 20:56:27 -0400

It's completely up to you. If you don't mind spending a little money and saving time, get the ones from rackbuilder.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 26 at 2014 11:14 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 23:14:47 -0400

"Once you go flat, you never go back"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2014 8:03 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 08:03:50 -0500

Go with thin ribbons. As everyone has stated, it presents a true professional appearance.

Response by PO1 Robin Edwards made Jun 30 at 2018 11:31 AM

PO1 Robin Edwards — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 11:31:16 -0400

We all know flat racks look sharp, it’s a shame that those are not given with the award