Posted on Feb 20, 2018
What is everyone's thought on wearing service ribbons in rows of 4 rather than the usual rows of 3?
90K
164
58
20
20
0
DA PAM 670-1 is the Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and paragraph 20–6.a.(2) states that "The determination of whether three or four ribbons are worn in each row is based upon the size of the coat and the position of the lapel." That said, the only photos I can find of people switching from the standard 3-across rack to the "grande" version are General Officers, Command Sergeants Major, and other ultra-senior service members.
I've been considering going big for a while to help with my OCD regarding alignment (4 across is a nearly identical width to the pocket), and now with the addition of 2 more hero medals, I'm starting think that it makes sense to go wide before I end up with a CIB on my shoulder!
Curious to get the group's throughs. Is 4-across something that people have seen in the real (non-Pentagon) world? Does it give off an air of pretentiousness or elitism that one may want to avoid? Does it risk giving some CSM a turrets tick because one of these things is not like the other? Or is it something that literally nobody has ever or will ever put this much thought into again.
I say again... OCD.
Thanks for the insight!
I've been considering going big for a while to help with my OCD regarding alignment (4 across is a nearly identical width to the pocket), and now with the addition of 2 more hero medals, I'm starting think that it makes sense to go wide before I end up with a CIB on my shoulder!
Curious to get the group's throughs. Is 4-across something that people have seen in the real (non-Pentagon) world? Does it give off an air of pretentiousness or elitism that one may want to avoid? Does it risk giving some CSM a turrets tick because one of these things is not like the other? Or is it something that literally nobody has ever or will ever put this much thought into again.
I say again... OCD.
Thanks for the insight!
Ribbons
Awards
Medals
Dress Uniform
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 39
1
1
0
I think it's fine so long as the ribbon rack is large enough to justify it. Basically once badges start hitting your epaulettes, it's time to move to rows of 4...
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Like the reg says you go 4 across till the lapel starts blocking them, then you go to 3 across, then 2 across, etc. The whole point is to not hide the ribbons behind the lapel.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Everyday wear go with what makes you feel comfortable IAW AR 670-1 paragraph 22-2(b). Be aware that if you are wearing a foreign award or badge, just make sure that you follow the regulation, i.e. "If a foreign unit award is worn, personnel must wear a least on other U.S. decoration, service medal or unit award."
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
I'm a "big boy," & my jacket can tastefully accomadate a row of 4. Just saying, that would be my own logic table.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Every method of “looking up the regs” leads to vagueness, “authorized given a substantial amount of total awards”.
I have deduced “substantial” to mean in the ballpark of 18.
I admit this is a bit “winging it”...but the stack should not appear much taller than it is wide. Ive seen some USAF members keeping things 3 wide and have enough that the seniormost awards are too high up on the shoulder, which makes the most senior least visable.
I fully disclose that I am NOT citing regs.
But IMHO Id say once you have Award #19-21, going 4 wide just looks better, and by better, I do not mean boastful, but just a more polished representation.
All of that said...once you reach 18 or so, chances are you have some impressives which the asshat considering calling you out doesn’t have themselves.
I have deduced “substantial” to mean in the ballpark of 18.
I admit this is a bit “winging it”...but the stack should not appear much taller than it is wide. Ive seen some USAF members keeping things 3 wide and have enough that the seniormost awards are too high up on the shoulder, which makes the most senior least visable.
I fully disclose that I am NOT citing regs.
But IMHO Id say once you have Award #19-21, going 4 wide just looks better, and by better, I do not mean boastful, but just a more polished representation.
All of that said...once you reach 18 or so, chances are you have some impressives which the asshat considering calling you out doesn’t have themselves.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Figure it was worth closing out this thread. I did end up going 4 across (despite the old fashioned police around here) because it made the most sense for my body type, ribbon & medal mix, and uniform overall. NOT recommended for everyone, but I couldn't be more happy with the results. Never mind that I look like I need a Snickers bar in this photo... I've finally found my lost CIB!
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Nothing like a COB continued on back. Had a 1st SGT he had a CIB with a wreath and 2 stars. I was 11B this was 1975. He had so many ribbons he could not wear them all. I was an inprest E2.
(0)
(0)
SSG Robert Webster
SSG Byron Howard Sr Not too many of those around in 1975. Sounds like he was close to retirement or had a significant break in service.
(1)
(0)
SSG Byron Howard Sr
SSG Robert Webster he retired before I left in 1978. His last name was Truman he was a great 1st SGT.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
I wore mine 3 in a row because I think it looks neat keeps a sharp view of the uniform. Don't think I had a lot or any related to combat.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
-
Ask questionGet expert advice and
tips for your questions. -
Post updatePost pictures, personal updates, plans, or anything you like!
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google