What ribbons are available for reservists?

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 23:23:58 -0400

I'm no ribbon chaser, but I've had this question asked many times: why do basically trained service members only get one medal after training? As a reservist I feel we could be eligible for other options. I've volunteered enough to be eligible for the outstanding volunteer service medal. Is there anything else?

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 22 at 2016 12:20 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 00:20:21 -0400

Other than the "Alive in 85" (pick your own year) and the Reserve version of the GCM, you're limited to what you can control. You can get some for shooting skills. Other than that, you have to go out and do something beyond showing up on weekends. Go for that IA or lead that Det. My take is if you make the most of your time as a MIL, the fruit salad tends to follow.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2016 12:38 AM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 00:38:32 -0400

Outstanding Volunteer Service doesn't have any requirements per say, but everyone Ive ever asked has said 400 hours or continuous volunteer service over 3 years.. Volunteering also cannot be on post or at Command Functions.

As far as ribbons out of bootcamp? What has anyone achieved by graduating? We get the National Defense ribbon. Some branches even allow their recruits to earn a pistol ribbon. I've been in for 4 years and I have a total of 5 ribbons - two from boot camp, the GWOT for remaining at my Command for more than 30 days, a Good conduct for not getting an NJP after 3 years, and the only ribbon I earned the NAM for getting Sailor of the Year.. It would be nice to have some chest candy, but unless you are deployed or have stellar leadership, don't count on it stateside. I'm at a Command where they already feel younger guys are awarded "too much". We used to get an end of tour NAM, but they did away with that for the most part too. Only E7 and above tend to get awarded ribbons now.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2016 2:55 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 02:55:29 -0400

haha I've been in for a 2 and a half years and I have 2 awards.... And the two are the ones you get from Graduating basic and AIT....

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2016 10:45 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 10:45:55 -0400

You get a good conduct medal....which you receive after 3 years with no NJP's, counselings or write-ups, you have the vol. medal (like you mentioned). You can also receive NAMs with what you do with your command. If you are MOB'd you can get GWOT, and other commendatory medals on which mission or branch you support. I think you can also upgrade your weapon medals (Pistol, rifle) if the training is available. You can also have letters of accommodation/appreciation which is added to your service record.

Ask your command about special jobs, collateral duty, extra help and support, MOB details, AT/IDTT availability. Doing more than expected is always a good thing to do because you never know what you're doing can really make your higher ups look at you and commend you.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2016 2:29 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 14:29:20 -0400

Check your State Awards on Expedia.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 10:36 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 10:36:11 -0400

In the Corps it was hard to earn any ribbons/medals. After 4 years active duty from 01-05 i think i got out with 5 ribbons. In my 8 years in the Army i think i have too many to count now.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Aug 25 at 2016 2:13 AM

SSgt David Tedrow — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 02:13:40 -0400

This is all I earned during my 12 years, on active duty, 1977 -1989. Not like it is nowadays with all the medals for the wars but I am proud of each one of them as it is my history in the Corps.

Response by SFC Daniel McIntire made Sep 14 at 2016 6:45 AM

SFC Daniel McIntire — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 06:45:11 -0400

Talk with your squad leader. All federal decorations and awards are available to reservist/guardsmen as long as criteria is meet. Conduct your own research and continue to ask questions.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2020 7:14 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 19:14:32 -0400

Your are Marine, my understanding is that your service in general does not hand them out like the rest of us. In the AFRES, we are pretty much eligible for anything our active duty counterparts will get. Some stuff on the AF side is automatic, like longevity, combat readiness, various unit awards, etc. There are variety of personal achievement for meritorious service, like the achievement, commendation and meritorious service medals, etc. Those all depend on how much work you do.