Which branch of Service is the easiest for earning ribbons?

Sgt Jay Jones — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:05:25 -0400

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 11:07 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:07:35 -0400

I would have to say the Air Force and then the Army.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Apr 25 at 2015 11:14 AM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:14:09 -0400

JROTC?

Response by SPC Michael Frugoli made Apr 25 at 2015 11:18 AM

SPC Michael Frugoli — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:18:42 -0400

This is interesting what a way to separate military services. And how do you justify or determine what's easy ?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 25 at 2015 11:28 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:28:07 -0400

The Air Force tends to have more Ribbons/Medals. The Army has more overall "flair."

But some of this is coming from little things like PME Ribbons, and Longevity Ribbons. IIRC the Air Force doesn't wear hashmarks, so they have a ribbon that denotes 4 years of service instead.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 25 at 2015 11:30 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:30:57 -0400

I voted Air Force, but I am pretty certain that the Army is a very close second.

From the posts I have read here on RP, both of these branches seem to have multiple medals for simply existing, totally abuse their achievement and commendation medals, and have taken the concept of "end of tour" awards to a perverse extreme.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 11:33 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:33:29 -0400

I don't see a vote for who cares?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 25 at 2015 11:34 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:34:59 -0400

The Air Force has ribbons recognizing service or skills such as the overseas long tour and short tour, longevity, or marksmanship. The other Services use alternative devices such as service stripes on the sleeve or marksman badges. This tends to increase the USAF member's ribbon rack. Additionally, unit citation ribbons are intermingled with personal awards on the left side of the uniform.

Air Force members end up with been-there-done-that ribbons like all the other services. However, I don't see a lot of Air Force ribbon racks on similar RP threads with what might appear to be excessive medals. The Achievement and Commendation Medals (all Services have them) are fairly common. The bar is still high for the higher president awards such as the Air Medal, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Airman's Medal.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 11:36 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:36:39 -0400

Airforce, followed by Army.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Apr 25 at 2015 11:50 AM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:50:43 -0400

I will agree with many who have posted here. If we are only talking "ribbons" it is the Air Force. The Air Force awards ribbons where other services award badges or other devices. Small Arms Expert Marksman is one. So Airmen end up with more ribbons and generally only one badge, sometimes two and no cords or extra stripes.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 25 at 2015 12:01 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 12:01:34 -0400

Interesting that the Navy hasn't got that many votes. Don't they get to wear all the ribbons the ship has been awarded? That seems to me like a pretty easy path.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 12:33 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 12:33:01 -0400

Is this even a question?
US Air Force, and it isn't even close. If the Air National Guard were an option, they'd win going away.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 25 at 2015 2:30 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 14:30:58 -0400

I think some of the awards are affected by how large the fruit salad bar is. Expeditionary stuff has more to do with what forces participate, Navy has sea and overseas deployment thing, but the rest of the stuff are awards with have equivalents amongst the services. I suspect the Army and Air Force have larger fruit salad bars. That doesn't mean something is inherently wrong unless things get way out of hand.

Also we're closer to each other than the mania that goes on in other countries for which you don't have to be military to have lots of ornaments. Take any Thai school teacher whom are required to have a white dress uniform. Over time they collect a lot of stuff. It's meaningful in their culture but looks so out of place in ours.

So I'm OK with awards so long as they remain meaningful. Achievements and Commendations are not as meaningful as they used to be.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 4:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 16:45:13 -0400

Just saying.........

Response by Sgt Charles A Vroman Jr made Apr 25 at 2015 5:01 PM

Sgt Charles A Vroman Jr — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 17:01:57 -0400

As far as I can tell, it is the Air Force. Earning anything other than Service Ribbons in the Marine Corps is like pulling teeth, or at least it used to be.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Apr 25 at 2015 8:23 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 20:23:40 -0400

I agree with most of the responses in that it is probably the Air Force who gives out the most ribbons. However, the differences between the services make 1 for 1 comparisons problematic. Certainly, within the Air Force, the flying community (i.e. Pilots, Aircrew, etc) take in the lions share of medals simply by their exposure to hazardous situations that need to be overcome.

My question is the same as I always asked of other Air Force supervisors. Is it better to be stingy with awards and medals and risk souring a good troop on the Air Force as a career? Personally, I've always detested the idea of quotas. They make it "inevitable" that troops who are deserving of medals will miss out, often in favor of someone who was simply more visible to command. I've known of numerous occasions (especial during and after Desert Storm) where troops were turned down for medals with the proviso that when they return to their home base, their supervisors can add that particular achievement or action to their end of tour medal. Which in turn goes up against another units "quotas".

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 10:17 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 22:17:50 -0400

AF for sure

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 26 at 2015 12:35 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 00:35:54 -0400

While the Air Force is clearly the worst, the Army isn't terribly far behind... When I switched from the Marines to the Army, my ribbon rack doubled within the first year...

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 26 at 2015 2:13 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 14:13:50 -0400

Air Force... You can see a A1C with three rows of ribbons. Army is working hard to catch up.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 9:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 21:34:03 -0400

I have no idea or care about it. To each their own.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 9:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 21:40:55 -0400

The good ole boy! Oh wait, that's a system, not a component.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 12:08 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 00:08:21 -0400

When I was in the Army and going through DLI we all picked on the AF students about how many awards they received just for going through Basic Training. I had to stop picking on them when I got 4 ribbons for a single 6-month deployment.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 27 at 2015 12:08 AM

SGT John Wesley — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 00:08:29 -0400

I think the Air Force has a ribbon for Microsoft PowerPoint Operations.... Just Sayin'

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Apr 27 at 2015 6:02 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 06:02:45 -0400

They give ribbons and awards for anything.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 8:27 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 08:27:37 -0400

Metals it is the Air Force hands down. It took me 24 years to get an MSM and then only as my parting gift. I know a guy that has gotten two of them for reserve duty in the states that only did the bare minimum training time.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 27 at 2015 10:08 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 10:08:56 -0400

Sgt Jay Jones, I would have to say the USAF.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 11:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 11:00:13 -0400

Air Force by far...

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made Apr 27 at 2015 1:34 PM

SGT Beau Thomas — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 13:34:47 -0400

As witnessed by this amazing mans ribbons, definately Air Force. ;0)

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 5:12 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 17:12:10 -0400

Air Force, and CPT Private RallyPoint Member is "my" demonstrator.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Apr 27 at 2015 6:46 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 18:46:31 -0400

USAF and USN... if only because they use ribbons in lieu of things that Army and Marines use badges for...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 1:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 01:10:49 -0400

The US Army in actuality only have 3 ribbons (Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon & the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon) the rest of the "ribbons" are actually medals, that other branches either share (i.e. Iraq & Afghanistan campaign medals, Silver Star & Purple Heart just to name a few) or they have their own version of (i.e. Good Conduct, Cross, Commendation etc.). A lot of our schools are open to other branches as well (Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder etc), upon completion of these schools, other branches are authorized to wear these badges.

Response by Col John "Coach" Allison made Apr 28 at 2015 1:59 AM

Col John "Coach" Allison — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 01:59:14 -0400

I take it the 1Lt Guard dude is disrespecting the Chief Master Sergeant from JSOC?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 3:50 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 03:50:04 -0400

I think the Coast Guard has more opportunity because they do more real world deployments although generally of shorter duration (ie rescues, or 2 to 3 month patrols, etc) I live near a major Coast Guard station and I see young E4s or maybe 3 or 4 rows of ribbons! They also have 4 types of ribbons for being in a unit that was commended including the Presidential unit citation (only one for the CG) for Katrina. All members of the CG, CG Reserve and CG Aux got them. That being said, they are a great service, very professional and personable; they have to do more with less, yet morale and job satisfaction, and retention seem to be very high. I am in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and work with those guys. (I have those 4 ribbons; Aux can get federal CG unit awards.) (individual CG aux achievements have Aux-specific ribbons.) The USCG has always been a service that stay under most peoples radar. After having worked with them as an Aux members, I wish I had considered the Coast Guard when I was younger! Not that I regret my service in the Army, proud to be a soldier as well! Now if you really want to see a lot of ribbons and do-dads, go to a JROTC event!

Response by SFC Jeff L. made Apr 28 at 2015 7:52 AM

SFC Jeff L. — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 07:52:26 -0400

Waka waka waka

Im Gonna Git You Sucka Medals

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 28 at 2015 8:57 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:57:41 -0400

I knew a guy who installed a few bulbs with his own money and he not only got reimbursed but he earned an award for his efforts to take care of the barracks. There was another guy I knew in the same unit, he helped a guy from killing himself. He didn't get anything but maybe the paper work was incomplete and someone gave up on it.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Apr 28 at 2015 9:21 AM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 09:21:47 -0400

I am not going to vote on this. I think calling out individual services is BS....personally I feel that all medals and ribbons are earned in some way due to completion of a training, skill or by time served. However Commendation and Achievement Medals are harder to come by. After 21 years yes i have a lot of both with many silver and bronze devices. I can assure you that all were earned not given.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Apr 28 at 2015 10:28 AM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 10:28:25 -0400

All I really know is that it's not the Navy. It's only one instance, but as a LCDR, I was put up for an MSM as an end of tour award, having been double-hatted on an Admiral's staff and as a Captain's XO. One of the men recommending me for the award later became a Reserve Rear Admiral. The award was downgraded by the local Chief of Staff, with the justification that "we don't award MSMs to Lieutenant Commanders". How many Army and Air Force E-5s and E-6s, and Army O-3s running around with MSMs, since? A lot.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Apr 28 at 2015 4:10 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 16:10:41 -0400

Air Force. You leave basic with two at least and with a total of 4 possible. GWOT comes shortly after plus a plethora of opportunities to earn others.

Response by CSM Donald McGlasson made Apr 28 at 2015 10:11 PM

CSM Donald McGlasson — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 22:11:08 -0400

Let's start off in the correct door on this topic. A ribbon and a medal are two different things and received for different reasons.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 11:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 23:26:28 -0400

We all know the answer to this, but its unnecessarily impolitic to rub their noses in it.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 29 at 2015 3:43 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 03:43:54 -0400

That's easy, Air Force. I once knew a guy who had been in the Air Force for 6 months, got out for whatever reason and came in the Navy. He already had 4 ribbons and as far as I know hadn't even made it out of a training command.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 3:28 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:28:06 -0400

It depends on how you define ribbon; that is, ribbon vs award vs decoration. As "ribbons" go, the Air Force uses ribbons for what other services use hash stripes or badges for. If you're talking about the ribbon set in general, that "ribbon" category will push the Air Force higher. If you look at awards and decorations though, some of the services start evening out. I've never seen an Air Force Commendation Medal given for smarting off at trolls and making a video about them...

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 29 at 2015 4:36 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:36:13 -0400

WGAS

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made Apr 29 at 2015 5:33 PM

PO2 Kevin LaCroix — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 17:33:03 -0400

Navy is(or was) stingy. Long duty station(sea service) assignments does not help.

Response by SSG Scott Burk made Apr 29 at 2015 6:40 PM

SSG Scott Burk — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 18:40:03 -0400

By far the USAF...Have you noticed the average E-6 compared to the other branches. My nephew is Air Force and had 4 Ribbons by the time he finished Tech School.

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made Apr 29 at 2015 11:32 PM

MSgt Rob Weston — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 23:32:27 -0400

While I was in the AF, I would have loved to gotten rid of the longevity and good conduct ribbons and resort to service stripes like the sister services

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 3 at 2015 11:43 PM

TSgt Christopher D. — Sun, 03 May 2015 23:43:05 -0400

My Air Force. No question about it.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 9 at 2015 12:51 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 00:51:00 -0400

All of the above. The criteria has been watered down so much during my career, you can't compare today's awards to past ones from some Bronze Stars and everything else on down. Don't get me going on that Badge thing.

I didn't think much of deployment ribbons either.

Response by CMSgt Mike Esser made Jun 9 at 2015 8:57 PM

CMSgt Mike Esser — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 20:57:43 -0400

It aint the Marines!!!!!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 12 at 2015 11:36 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 23:36:44 -0400

I use the informal Joint dunno what it is general rule thumb of just looking left and up from the NDSM when checking ribbons, realizing the remainder right and down are campaign and service awards. Unit awards intermingled are what they are.

I do research them later, just to be better informed.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2015 4:59 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 16:59:07 -0500

Army. I've deployed with the Army and picked up more than I did with the AF (not counting Overseas, Marksmanship, etc that have hashmarks, badges, or another method of recognition). I think the folks saying good ole boy club or right place at right time have the most accurate assessment...

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Dec 26 at 2015 8:29 PM

SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 20:29:13 -0500

Air Force. The Navy (cough) is getting closer to them with a proposed boot camp ribbon... I spent my first 4 years with 3 ribbons (by the end of it) until I got to my first ship. I've got guys who have been on that long these days who have two rows and at least one warfare device...

Response by SSG Samuel Sohm made Jan 6 at 2016 1:39 PM

SSG Samuel Sohm — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 13:39:08 -0500

Air Force, followed by the Army.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jan 6 at 2016 2:17 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 14:17:01 -0500

Read somewhere that the USN is giving a ribbon award for successfully completing basic recruit training. If that is the only case then its qualifies as the easiest way to receive an award of some sort.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 2:17 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 14:17:02 -0500

Most National Guard unit have state-level ribbons, many of which are roughly equiv to federal awards. A savvy guardsman (Army or Air) can build an impressive shadow box by including both state and federal awards (which can be authorized to be worn together).

Response by Sgt Brian Benway made Jan 6 at 2016 2:22 PM

Sgt Brian Benway — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 14:22:07 -0500

I don't know this for sure, but I have buddy in the Air Force who seems to have a new ribbon everytime I see him, and he's never even deployed.

Response by LTC Bob Barry made Jan 6 at 2016 6:00 PM

LTC Bob Barry — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 18:00:13 -0500

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 11:27 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 23:27:26 -0500

National Guard, Army ribbons plus state ribbons.

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made Jan 7 at 2016 2:58 AM

TSgt Marco McDowell — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 02:58:40 -0500

The only ribbon I'll admit to have been given was my first National Defense Ribbon while in boot camp back in 92. Other than that I earned or met the requirements for everything from the Marine Corps and the Air Force. I don't think anyone has it easier when it come to decorations. Now the Corps was definitely stingy but I don't think it was difficult to garner achievements. I did return the AF Basic Training ribbon that they erroneously credited me. They said even though I never went, my Marine Corps basic qualified me. Of course I explained to them that the Eagle,Globe and Anchor was my "reward" for completion and asked them to remove it from my service record. They were confused but obliged. I didn't go to their boot camp so I didn't rate. Other than those few snafus, I'd say the difficulty level was about the same between the two. Never got any participation ribbons or medals and was never offered any for being in any particular area.

Response by PO1 David Johnson made Sep 10 at 2017 11:29 AM

PO1 David Johnson — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 11:29:36 -0400

I view a salad from the perspective of the national defense medal. only awards above it make a difference.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Mar 18 at 2018 7:10 AM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 07:10:38 -0400

I am not sure, I worked with all of them, but was only Army. I don't think I can give a good representation of the army. I got one ribbon and I had to give it back.

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made Mar 18 at 2018 10:42 AM

CWO3 Dennis M. — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 10:42:40 -0400

I guess I will go with the Air Force!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2018 4:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 16:17:22 -0400

The WACs in my days, first day a basic they tied their hair with a ribbon.

Response by PO1 Robin Edwards made Jun 30 at 2018 11:21 AM

PO1 Robin Edwards — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 11:21:37 -0400

I’m retired navy, my son is af, in 5 yrs he had more than me, lol

Response by Cpl Kenneth Osborn made Jun 30 at 2018 2:55 PM

Cpl Kenneth Osborn — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 14:55:34 -0400

The Army. So I've heard.

Response by SSgt Sam Hoverson made Jun 30 at 2018 10:30 PM

SSgt Sam Hoverson — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 22:30:43 -0400

I got a NATO medal for simply being stationed at an airbase for 30 days. The Air Force is out front for a reason, when they do stuff like that.

Response by SSgt Jimmy Jackson made Jul 1 at 2018 9:33 PM

SSgt Jimmy Jackson — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 21:33:52 -0400

Great, now I've got rack envy. Only 7 with devices and one badge. I'll be ok, things have changed.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Jul 8 at 2018 10:59 AM

MSG Danny Mathers — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 10:59:08 -0400

The AF has ribbons for everything.

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Sep 14 at 2018 2:42 PM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 14:42:08 -0400

The easiest way is to be in the U.S. Army, I've watched Senior NCO's write each others recommendations and then submit them to Battalion and receive them. I believe in integrity and have always refused to write my own bullets for an award and have been against them being handed out like candy. It takes away from those that truly deserve them.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 2:56 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 14:56:26 -0400

Yup...Air Force by far.

Response by SGT(P) Le'a K Billingsley made Aug 8 at 2019 11:05 PM

SGT(P) Le'a K Billingsley — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 23:05:56 -0400

Has to be the Navy

Response by Cpl Steven Horsley made Jan 1 at 2021 10:34 PM

Cpl Steven Horsley — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 22:34:19 -0500

Probably the air force