Which branch of Service is the easiest for earning ribbons?

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

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.

National Guard, Army ribbons plus state ribbons.

Ww

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).

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.

Air Force, followed by the Army.

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...

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...

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.