NDSM for USMA cadets but not ROTC cadets

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 14:50:49 -0400

I am wondering if anyone can shed light on why USMA cadets are authorized to wear the NDSM but ROTC cadets (even those who have contracted and are now eligible to UCMJ). I know that USMA cadets are considered active component and ROTC cadets are considered reservists, but reserve Soldiers are authorized the NDSM. Thanks in advance for any incite.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 4 at 2014 8:19 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 20:19:43 -0400

Army Regulation 600–8–22 Ch.2-10.f. Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy are eligible for the NDSM, during any of the inclusive periods listed above,
upon completion of the swearing-in ceremonies as a cadet.

I'm assuming ROTC is not included because ROTC cadets are not obligated to service until they sign their contract at the start of their junior year and never fall under UCMJ until commissioned unlike USMA cadets

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 7:21 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 19:21:23 -0400

CPT Irish, Major Petrarca is correct. from my recollection (even as an ROTC college student), we were not authorized the award unless we were on active duty. Scholarship was not considered active duty; perhaps if UCMJ applies that should be reconsidered. Reserve soldiers are not supposed to get such awards unless they attend Basic or other paid training. However, not everyone reads the rules. In some basic training companies you were issued the ribbon right away and never saw the medal. In others you got the ribbon on graduation day and had to find a medal later.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 9:00 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 21:00:39 -0400

My understanding is that while in ROTC we did qualify for it because we were in the IRR. It is only authorized for Active Reservists, either TR/IMA or AGR. It looks like if someone fails to complete 90 days of continued service it can be revoked.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Service_Medal

When I was in AFROTC prior service were not allowed to wear any of their actual mil awards or AFSC bagdes until they commissioned. In ROTC we earned our own ribbons. We had our own marksmanship ribbon, that would become the official AF one during commissioning. In fact the only AD device that was allowed was jump wings if someone went to Army Airborne or USAFA free fall.