AFJROTC AWARDS
DESCRIPTIONS AND CRITERIA
Distinguished Unit award with Merit (DUAM). Awarded to cadets enrolled during the same academic year in which 1) the unit receives a HQ AFJROTC evaluation with an overall rating of Exceeds Standards and 2) the unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the DUA. Both criteria must occur during the same academic year. The unit will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of recognition which will be posted in WINGS.
Distinguished Unit Award (DUA). Awarded to cadets enrolled during the academic year when a unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the DUA. The unit will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of recognition which will be posted in WINGS.
Outstanding Organization Award. Awarded to cadets enrolled during the academic year when a unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the OOA. The unit will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of recognition which will be posted in WINGS. OOA recipients do not receive a streamer.
Outstanding Flight Ribbon. Awarded each academic term to members of the outstanding flight under criteria determined by the SASI.
Top Performer Award. The Cadet Top Performer Award is a Headquarters, AFJROTC award presented to a maximum of 2% of the current unit cadet corps population (unduplicated headcount). This award is only presented during a formal Staff Assistance Visit or Unit Evaluation conducted by HQ AFJROTC personnel. The award consists of a certificate and a ribbon, which is presented by the Region Director during the visit, unless personal observation of the cadet warrants otherwise. Once awarded, the ribbon may be worn for the duration of a cadet’s tenure in AFJROTC.
Outstanding Cadet Ribbon. Awarded annually at the SASI’s discretion to the outstanding first-year, second-year, third-year, and fourth-year cadet. The recipient from each class must be of high moral character, demonstrate positive personal attributes, display outstanding military potential, and attain academic and military excellence.
Leadership Ribbon. Awarded at the SASI’s discretion for outstanding performance in a position of leadership as an AFJROTC cadet in corps training activities. Ensure recognition of cadets who have consistently displayed outstanding leadership ability above and beyond expected performance.
Superior Performance Ribbon. Awarded annually at the SASI’s discretion for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of AFJROTC. Present the ribbon for a single or sustained performance of a superior nature. Ensure award is presented in recognition of achievements and services which are clearly outstanding and exceptional when compared to achievements and accomplishments of other cadets.
Achievement Ribbon. Awarded for a significant achievement as deemed appropriate by the SASI. Individuals may not receive more than one ribbon during a 1-year period.
Academic Ribbon. Awarded for academic excellence as signified by attaining an overall grade point average of at least “B” for one academic term, in addition to an “A” average in AFJROTC.
Cadet Leadership Course Ribbon. Awarded for completion of an approved leadership school program of at least 5 days duration. For each additional Leadership School completion an additional bronze star will be awarded. Silver Star will be awarded for outstanding performance or leadership ability at a Leadership School instead of the Bronze Star. Limit the Silver Star to 10 percent of the class.
Special Teams Placement Ribbon. Awarded to team members for placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an Air Force or Joint Service Competition to include Drill Teams, Color Guard Teams, Marksmanship Rifle Teams, Saber Teams, Academic Bowl Teams, CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers etc. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.
All-Service National Competition Ribbon. Awarded to team members who competed at a Joint/All Service national-level competition to include Drill Teams, Color Guard Teams, Marksmanship Rifle Teams, Saber Teams, Academic Bowl Teams, CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers etc. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.
Air Force Nationals Competition Ribbon. Awarded to team members who competed at an Air Force only national-level competition to include Drill Teams, Color Guard Teams, Marksmanship Rifle Teams, Saber Teams, Academic Bowl Teams, CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers etc. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.
Orienteering Ribbon. Awarded to team members for completing a unit-specific Orienteering Program as part of unit curriculum. Criteria for this award will be established by SASI and published in Cadet Guide or Unit Operation Instruction.
Leadership Development Requirement (LDR) Leadership Ribbon. Awarded at the SASI’s discretion for leadership in AFJROTC Leadership Development Requirement activities (such as but not limited to dining-in chairperson, military ball chairperson etc.)
Drill Team Ribbon. Awarded for distinguished participation in at least 75% of all scheduled drill team events, including practice.
Color Guard Ribbon. Awarded for distinguished participation in at least 75% of all scheduled color guard events, including practice.
Saber Team Ribbon. Awarded for distinguished participation in at least 75% of all scheduled saber team events, including practice.
Marksmanship Team Ribbon. Criteria for this award will be established by SASI and published in Cadet Guide or Unit Operation Instruction. An oak leaf cluster should be added to this ribbon for each year of qualifying membership beginning with the second year.
USAA Educational Foundation (EF) Joint Service Academic Bowl (JLAB) Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who participate in the Joint Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) Practice Test and the subsequent rounds of JLAB competition. The award recognizes individual efforts toward achieving a clear understanding of core subjects including math, science, language arts, leadership, current events, and financial literacy.
CyberPatriot Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the CyberPatriot team for at least one year/season.
StellarXplorers Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the StellarXplorers team for at least one year/season.
Raiders Team Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the Raiders Team for at least one year/season.
Military Model Building Team Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the Military Model Building Team for at least one year.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the UAS team for at least one year. UAS vehicles include multi-copters, drones, and remote-controlled aircraft/vehicles.
Robotics Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the Robotics club/team for at least one year.
Good Conduct Ribbon. Awarded to cadet airmen and junior NCO’s with no DMC’s, suspensions, or Saturday D-Hall AND no adverse reports from other staff or faculty in a semester.
Service Ribbon. Awarded at the SASI’s discretion for distinctive performance in school, community, or AFJROTC service projects. Limit to members whose active participation in a service project contributed significantly to the goals of the organization. (NOTE: Participation in Drill Teams, Saber Teams or Color Guard Teams alone does not qualify for the Service Ribbon (see above criteria for these other ribbons) unless community service hours are also awarded.
Health and Wellness Ribbon. Awarded by the SASI for participation in the unit health and wellness physical fitness program. All cadets who participate in the unit’s wellness program may receive the Health and Wellness Ribbon. Subsequent yearly award of the Health and Wellness Ribbon will be denoted by the addition of a Bronze Oak Leaf cluster to the ribbon for each additional year of award. Cadets who score in the Physical Fitness Test’s 75-84 percentiles will receive a Bronze Star device; 85-95 percentile will receive a Silver Star device; and 96-100 percent will receive a Gold Star device. These cadets, if already wearing the ribbon with oak leaf cluster(s), will receive and wear an additional Health and Wellness Ribbon with the highest level Star Device(s) affixed. Duplicate awards of the Bronze, Silver or Gold percentile will be denoted by the addition of another star on this ribbon. Should a cadet subsequently score in a higher percentile, only the star representing the higher percentile will be worn. In no case will a cadet mix different color stars, or star(s) and oak leaf cluster(s) on the same ribbon.
Recruiting Ribbon. Awarded for outstanding effort in support of unit recruiting activities. A cadet may receive this ribbon if they are directly responsibility for at least two people joining the corps.
Activities Ribbon. Awarded for participation in Leadership Development Requirement activities other than those that qualify for the Color Guard, Drill Team, and Special Teams Competition ribbons. These include, but are not limited to orienteering teams, model rocketry clubs, AFJROTC academic teams, and AFJROTC sports teams. An oak leaf cluster should be added to this ribbon for each year of membership beginning with the second year. The SASI awards this ribbon using locally developed criteria which must be included in the Cadet Guide or unit Operating Instruction.
Attendance Ribbon. Awarded to cadets with no more than 2 excused absences and no unexcused absences in any class for a semester.
Dress and Appearance Ribbon. Criteria for dress and appearance ribbon will be established by SASI and published in Cadet Guide or Unit Operation Instruction. SASI will also include uniform inspection scoring as applicable.
Longevity Ribbon. Awarded for completion of each AS year.
Bataan Death March Memorial Hike Ribbon. To honor and remember the sacrifices of the victims and survivors of World War II’s Bataan Death March, AFJROTC units may conduct an optional 14-mile Bataan Death March Memorial Hike. This event must be accomplished on a locally determined 14 mile course (trails, road courses, tracks, etc). Units may complete the full hike in a span of one to no more than three days. Cadet safety must be monitored at all times and advanced planning for any first aid/medical attention is paramount. Cadets who fully complete the 14 mile hike are authorized to wear the ribbon.
Patriotic Flag Ribbon. Is awarded for participation in 3 or more non-honor guard events specifically designed to honor our nation’s flag. Non-honor guard events that qualify for this award include flag raising ceremonies, flag retirement ceremonies, flag folding ceremonies, and historical flag demonstrations. SASI may approve additional events on a case-by-case basis.
Resiliency Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded by the SASI to any cadet who has displayed a high amount of resiliency to life events. Principally intended to denote resilience in the face of COVID-19 to cadets who were enrolled in AFJROTC from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2022. The ribbon is now expanded to those who in the SASI’s discretion have overcome significant life challenges (significant illness, tragedy at home such as fire or destruction by storm) and have shown resilience to overcome those events and press on as a cadet.
CAP Awards. Only five CAP ribbons may be worn on the Air Force JROTC uniform (General Carl Spaatz Award, General Ira C. Eaker Award, Amelia Earhart Award, General Billy Mitchell Award, and the General J. F. Curry)
Distinguished Unit Award (DUA). Awarded to cadets enrolled during the academic year when a unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the DUA. The unit will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of recognition which will be posted in WINGS.
Outstanding Organization Award. Awarded to cadets enrolled during the academic year when a unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the OOA. The unit will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of recognition which will be posted in WINGS. OOA recipients do not receive a streamer.
Outstanding Flight Ribbon. Awarded each academic term to members of the outstanding flight under criteria determined by the SASI.
Top Performer Award. The Cadet Top Performer Award is a Headquarters, AFJROTC award presented to a maximum of 2% of the current unit cadet corps population (unduplicated headcount). This award is only presented during a formal Staff Assistance Visit or Unit Evaluation conducted by HQ AFJROTC personnel. The award consists of a certificate and a ribbon, which is presented by the Region Director during the visit, unless personal observation of the cadet warrants otherwise. Once awarded, the ribbon may be worn for the duration of a cadet’s tenure in AFJROTC.
Outstanding Cadet Ribbon. Awarded annually at the SASI’s discretion to the outstanding first-year, second-year, third-year, and fourth-year cadet. The recipient from each class must be of high moral character, demonstrate positive personal attributes, display outstanding military potential, and attain academic and military excellence.
Leadership Ribbon. Awarded at the SASI’s discretion for outstanding performance in a position of leadership as an AFJROTC cadet in corps training activities. Ensure recognition of cadets who have consistently displayed outstanding leadership ability above and beyond expected performance.
Superior Performance Ribbon. Awarded annually at the SASI’s discretion for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of AFJROTC. Present the ribbon for a single or sustained performance of a superior nature. Ensure award is presented in recognition of achievements and services which are clearly outstanding and exceptional when compared to achievements and accomplishments of other cadets.
Achievement Ribbon. Awarded for a significant achievement as deemed appropriate by the SASI. Individuals may not receive more than one ribbon during a 1-year period.
Academic Ribbon. Awarded for academic excellence as signified by attaining an overall grade point average of at least “B” for one academic term, in addition to an “A” average in AFJROTC.
Cadet Leadership Course Ribbon. Awarded for completion of an approved leadership school program of at least 5 days duration. For each additional Leadership School completion an additional bronze star will be awarded. Silver Star will be awarded for outstanding performance or leadership ability at a Leadership School instead of the Bronze Star. Limit the Silver Star to 10 percent of the class.
Special Teams Placement Ribbon. Awarded to team members for placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an Air Force or Joint Service Competition to include Drill Teams, Color Guard Teams, Marksmanship Rifle Teams, Saber Teams, Academic Bowl Teams, CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers etc. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.
All-Service National Competition Ribbon. Awarded to team members who competed at a Joint/All Service national-level competition to include Drill Teams, Color Guard Teams, Marksmanship Rifle Teams, Saber Teams, Academic Bowl Teams, CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers etc. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.
Air Force Nationals Competition Ribbon. Awarded to team members who competed at an Air Force only national-level competition to include Drill Teams, Color Guard Teams, Marksmanship Rifle Teams, Saber Teams, Academic Bowl Teams, CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers etc. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.
Orienteering Ribbon. Awarded to team members for completing a unit-specific Orienteering Program as part of unit curriculum. Criteria for this award will be established by SASI and published in Cadet Guide or Unit Operation Instruction.
Leadership Development Requirement (LDR) Leadership Ribbon. Awarded at the SASI’s discretion for leadership in AFJROTC Leadership Development Requirement activities (such as but not limited to dining-in chairperson, military ball chairperson etc.)
Drill Team Ribbon. Awarded for distinguished participation in at least 75% of all scheduled drill team events, including practice.
Color Guard Ribbon. Awarded for distinguished participation in at least 75% of all scheduled color guard events, including practice.
Saber Team Ribbon. Awarded for distinguished participation in at least 75% of all scheduled saber team events, including practice.
Marksmanship Team Ribbon. Criteria for this award will be established by SASI and published in Cadet Guide or Unit Operation Instruction. An oak leaf cluster should be added to this ribbon for each year of qualifying membership beginning with the second year.
USAA Educational Foundation (EF) Joint Service Academic Bowl (JLAB) Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who participate in the Joint Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) Practice Test and the subsequent rounds of JLAB competition. The award recognizes individual efforts toward achieving a clear understanding of core subjects including math, science, language arts, leadership, current events, and financial literacy.
CyberPatriot Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the CyberPatriot team for at least one year/season.
StellarXplorers Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the StellarXplorers team for at least one year/season.
Raiders Team Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the Raiders Team for at least one year/season.
Military Model Building Team Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the Military Model Building Team for at least one year.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the UAS team for at least one year. UAS vehicles include multi-copters, drones, and remote-controlled aircraft/vehicles.
Robotics Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to cadets who are a member of the Robotics club/team for at least one year.
Good Conduct Ribbon. Awarded to cadet airmen and junior NCO’s with no DMC’s, suspensions, or Saturday D-Hall AND no adverse reports from other staff or faculty in a semester.
Service Ribbon. Awarded at the SASI’s discretion for distinctive performance in school, community, or AFJROTC service projects. Limit to members whose active participation in a service project contributed significantly to the goals of the organization. (NOTE: Participation in Drill Teams, Saber Teams or Color Guard Teams alone does not qualify for the Service Ribbon (see above criteria for these other ribbons) unless community service hours are also awarded.
Health and Wellness Ribbon. Awarded by the SASI for participation in the unit health and wellness physical fitness program. All cadets who participate in the unit’s wellness program may receive the Health and Wellness Ribbon. Subsequent yearly award of the Health and Wellness Ribbon will be denoted by the addition of a Bronze Oak Leaf cluster to the ribbon for each additional year of award. Cadets who score in the Physical Fitness Test’s 75-84 percentiles will receive a Bronze Star device; 85-95 percentile will receive a Silver Star device; and 96-100 percent will receive a Gold Star device. These cadets, if already wearing the ribbon with oak leaf cluster(s), will receive and wear an additional Health and Wellness Ribbon with the highest level Star Device(s) affixed. Duplicate awards of the Bronze, Silver or Gold percentile will be denoted by the addition of another star on this ribbon. Should a cadet subsequently score in a higher percentile, only the star representing the higher percentile will be worn. In no case will a cadet mix different color stars, or star(s) and oak leaf cluster(s) on the same ribbon.
Recruiting Ribbon. Awarded for outstanding effort in support of unit recruiting activities. A cadet may receive this ribbon if they are directly responsibility for at least two people joining the corps.
Activities Ribbon. Awarded for participation in Leadership Development Requirement activities other than those that qualify for the Color Guard, Drill Team, and Special Teams Competition ribbons. These include, but are not limited to orienteering teams, model rocketry clubs, AFJROTC academic teams, and AFJROTC sports teams. An oak leaf cluster should be added to this ribbon for each year of membership beginning with the second year. The SASI awards this ribbon using locally developed criteria which must be included in the Cadet Guide or unit Operating Instruction.
Attendance Ribbon. Awarded to cadets with no more than 2 excused absences and no unexcused absences in any class for a semester.
Dress and Appearance Ribbon. Criteria for dress and appearance ribbon will be established by SASI and published in Cadet Guide or Unit Operation Instruction. SASI will also include uniform inspection scoring as applicable.
Longevity Ribbon. Awarded for completion of each AS year.
Bataan Death March Memorial Hike Ribbon. To honor and remember the sacrifices of the victims and survivors of World War II’s Bataan Death March, AFJROTC units may conduct an optional 14-mile Bataan Death March Memorial Hike. This event must be accomplished on a locally determined 14 mile course (trails, road courses, tracks, etc). Units may complete the full hike in a span of one to no more than three days. Cadet safety must be monitored at all times and advanced planning for any first aid/medical attention is paramount. Cadets who fully complete the 14 mile hike are authorized to wear the ribbon.
Patriotic Flag Ribbon. Is awarded for participation in 3 or more non-honor guard events specifically designed to honor our nation’s flag. Non-honor guard events that qualify for this award include flag raising ceremonies, flag retirement ceremonies, flag folding ceremonies, and historical flag demonstrations. SASI may approve additional events on a case-by-case basis.
Resiliency Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded by the SASI to any cadet who has displayed a high amount of resiliency to life events. Principally intended to denote resilience in the face of COVID-19 to cadets who were enrolled in AFJROTC from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2022. The ribbon is now expanded to those who in the SASI’s discretion have overcome significant life challenges (significant illness, tragedy at home such as fire or destruction by storm) and have shown resilience to overcome those events and press on as a cadet.
CAP Awards. Only five CAP ribbons may be worn on the Air Force JROTC uniform (General Carl Spaatz Award, General Ira C. Eaker Award, Amelia Earhart Award, General Billy Mitchell Award, and the General J. F. Curry)