Ranks & Ribbons

Meritorious Achievement

Awarded, when earned, to any NJROTC cadet who distinguishes his or herself only by outstanding meritorious achievement or performance of a meritorious act. Excludes such things as length of participation in the NJROTC unit or sustained superior performance in a leadership position. Awarded on a case-by-case basis by the Area Manager.

Distinguished Unit

Awarded yearly to cadets in good standing who were unit members during the academic year in which the school earned the Distinguished Unit status. Awarded to only those units that demonstrated the highest levels of performance.

Distinguished Cadet

Awarded year to one cadet in each year group with the highest combined average for overall scholastic standing and aptitude in NJROTC unit activities (includes academics, homework, physical fitness, community service, drill, etc.).

Honor Cadet

Awarded yearly to one cadet in each year group with the highest overall academic achievement (GPA) in school, including the naval science courses.

Cadet Achievement

Awarded, when earned, to any cadet who distinguishes himself by outstanding achievement or sustained superior performance. The cadet must exhibit exceptional military aptitude and dedication to the program, as well as overall excellence in all facets of NJROTC. Awarded on a case-by-case basis by the Area Manager

Unit Achievement

Awarded yearly to cadets in good standing who were unit members during the academic year in which the school earned the Unit Achievement status as determined by the Area Manager. Awarded only to those units that demonstrated exceptional performance but did not qualify for Distinguished Unit Status.

Aptitude Award

Awarded yearly to those outstanding cadets who demonstrate an exceptional military aptitude and dedication to the NJROTC program.

Naval Science 4 Outstanding Cadet

Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 4 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.

Naval Science 3 Outstanding Cadet

Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 3 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.

Naval Science 2 Outstanding Cadet

Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 2 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.

Naval Science 1 Outstanding Cadet

Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 1 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.

Exemplary Conduct

Awarded yearly to each cadet who demonstrates exemplary conduct for the school year.

Exemplary Personal Appearance

Awarded, when earned, to each cadet who displays exemplary personal appearance and has worn his uniform on all occasions required.

Physical Fitness

Awarded, twice a year, to any cadet who meets or exceeds the basic physical fitness exercise requirements as outlined in chapter 5 of this manual and the Cadet Reference Manual (CRM).

Participation

Awarded, when earned, to any cadet who has participated in three events other than routine unit activities.

Unit Service

Awarded, when earned, to any cadet who has demonstrated exemplary service and dedication to the unit as determined by the SNSI.

Community Service

Awarded, when earned, to any cadet in good standing who distinguishes himself by dedicated and outstanding service to the community.

Academic Team

Awarded, when earned, to any cadet who is a member in good standing of the academic team and has participated in three or more academic competitions. Subsequent awards are given upon completion of an additional three competitions. 

Drill Team

Awarded, when earned, to each member of a drill team in good standing who has entered competition or performed at three or more official functions. Subsequent awards are given upon completion of an additional three competitions. 

Color Guard

Awarded, when earned, to each member of a color guard in good standing who has entered competition or performed at three or more official functions. Subsequent awards are given upon completion of an additional three color guards. 

Marksmanship

Awarded, when earned, to any cadet in good standing who has participated in three or more offical marksmanship competitions. Subsequent awards are given upon completion of an additional three competitions. 

Orienteering

Awarded, when earned, to any cadet in good standing who has entered three organized orienteering competitions. Subsequent awards are given upon completion of an additional three competitions. 

Inter-Service Competition

Awarded, whenearned, to any cadet in good standing who has entered any inter-service national level competition, such as CyberPatriot, JLAB, etc.; or for any SeaPerch Competition, regardless of service sponsorship. This ribbon cannot be awarded in addition to, or in lieu of, another team-specific ribbon. For example, it cannot be awarded for competing in a local, area, or postal multi-service drill, academic, marksmanship, or orienteering meet.

Recruiting

Awarded, when earned, to a cadet who is instrumental in the enrollment of two students in the NJROTC program. Subsequent awards are given for each additional two students enrolled.

Leadership Training

Awarded to any cadet upon satisfactory completion of Basic Leadership Training, Leadership Academy, or similar training as approved by the Area Manager.

Sea Cruise

Awarded to any cadet upon completion of an at-sea cruise (vessel must cast off lines and be underway).