Accoutrements

Gold Valor Award. Awards consist of a medal, ribbon, and certificate. The Gold Valor Award recognizes the most outstanding voluntary acts of self-sacrifice and personal bravery by a cadet involving conspicuous risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. For each additional award earned an additional small silver star will be awarded.

Silver Valor Award. Awards consist of a medal, ribbon, and certificate. The Silver Valor Award is awarded to a cadet for a voluntary act of heroism which does not meet the risk-of-life requirements of the Gold Valor Award. For each additional award earned an additional small silver star will be awarded.

Cadet Humanitarian Award. Award consists of a ribbon and certificate. It is intended to recognize cadets who provide aid in response to a singular extraordinary event such as a natural disaster or other catastrophe that has placed or has the potential to place a hardship on their fellow citizens. This award is not to be used to recognize day-to-day service in the community. For each additional award earned an additional small silver star will be awarded.

Silver Star Community Service with Excellence Award. Award consists of a ribbon with a Silver Star device and a certificate. The Silver Star Community Service with Excellence Award will be an honor that emphasizes the value of community service and establishes a greater sense of pride within the corps. The award will be given to cadets in the Top 5% of units who have the highest "per cadet average" community service hours. For each additional award earned an additional large silver star will be awarded.

Community Service with Excellence Award. Award consists of a ribbon and certificate. It is intended to recognize those individual cadets who provide significant leadership in the planning, organizing, directing, and executing of a major unit community service project that greatly benefits the local community. This is not an award given to participants but to the key leader(s) of the project. 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 Association (AFA) Award. Cadets may only receive this award once. This AFA-sponsored award is presented annually at each unit to the outstanding second-year (in a 3-year program) or third-year cadet (in a 4-year program). The award recipient must possess/meet the following personal characteristics and eligibility criteria:

Daedalian Award. Cadets may only receive this award once. The Order of Daedalian was named after the legendary figure, Daedalus, and was organized by WWI military pilots who sought to perpetuate the spirit of patriotism, love of country, and the high ideals of self-sacrifice which place service to the nation above personal safety and position. This award is offered to encourage the development of these traits in cadets and to interest them in a military career. The medal is fashioned after an ancient Grecian plaque discovered by a Daedalian in the village of Lavadia, Greece, and depicts Daedalus and his son Icarus fabricating their legendary wings of wax and feathers. This annual award recognizes one outstanding third-year cadet at each unit that meets the following criteria:

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Award. Cadets may only receive this award once. This award is presented annually to one third-year (in a 3-year program) or fourth-year cadet (in a 4-year program) that meets the following criteria:

American Legion Scholastic Award. Cadets may only receive this award once. This award is presented annually to one second- or third-year cadet (in a 3-year program) or a third- or fourth-year cadet (in a 4-year program) based on the cadet’s overall scholastic achievements. Each cadet must:

American Legion General Military Excellence Award. Cadets may only receive this award once. This award is presented annually to one second- or third-year cadet (in a 3-year program) or a third- or fourth-year cadet (in a 4-year program) based on the cadet’s general military excellence. Each cadet must:

Reserve Organization of American (ROA) Award. Cadets may only receive this award once. This award is presented annually for military and academic achievement to an outstanding third-year cadet (fourth-year cadet in a 4-year program). The recipient must possess individual characteristics contributing to leadership such as:

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Award. Cadets may only receive this award once. This award, formerly known as The Retired Officers Association Award. This award is presented annually to an outstanding second-year cadet (third-year cadet in a 4-year program) who shows exceptional potential for military leadership. Each cadet must:

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Award. Cadets may only receive this award once. This award is presented annually to an outstanding second or third-year cadet in a 3-year program (third or fourth-year cadet in a 4-year program) who is actively engaged in the AFJROTC program and who possesses individual characteristics contributing to leadership. Each cadet must:

National Society United States Daughters 1812 Award. Cadets may only receive this award once. Awarded annually, at the SASI’s discretion, for academic excellence, leadership, military discipline, dependability, patriotism, and upright character in speech and habits.

National Sojourners Award. This award is presented annually recognizing an outstanding first- or second-year cadet (second or third-year cadet in a 4-year program) who contributed the most to encourage and demonstrate Americanism within the corps of cadets and on campus. Each cadet must:

Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction Award. This award annually recognizes an outstanding second-year cadet in a 3-year program or third-year cadet in a 4-year program. Each cadet must:

Military Order of the Purple Heart Award. This award annually recognizes an outstanding underclassman (first-, second-, or third-year cadet), who is enrolled in the AFJROTC program and demonstrates leadership ability. Seniors are not eligible. Each cadet must:

Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Award. This award recognizes an outstanding second-year cadet in a 3-year program or third-year cadet in a 4-year program who is enrolled in the AFJROTC program. The recipient must exhibit a high degree of leadership, military bearing, and all-around excellence in AS studies and not have previously received the award. Each cadet must:

Military Order of World Wars Award. This award is presented annually to an outstanding cadet who has committed to continue the aerospace science program the following school year. Selection is based on outstanding accomplishments or service to the AFJROTC unit.

American Veterans (AMVETS) Award. This award is presented annually to one qualified cadet that possesses individual characteristics contributing to leadership such as:

Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) Award. This award recognizes an outstanding second- or third-year cadet in a 3-year program (third- or fourth-year cadet in a 4-year program). The recipient must demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship. Each cadet must:

Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (TAI) Cadet Award. This award is presented annually to two cadets. Cadets may be first-year, second-year, or third-year cadets (in a 3- or 4-year program) and must meet the following criteria:

The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) Award. Cadets may only receive this award once. Awarded annually, at the SASI’s discretion, for exceptional leadership to the most outstanding AFJROTC cadet while serving in an Enlisted Rank. The selected enlisted cadet must have shown outstanding leadership throughout the course of the school year.

The Celebrate Freedom Foundation (CFF) Award for Excellence in Academic Programs. Cadets may only receive this award once. The awards program recognizes 9th-, 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students (including home-schooled students) enrolled in AFJROTC programs. Cadets must demonstrate the following personal characteristics to be eligible for nomination:

Air Commando Association Award. Cadets may only receive this award once. Awarded annually at the SASI’s discretion for completing a one-page essay based on a historical AF Special Operations Mission possessing the 13 critical attributes of success: integrity, self-motivation, intelligence, self-discipline, perseverance, adaptability, maturity, judgment, selflessness, leadership, skilled, physical fitness and family strength.

Distinguished Unit Award with Merit (DUAM). Award consists of a ribbon awarded to cadets enrolled during the same academic year in which 1) the unit receives an 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. For each additional ribbon earned an additional small silver star will be awarded.

Distinguished Unit Award (DUA). Awarded to cadets enrolled during the academic year when a unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the DUA. For each additional ribbon earned an additional small silver star will be awarded.

Outstanding Organization Award (OOA). Awarded to cadets enrolled during the academic year when a unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the OOA. For each additional ribbon earned an additional small silver star will be awarded.

Outstanding Flight Ribbon. Awarded each academic term to members of the outstanding flight under criteria determined by the SASI. 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.

Top Performer Award. The award consists of a ribbon and certificate presented/awarded only by Headquarters, AFJROTC personnel. This award is only presented during a visit by HQ AFJROTC personnel. The award is presented to a maximum of 2% of the current unit cadet corps population (Unduplicated headcount). Once awarded, the ribbon may be worn for the duration of a cadet’s tenure in AFJROTC.

Outstanding Cadet Ribbon. Awarded annually to the outstanding first-year, second-year, third-year, and fourth-year cadets. 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. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.

Leadership Ribbon. Awarded for outstanding performance in a position of leadership as an AFJROTC cadet. Ensure recognition of cadets who have consistently displayed outstanding leadership ability above and beyond expected performance. 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.

Superior Performance Ribbon. Awarded to no more than the top 10% of the cadet corps annually for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of AFJROTC. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.

Achievement Ribbon. Awarded for a significant achievement in AFJROTC or other school activities/events. Individuals may not receive more than one ribbon during a 1-year period. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.

Academic Ribbon. Awarded for academic excellence as signified by attaining an overall grade point average of at least “B” for one academic term (cadet may only receive one award annually), in addition to an “A” average in AFJROTC. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.

Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) Ribbon. Awarded for completion of an approved leadership school program of at least 5 days in duration. For each additional CLC completion, an additional bronze star will be awarded. Silver Star will be awarded for outstanding performance or leadership ability at a CLC instead of the Bronze Star. Limit the Silver Star to 10% of the class.

Special Teams Placement Ribbon. Awarded to team members for placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an Air Force or Joint Service (local, regional, state, or national-level) Competition to include Drill Teams, Color Guard Teams, Marksmanship Rifle Teams, Saber Teams, Academic Bowl Teams, Cyber Patriot, 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 Award (N/A). Awards consist of a medal and ribbon. Awarded to team members who competed at a Joint/All Service national-level competition including Drill Teams, Color Guard Teams, Marksmanship Rifle Teams, Saber Teams, Academic Bowl Teams, Cyber Patriot, 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 Award (N/A). Awards consist of a medal and ribbon. Awarded to team members who competed at an Air Force-only national-level competition including Drill Teams, Color Guard Teams, Marksmanship Rifle Teams, Saber Teams, Academic Bowl Teams, Cyber Patriot, 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 (N/A). Awarded to team members for completing a unit-specific Orienteering program as part of the unit curriculum. 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.

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 team commander, dining-in chairperson, military ball chairperson, 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.

Drill Team Ribbon. Cadets must be on the drill team for an entire year/drill season to be eligible to qualify and must have competed in at least 3 drill performance events, i.e., competitions, special school events, and community demonstrations (cumulative). 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.

Color Guard Ribbon. Cadets must perform at least 5 color guard performance events to receive this ribbon (cumulative). 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.

Saber Team Ribbon. Cadets must perform at least 3 saber team performance events to receive this ribbon (cumulative). 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.

Marksmanship Team Ribbon. Cadets must be on the marksmanship team for an entire year/season to be eligible to qualify and must have competed in at least 1 marksmanship competition event (cumulative). 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.

Joint Leadership Academic Bowl (JLAB) Ribbon (N/A). Cadets must be a member of the Academic Bowl team. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.

Cyber Patriot Ribbon (N/A). Cadets must be a member of the Cyber Patriot team. 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. (This ribbon replaces the Cyber Patriot pin.)

StellarXplorers Ribbon (N/A). Cadets must be a member of the StellarXplorers team. 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. (This ribbon replaces the StellarXplorers pin.)

Raiders Team Ribbon (N/A). Cadets must be a member of the Raiders Team. 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.

Military Model Building Team Ribbon (N/A). Cadets must be a member of the Military Model Building Team. 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 bronze oak leaf cluster.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Ribbon (N/A). Cadets must be a member of the UAS team. UAS vehicles include multi-copters, drones, and remote-controlled aircraft/vehicles. 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.

Robotics Ribbon (N/A). Cadets must be a member of the Robotics club/team. 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.

Good Conduct Ribbon. Cadets must not have received a referral (this includes no ISS/OSS) for an academic term (cadet may only receive one award annually) to be eligible to qualify for this award. An oak leaf cluster will be added to this ribbon for each year of qualifying membership beginning with the second year.

Service Ribbon. Awarded 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 Honor Guard Teams alone does not qualify for the Service Ribbon unless community service hours are also awarded.) 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.

Health and Wellness Ribbon. Awarded 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 75-84% will receive a Bronze Star device; 85-95% will receive a Silver Star device; and 96-100% 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. 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. Cadets must have directly contributed to the recruitment of two new members to AFJROTC. 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.

Activities Ribbon. Awarded for participation in Leadership Development Requirement (LDR) activities other than those that qualify for a ribbon on the ribbon chart. These include, but are not limited to, model rocketry clubs, sports teams, and any other LDR team event that does not currently have a ribbon on the ribbon chart. An oak leaf cluster will be added to this ribbon for each year of membership beginning with the second year.

Attendance Ribbon. Awarded to cadets who have no more than three school absences during academic term (cadet may only receive one award annually). For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.

Dress and Appearance Ribbon. Awarded to cadets who maintain a 90% or higher average on weekly uniform grades. Cadets receiving this award will maintain the highest grooming and dress standards possible. 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.

Longevity Ribbon. Awarded for successful completion of each AFJROTC school year or semester. Cadets may only receive one award annually. Cadets in a 4X4 block schedule taking AFJROTC classes both semesters during a school year may only receive one ribbon and/or cluster for that school year. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.

Bataan Death March Memorial Hike Ribbon. Awarded 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.). Cadets who fully complete the 14-mile hike are authorized to wear the ribbon. 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.

Patriotic Flag Ribbon. Awarded for participation in non-color guard events specifically designed to honor our nation’s flag. Such events include flag-raising ceremonies, flag retirement ceremonies, flag folding ceremonies, and historical flag demonstrations. In order to receive this award, cadets must have participated in a minimum of five flag events. 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.

COVID-19 Ribbon. Awarded by the SASI to any cadet who was enrolled in an AFJROTC course of study from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2022. A course of study is defined as any cadet who was enrolled, participated in, and completed an online, virtual, or on-campus AFJROTC course during this period.