Military ribbons are awarded for completing standard services, with different colors indicating their meaning and division. They are pinned to the uniform and distinguish between combat and non-combat services, with some recognizing good performance or completion of training. Each division has its own set of ribbons, with less common unit ribbons awarded to an entire battalion.
Military ribbons are awarded to recognize successful completion of a standard service, such as training, deployment, or special programs. A service ribbon is different from a military badge or medal given for a single act of bravery or display. Military tapes are thin metal rods covered with a band of fabric. The color and width of the ribbon stripes indicate what the metal means and from which military division it was received.
The military ribbons are pinned to the chest of the uniform and are derived from the flags that knights used to carry into battle, the bright colors of which indicated the purpose of each battalion. Originally, ribbons were worn instead of heavy medals hung around the neck. Now, miniature decorations are usually “ribbon only,” worn alone or with accompanying medals. Each military division—the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard—award their own set of ribbons, but they have common purposes. Less common are unit ribbons awarded to an entire battalion.
Certain types of military ribbons distinguish those who have successfully completed a deployment. This period may be a few months under unusual circumstances or a few years with a standard distribution. For example, the Army, Navy, and Marines award a Foreign Service Ribbon to those who have completed a 2-3 year tour of duty outside the continental United States. General Deployment Ribbons also include the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon or the Arctic Service Ribbon for Deployment Associated with Exceptional Challenges.
Another category of military tapes is for those who do well in ratings. These include marksmanship ribbons, as some divisions recognize high scores on a weapons test with a rifle or pistol. Those who complete training with above-average performance or graduate with good grades from a program will receive an decoration, such as the Marine Corps Drill Instruction Tape. Instructors who work with recruiting or training are also eligible to receive a Marine, Navy, and Air Force Recruit Service Ribbon for a three-year Tour of Duty.
Military ribbons distinguish between combat and non-combat services. The Navy and Marines award a Combat Action Ribbon to those who have served in a declared combat zone for any length of time. However, special types of non-combat services are also recognised, such as Special Operations Officers or Coast Guard members who apply the law in difficult circumstances such as terrorist attacks.
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