Air Force JROTC / Ribbons and Rank Chart (2023)

Ranks

Descriptions for JROTC Awards and Ribbons

1. Gold Valor Award: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.
2. Silver Valor Award: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.
3. Cadet Humanitarian Award: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 ontheir fellow citizens. This award is not to be used to recognize day-to-day service in the community.
4. Silver Star Community Service With Excellence Award: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 thecorps. The award will be given to cadets in the Top 5% of units (approximately 45 units) who have the highest "per cadet average" community service hours.
5. Community Service with Excellence Award: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 thatgreatly benefit the local community. This is not an award given to participants but to the key leader(s) of the project.
6. Air Force Association (AFA) Award: Cadets may only receive this award once. This AFA-sponsored award and is presented annually at each unit to the outstanding second-year (in a 3- year program) or third-year cadet (in a 4-yearprogram).The award recipient must possess/meet the following personal characteristics and eligibility criteria:Top 1% of the cadets in a unit in the following areas, academics, leadership, and professionalism;Positive attitude(toward AFJROTC and school);Outstanding personal appearance (uniform and grooming);Display personal attributes such as initiative, judgment, and self-confidence. Courteous demeanor (promptness, obedience, and respect forcustoms).
7. Daedalian Achievement Award: Cadets may only receive this award once. The Order of Daledalin’s is a fraternity of commissioned pilots from all military services. It is named after the legendary figure, Daedalus, and was organized byWWI 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 thedevelopment of these traits in cadets and to interest them in a military career.This annual award recognizes one outstanding third-year cadet at each unit that meets the following criteria:Demonstrate an understanding andappreciation of patriotism, love of country, and service to the nation;Indicate the potential and desire to pursue a military career;Rank in the top 10% of their AFJROTC class;Rank in the top 20% of their school class.
8. Daughters of the American Revolution 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 followingcriteria:Rank in the top 25% of their AFJROTC class;Rank in the top 25% of their high school class;Demonstrate qualities of dependability and good character;Demonstrate adherence to military discipline;Possess leadership abilityand a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of JROTC training.
9. American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award:Cadets may only receive this award once.This award is presented annually to one second- or third-year cadet (in a 3year program) or a third- or fourth-year cadet (in a 4-year program)based on the cadet’s overall scholastic achievements. Each cadet must:Rank in the top 10% of the high school class;Rank in the top 25% of their AFJROTC class;Demonstrate leadership qualities;Actively participate in studentactivities.
10. 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-yearprogram) based on the cadet’s general military excellence. Each cadet must:Rank in the top 25% of their AFJROTC class; Demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship.
11. Reserve Officers Association (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-yearprogram). The recipient must possess individual characteristics contributing to leadership such as:Be in the top 10% in the AFJROTC program;Be in the top 25% in academic grades;Be recognized for having contributed the mostto advancing the objectives of the AFJROTC program, which include outstanding dedication to citizenship, knowledge of civic responsibility, military orientation, self-discipline and a sound work ethic.
12. Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Award: Cadets may only receive this award once. This award is presented annually to an outstanding second-year cadet (third-year cadet in a 4-year program) who shows exceptionalpotential for military leadership. Each cadet must:Be a member of the junior class;be in good academic standing;be of high moral character;Show a high order of loyalty to the unit, school, and country;Show exceptional potentialfor military leadership.
13. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Award: Cadets may only receive this award once. This award 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:Positive attitude toward the AFJROTC program;Must be enrolled as a 10th-12th gradeAFJROTC student;Must maintain a “B” average in AFJROTC curriculum and a “C” average in all remaining subjects with no failing grades in the previous semester;Active in at least one other student extracurricular activity (music,athletics, government, etc.);Not a previous recipient of this award.
14. 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 andupright character in speech and habits.
15. National Sojourners Award:Cadets may only receive this award once. 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: Contribute themost to encourage Americanism by participation in LDR activities or community projects;Demonstrate academic excellence by being in the top 25% of class;Demonstrate the qualities of dependability, good character, self-discipline,good citizenship and patriotism;Not have been previous recipients of this award.
16. Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction Award:Cadets may only receive this award once.This award annually recognizes an outstanding underclassman (first, second, or third-year cadet), who is enrolled in the AFJROTC program anddemonstrates leadership ability. (Seniors are not eligible) Each cadet must:Have a positive attitude toward AFJROTC and country; Hold a leadership position in the cadet corps;Be active in school and community affairs;Attain agrade of “B” or better in all subjects for the previous semester;Not a previous recipient of this award.
17. Military Order of the Purple Heart Award: Cadets may only receive this award once.This award annually recognizes an outstanding underclassman (first, second, or third-year cadet), who is enrolled in the AFJROTC program anddemonstrates leadership ability. (Seniors are not eligible) Each cadet must:Have a positive attitude toward AFJROTC and country; Hold a leadership position in the cadet corps;Be active in school and community affairs;Attain agrade of “B” or better in all subjects for the previous semester;Not a previous recipient of this award.
18. Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Award:Cadets may only receive this award once.Cadets may only receive this award once.This award recognizes an outstanding second-year cadet in a 3-year program or third year cadetin 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 cadetmust:Be currently enrolled in the AFJROTC program; Be in the top 10% of their AFJROTC class;Be in the top 25% of their overall class.
19. Military Order of World Wars Award:Cadets may only receive this award once.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.
20. American Veterans (AMVETS) Award: Cadets may only receive this award once. This award is presented annually to one qualified cadet that possesses individual characteristics contributing to leadership such as:A positive attitudetoward AFJROTC programs and service in the Air Force; Personal appearance (wearing of the uniform, posture, and grooming, but not physical characteristics per se);Personal attributes (initiative, dependability, judgment, and self-confidence);Officer potential (capacity for responsibility, adaptability, and maintenance of high personal standards); Obtained a grade of “A” (or the numerical equivalent) in their AS class;Be in good scholastic standing in all classesat the time of selection and at the time of presentation.
21. Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) Award: Cadets may only receive this award once.This award recognizes an outstanding second- or third-year cadet in a three-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:Be in the top 10% of the AFJROTC class;Demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership,discipline, character, and citizenship;Not a previous recipient of this award.
22. Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (TAI) AFJROTC 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 followingcriteria:Attain a grade of “B” or better in their AS class;Be in good academic standing;Actively participate in cadet corps activities;Participate in at least 50% of all unit service programs.
23. 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 EnlistedRank. The selected enlisted cadet must have shown outstanding leadership throughout the course of the school year.
24. 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-schooledstudents) enrolled in AFJROTC programs.Cadets must demonstrate the following personal characteristics to be eligible for nomination:Outstanding personal appearance (uniform and grooming);Display personal attributes such asinitiative, judgment and self-confidence; Courteous demeanor (promptness, obedience and respect for customs);Growth potential (capacity for responsibility, high productivity and adaptability to change);Possess the highestpersonal and ethical standards and strong positive convictions;Shows the potential and desire to pursue a military career;Rank in the top 5% in his/her AS class with a grade average of A or numerical equivalent;Rank in the top15% of his/her academic class;Demonstrates a positive attitude (toward AFJROTC and school)
25. 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 criticalattributes of success: integrity, self-motivation, intelligence, self-discipline, perseverance, adaptability, maturity, judgment, selflessness, leadership, skilled, physical fitness and family strength.
26. 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 a HQ AFJROTC evaluation with an overall rating of Exceeds Standardsand 2) the unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the DUA. Both criteria must occur during the same academic year.
27. Distinguished Unit Award (DUA):Is a ribbon awarded to cadets enrolled during the academic year when a unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the DUA.
28. Outstanding Organization Award (OOA): Is a ribbon awarded to cadets enrolled during the academic year when a unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the OOA.
29. Outstanding Flight Ribbon:Is a ribbon awarded each academic term to members of the outstanding flight under criteria determined by the SASI. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
30. 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.All currently enrolled cadets may be considered, butspecific consideration will be given to cadets not previously recognized for superior performance.The Regional Director may select (SASIs may nominate) a maximum of 2% of a units cadets based on a cadet’s performance in the following key areas: Leadership and job performance: in primary duty and specifically in preparation for the unit’s assessment. Leadership qualities: involvement and positions held in Leadership Development Requirement activities. Academic performance: nominee must be in good academic standing in all high school course work, significant self-improvement, community involvement and other accomplishments.
31. Outstanding Cadet Ribbon:Is a 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 personalattributes, display outstanding military potential, and attain academic and military excellence. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.

***Outstanding Cadet Ribbon with Silver Star:Cadets chosen as State, Pacific and European "AFJROTC and AFA Cadet Leadership Award" winners will be awarded the “Outstanding Cadet Ribbon” with silver star. Exception: If acadet has previously earned the Outstanding Cadet Ribbon or earns it in the future, that cadet willwear only one ribbon; that would be the Outstanding Cadet Ribbon with silver star, since that award is of higher precedence.

32. Leadership Ribbon:Is a 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 beyondexpected performance. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
33. Superior Performance Ribbon:Is a 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. Present the ribbon for asingle 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 ofother cadets. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
34. Achievement Ribbon:Is a 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 publishedin the unit’s Cadet Guide.
35. Academic Ribbon:Is a 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. Criteria for this award will bepublished in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
36. Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) Ribbon:Is a 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. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
37. Special Teams Placement Ribbon:Is a 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, 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 forthe award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.
38. All-Service National Competition Award:Is a medal/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, SaberTeams, Academic Bowl Teams, CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers etc.
39. Air Force Nationals Competition Award:Is a medal/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, SaberTeams, Academic Bowl Teams, CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers etc.
40. Orienteering Ribbon:Is a ribbon awarded to team members for completing a unit-specific Orienteering program as part of unit curriculum. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
41. Leadership Development Requirement (LDR) Leadership Ribbon:Is a ribbon awarded at the SASI’s discretion for leadership in AFJROTC Leadership Development Requirement activities (such as but not limited to PT teamcommander, orienteering team commander, drill team commander, color guard team commander, dining-in chairperson, military ball chairperson, etc.). Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
42. 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, community demonstrations (cumulative). Must attend 75% of all scheduled Frill Team practices and events in which selected to participate. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
43. Color Guard Ribbon:Cadets must participate in at least 75% of all scheduled Color Guard practices or at least 5 color guard performance events to receive this ribbon (cumulative). Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’sCadet Guide.
44. Saber Team Ribbon: Cadets must participate in at least 75% of all scheduledSaber Teampractices or at least 5sabre team performance events to receive this ribbon (cumulative). Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’sCadet Guide.
45. 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). Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
46. Good Conduct Ribbon:Cadets must not have received a referral (this includes no ISS/OSS) for an academic term to be eligible to qualify for this award. An oak leaf cluster will be added to this ribbon for each year of qualifyingmembership beginning with the second year. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
47. Service Ribbon:Is a 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 theorganization. (NOTE: Participation in Drill Teams, Saber Teams or Color Guard Teams alonedoes notqualify for the Service Ribbon (see above criteria for these other ribbons) unless community service hours are also awarded. Criteriafor this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
48. Health and Wellness Ribbon:Is a 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’s 75-84% willreceive 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 andWellness 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 higherpercentile, 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. (NOTE: The Physical Fitness Test percentiles are computedautomatically under the PFT-Mass Assessment in WINGS.) Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
49. Recruiting Ribbon:Is a 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. Criteria for this award will be publishedin the unit’s Cadet Guide.
50. Activities Ribbon:Is a ribbon awarded for participation in Leadership Development Requirement (LDR) activities other than those that qualify for the Color Guard, Drill Team, and Special Teams Competition ribbons. These include, butare not limited to orienteering teams, model rocketry clubs, academic bowl teams, and raider/sports teams. An oak leaf cluster will be added to this ribbon for each year of membership beginning with the second year. Criteria for thisaward will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
51. Attendance Ribbon:Is awarded to cadets who have no more than three school absences during academic term. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide. For each additional ribbon earned an additionalbronze 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. Cadets may only receive one award annually.
52. Dress and Appearance Ribbon:Is 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. Criteria for thisaward will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
53. Longevity Ribbon:Is a 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 duringa school year may only receive one ribbon and/or cluster for that school year. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
54. Bataan Death March Memorial Hike Ribbon:Is a 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 DeathMarch 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 3- days. Cadet safety must bemonitored 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. Additionally, no fees can be charged to participate in the Memorial March. However, units are encouraged to collect donations which will be given to reputable organizations that benefit disabled veterans such as The Air Force Association’s Wounded Airman Program, the Wounded WarriorProject, Special Operations WarriorFoundation, etc. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
55. Patriotic Flag Ribbon:Is a 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 5 flag events. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.

56-60.CAP Award:Only five CAP ribbons (General Carl Spaatz Award, General Ira C. Eaker Award, Amelia Earhart Award, General Billy Mitchell Award, and the General J. F. Curry Achievement Award) may be worn on the AFJROTCuniform. Units should contact the nearest CAP unit to obtain awards, invite presenters, or obtain any guidance on criteria or presentation.