Mounting Military Ribbons in Order of Precedence

What is the official order of precedence for military decorations and service medals?

The official order of precedence begins with personal decorations for valor, followed by personal decorations for merit, then unit awards, and finally service and campaign medals. Within each category, awards are ranked by the specific service branch’s hierarchy. A lot of people assume that all medals of the same type are equal, but in reality, a Purple Heart ranks lower than a Meritorious Service Medal in many branches. Always consult your specific service manual, as the exact sequence is strictly defined by regulation.

How should ribbons be spaced and aligned on a mounting bar?

Ribbons must be mounted flush against one another without any gaps to create a seamless, uniform appearance. Use a standard mounting bar that accommodates the specific width of your service's ribbons, typically 1 3/8 inches wide. Make sure the rack is perfectly horizontal, aligned with the top of the pocket flap on the service coat or the specified distance from the center of the chest on a shirt. For instance, the Air Force requires the rack to be centered on the pocket, while the Navy mandates a specific distance from the top of the pocket.

A frequent nuance involves the use of "filler" ribbons. If you possess a total number of ribbons that is not divisible by the number of ribbons per row, you must place the odd number of ribbons on the top row, centered, rather than on the bottom row. This maintains the visual balance required for inspection.

Are there specific regulations regarding the number of ribbons displayed per row?

Yes, regulations strictly dictate row capacity. Most services allow for three or four ribbons per row, but you must keep all rows full except for the top row. For example, if you have eight ribbons, you would display two rows of four, not three rows of three.

How do you determine the correct placement for attachments such as oak leaf clusters or stars?

Attachments must be centered horizontally and vertically on the ribbon, with the specific orientation dictated by the device type.

1. Oak leaf clusters are worn with the stem pointing to the wearer's right.
2. Service stars are positioned with one point facing upward.
3. Multiple devices must be spaced evenly across the ribbon to avoid crowding.
4. If you have four or more devices, use a larger attachment or a specific combination device if the regulation permits.
5. Make sure the metal prongs are bent flat against the back of the ribbon to prevent the device from snagging on your uniform fabric.

What is the protocol for wearing ribbons from different branches of the military?

Yes, you may wear ribbons from other branches, but they must follow the precedence rules of your current service. Generally, personal decorations from any branch are worn after your current service's decorations but before your own branch's service medals. Always verify the specific order in your branch's uniform manual.

How does the order of precedence differ between combat awards and non-combat service medals?

Combat awards always take precedence over non-combat service medals, regardless of the date of issuance.

• Valor awards: These medals, such as the Medal of Honor or Silver Star, occupy the highest positions on the rack.
• Merit awards: Decorations like the Meritorious Service Medal follow valor awards but precede all campaign and service medals.
• Campaign medals: These represent specific theater deployments and are placed after all personal decorations.
• Service medals: These represent general service, such as the National Defense Service Medal, and are placed at the very end of the precedence order.

What tools and materials are recommended for professional ribbon mounting?

Professional mounting requires a rigid backing bar, often made of lightweight aluminum or heavy-duty plastic, to prevent the fabric from bunching or sagging. Use a specialized mounting jig to make sure every ribbon is aligned at the exact same angle during assembly. You'll need a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend the attachment prongs securely without damaging the ribbon material. A light application of clear nail polish on the back of the prongs can prevent them from loosening over time, which is a common issue during daily wear.

One exception involves the use of magnetic backings, which are increasingly popular for their ease of use. While these are convenient, they are not authorized for wear in all uniform configurations. Always verify that your command permits magnetic attachments before replacing standard clutch-back pins, as some formal inspections prohibit them entirely.

How should ribbons be arranged if the wearer has more than one row of decorations?

When displaying multiple rows, the highest-ranking awards must be placed on the top row, with subsequent rows following in descending order of precedence.

• One row: Center the entire set of ribbons above the left pocket.
• Two rows: Place the highest-ranking row on top, with the remaining ribbons centered below it.
• Three rows: Make sure the bottom row is full if you have enough ribbons to complete it, moving any excess to the top.
• Four rows: Use a single, integrated mounting rack to make sure the entire assembly remains rigid and perfectly aligned against the chest.
• Five rows: Verify your specific service regulation, as some branches limit the total number of rows permitted on certain uniform types.