Buying Army Ribbon Precedence Charts and Resources

What is the official source for the current U.S. Army order of precedence for individual awards and decorations?

The authoritative source for the order of precedence is Department of the Army Pamphlet 670-1, specifically the appendix detailing the wear of individual awards. Many soldiers assume that the precedence list found in the back of the Army’s "Awards and Decorations" regulation (AR 600-8-22) is the final word, but DA PAM 670-1 is the actual governing document for uniform appearance. Always check the PAM for the most current visual sequence, as it reflects the most recent changes to uniform policy and award stacking requirements.

How frequently does the Army update the official ribbon precedence chart?

Updates occur whenever the Army updates its uniform regulations, which typically happens every few years or following significant policy shifts regarding new medals.

Consult the version date on the cover of the DA PAM 670-1 PDF to verify you are using the latest iteration before finalizing your rack.

Are there specific regulations governing the display of ribbons on the Army Service Uniform?

Yes, AR 670-1 mandates the specific display of ribbons on the Army Service Uniform. Ribbons must be worn in order of precedence from the wearer's right to left, and they are centered 1/8 inch above the left breast pocket flap.

Where can personnel obtain authorized, high-quality ribbon racks and mounting hardware?

Authorized, high-quality ribbon racks and mounting hardware are best obtained through Military Clothing Sales stores located on major installations. These facilities provide items that meet strict material specifications, ensuring that the fabric, backing, and attachment hardware comply with official standards. Using these base-level stores minimizes the risk of purchasing items that fail to meet the durability or aesthetic requirements set by the Army.

While on-post stores are the primary source, personnel may also utilize reputable professional tailoring shops that specialize in military uniforms. These shops often provide superior mounting services, such as slide-on racks that avoid damaging the uniform fabric. The exception is the use of magnetic mounting systems; while popular for their ease of use, they are not universally authorized and must be checked against local command policy before being worn in a professional setting.

What is the difference between a ribbon precedence chart and a rack builder tool?

A precedence chart is a static regulatory document, whereas a rack builder is an interactive software tool designed to simulate the physical arrangement of your awards.

Use the chart to verify the sequence, then use the builder to visualize the final layout before ordering parts.

How does the order of precedence differ between active duty, National Guard, and Reserve components?

The order of precedence for individual awards and decorations remains consistent across the active duty, National Guard, and Reserve components. All soldiers, regardless of their status, follow the same hierarchy established in AR 600-8-22 and DA PAM 670-1. This uniformity makes sure that a soldier’s record of service is recognized identically, whether they are serving on full-time active duty or in a part-time capacity.

One nuance involves the wear of state-level awards for National Guard personnel. While federal awards follow a strict precedence, state-specific ribbons are worn after all federal awards. These state decorations are governed by the specific regulations of the soldier's state adjutant general. Consequently, a soldier might see different state-level ribbons on peers from different states, even though the federal portion of their rack remains standardized across the entire force.

Are there specific requirements for the spacing and alignment of ribbons on a uniform?

Yes, ribbons must be spaced and aligned according to strict measurements. When wearing multiple rows, ribbons are worn in rows of three, with the top row centered if it contains fewer than three ribbons, and they must be positioned 1/8 inch above the top of the pocket.

What are the consequences for wearing unauthorized or incorrectly ordered ribbons on an Army uniform?

Wearing unauthorized or incorrectly ordered ribbons can lead to administrative scrutiny and potential corrective action from leadership.

• Counseling: A formal written record may be initiated by a supervisor to document the failure to adhere to uniform standards.
• Correction: The soldier is typically ordered to remove the incorrect rack and replace it with a properly configured one immediately.
• Inspection: Repeated uniform violations often result in the soldier being placed on a mandatory inspection schedule to ensure future compliance.
• Discipline: In extreme cases of willful defiance or repeated negligence, non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the UCMJ could be considered.