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 Standards and 2) the unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the DUA. Both criteria must occur during the same academic year.
Distinguished Unit Award (DUA). Is a ribbon awarded to cadets enrolled during the academic year when a unit is selected by Headquarters AFJROTC to receive the DUA. The unit will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of recognition which will be posted in WINGS. For each additional ribbon earned an additional small silver star will be awarded.
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. The unit will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of recognition which will be posted in WINGS. OOA recipients do not receive a streamer. Ribbon must be purchased from a vendor using MilPer funds. For each additional ribbon earned an additional small silver star will be awarded.
Outstanding Flight Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded each academic term to members of the outstanding flight under criteria determined by the SASI. The Outstanding Flight will be the flight who accumulated the highest number of "Top Flight" points during the semester. Each semester the "Top Flight" program will reset and all flights will start the semester with zero points earned. 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 Headquarters 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.
Consideration for the Top Performer Awards. All currently enrolled cadets may be considered, but specific 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 duties and specifically in preparation for the unit’s assessment. Leadership qualities include but are not limited to involvement and positions held in Leadership Development Requirement activities. Academic performance: nominee must be in good academic standing in all high school course work, show significant self-improvement, participate in community involvement and other accomplishments.
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 personal attributes, display outstanding military potential, and attain academic and military excellence. The outstanding cadet will be selected from each class based on the formula used for the Superior Performance Ribbon listed below. 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 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 beyond expected performance. This will be recommended by a job performance average, conducted by members of the cadet staff and flight commanders and approved by the SASI and ASI. 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. 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. Determination for this award is based on the following formula -- 0.15 * AFJROTC test grade average + 0.05 AFJROTC quiz and homework grade average + 0.10 * Air Force physical fitness test + 0.10 * AFJROTC uniform grade average + 0.15 * community service hours performed + 0.25 * job performance (scorecard) average + 0.20 * number of LDR events participated. Data for this award will be for the time period April 1 through March 31. Tie breakers will go to those cadets who participated in the most LDR events. Present the ribbon for a single 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 of other cadets. 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.
Achievement Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded for a significant achievement in AFJROTC or other school activities/events (including but not limited to varsity letters and/or awards). Accomplishments that would earn this ribbon would be, among other things, selection for the flight academy, participation in the school play, lead organizer of an event or fundraiser, completion of an Eagle Scout project, top fundraising seller, varsity letter earned for non-AFJROTC sporting event, etc. Individuals may not receive more than one ribbon during a one year period. 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.
Academic Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded for academic excellence as signified by attaining an overall weighted grade point average of at least an 85 for one academic term during the school year in addition to a 90 average in AFJROTC for the year. 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.
Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded for completion of an approved leadership school program of at least five days in duration (Citadel, Sky Patriots, etc.). 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 Competition Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to team members for placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an Air Force or Joint Service 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 for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.
Joint/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, 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 for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster. Medal/Ribbon may be obtained from the host of the competition or purchased from a vendor using MilPer funds. Medal may not (ribbon may) be worn during competitions and regular uniform wear days.
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, 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 for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster. Medal/Ribbon may be obtained from the host of the competition or purchased from a vendor using MilPer funds. Medal may not (ribbon may) be worn during competitions and regular uniform wear days.
Orienteering Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded to orienteering club members for participating in at least three orienteering events during the school year. 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. Is a ribbon awarded at the SASI’s discretion for leadership in JROTC Leadership Development Requirement activities (such as but not limited to PT team commander, orienteering team commander, drill team commander, color guard 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 70% of drill performance events, (i.e., competitions, special school events, community demonstrations cumulative in one school year) and attend at least 70% of all practices. 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 in at least 40% of all color guard performance events and attend at least 60% of all practices to receive this ribbon (cumulative in one school year). 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 participate in at least 50% of all saber team performance events to receive this ribbon (cumulative in one school year). 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 and attend at least 90% of all practices to be eligible to qualify and must have competed in at least 60% of all marksmanship meets (cumulative in one season). For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.
JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) Ribbon. Cadets must be on the JLAB team, make at least 75% percent of all practices (if held) and compete in all JLAB rounds that the team qualifies for during the year. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.
CyberPatriot Ribbon. There are two ways cadets can earn the CyberPatriot ribbon. The first is to be on the competitive CyberPatriot team, make 70% of all practices or club activities, and compete in 75% of all competitions that the team qualifies for during the year. The second way to earn the CyberPatriot ribbon is to successfully complete at least one semester of the cyber specialization track, passing all requirements with at least a C grade and passing JROTC that semester with at least a C grade. This ribbon can only be earned once per year, and for each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.
StellarXplorers Ribbon. Cadets must be on the StellarXplorers team, make 70% of all practices, and compete in each round of the season that the team qualifies for during the year. This ribbon can only be earned once per year, and for each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.
Raider Team Ribbon. Cadets must be on the Raider team for the entire Raider season, make at least 70% of all practices, and participate in at least two Raider competitions. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Ribbon. There are two ways cadets can earn the UAS ribbon. The first is to be on the competitive REC Foundation Aerial Drones (RAD) Competition team, make 70% of all practices or club activities, and compete in 75% of all competitions that the team qualifies for during the year. The second way to earn the UAS ribbon is to successfully complete at least one semester of the aviation specialization track, passing all requirements with at least a C grade and passing JROTC that semester with at least a C grade. This ribbon can only be earned once per year, and for each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.
Robotics Ribbon. There are two ways cadets can earn the robotics ribbon. The first is to be on the competitive VEX robotics team, making 70% of all practices or club activities, and compete in 75% of all competitions that the team qualifies for during the year. The second way to earn the robotics ribbon is to successfully complete at least one semester of the robotics specialization track, passing all requirements with at least a C grade and passing JROTC that semester with at least a C grade. This ribbon can only be earned once per year, and for each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded.
Good Conduct Ribbon. Cadets must not have received a referral (this includes no ISS/OSS) and have no more than two detentions for an entire school year to be eligible to qualify for this award. 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.
Service Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded for distinctive performance in school, community, or AFJROTC service projects. A cadet must complete either five Type A service projects (including but not limited to Wreaths Across America, A Night To Shine, Miracle League, and color guard/honor guard events not held at Etowah, etc.) or complete at least 30 hours of community service through Type B events (includes but are not limited to color guard performances, honor guard performances, car washes, etc.), or a combination thereof equaling the completion of one category. Officers must complete at least 40 hours of community service through Type B events to earn this award. 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. Is a ribbon awarded for active participation in the unit health and wellness physical fitness program. The ribbon can be earned by scoring 85 or higher on any of the Air Force Physical Fitness Tests conducted during the year. If a cadet is purposefully doing badly in PT, they will be disqualified from consideration for this 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. Further to the above, 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. Should a cadet subsequently score in a higher percentile, 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 computed automatically under the PFT-Mass Assessment in WINGS.)
Recruiting Ribbon. Is a ribbon awarded for outstanding effort in support of unit recruiting activities. Cadets must have participated in at least three recruiting events during the year, and/or at least 60% of all recruiting events offered (including but not limited to Third Thursday, ET Booth lunch trips, elective fair, etc.), or the recruitment of one cadet into the corps. 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. 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, but are not limited to orienteering teams, model rocketry clubs, academic bowl teams, and raider/sports teams (flag in am/pm, anything that doesn’t already have a ribbon). To earn this ribbon, a cadet must be involved in a minimum of three LDRs which includes participating in at least 75% of all planning meetings and event executions. An oak leaf cluster will be added to this ribbon for each year of membership beginning with the second year. 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.
Attendance Ribbon. Is awarded to cadets who have no more than three unexcused absences from AFJROTC classes during an entire school year. 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.
Dress and Appearance Ribbon. Is awarded to cadets who maintain a 90% or higher average on weekly uniform grades from the beginning of the school year to the week before award night. 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. Is a ribbon awarded for successful completion of each AFJROTC school year, as long as the cadet is passing the class both semesters. 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.
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 Death March 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 three days. Cadet safety must be monitored 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. 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.
Criteria. Due to the strenuous nature of this activity, unit defined requirements have been established to ensure cadet safety. In order to participate in this march, cadets must meet the following criteria: (1) cadets must score at least a 55% on the Presidential Fitness Test, (2) cadets must be able to hike at least five miles with a 30-pound rucksack on (for a more than one day event), and/or (3) cadets must be able to hike at least seven miles with no rucksack on (for a one day event).
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 five flag events. Cadets can also earn this ribbon by participating in 15 flag raisings and/or lowerings before and after school. Three school flag raisings/lowerings will count as one flag event (vice versa, one flag event counts as three flag raisings/lowerings). 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.