CHAPTER FOUR NSCC RIBBON AWARDS

♦ SECTION I: Authority

The Board of Directors established the NSCC/NLCC ribbon award program in 1971. The program was extended to the officers' corps in 1977 and to instructors in 1994.

♦ SECTION II: Policy

Ribbon awards were established as a means to recognize meritorious performance, to provide incentive for greater effort, and to enhance morale.

Commanding Officers must ensure that each award made or recommended to the proper approval authority meets established criteria.

Two ribbon awards cannot be earned for the same event, events, or same time period. Moreover, a junior ribbon earned cannot be cited as justification for a more senior ribbon.

♦ SECTION III: Eligibility

Only those NSCC officers, midshipmen, instructors, and cadets who are currently enrolled in either a NSCC or NLCC unit, or who are assigned to a regional staff or assigned to a training contingent are eligible to receive ribbon awards. Personnel in retired status who perform escort evolutions are eligible for awards associated with duty performed.

Midshipmen are considered to be officers for ribbon award purposes.

Instructors are eligible to receive officer ribbon awards.

Presentation of awards to individuals who have left the NSCC/NLCC programs is not authorized.

♦ SECTION IV: Ribbon Awards and Criteria

(Ribbons listed below that are designated NSCC or NLCC may only be awarded specifically to members of those respective programs. Ribbons that are not designated NSCC or NLCC may be awarded to members of both programs as indicated by the awarding organization)

Honor Ribbon - Awarded to an NSCC officer, midshipman, instructor, or NSCC/NLCC cadet who is directly responsible for saving a human life at the risk of his or her own life. This ribbon will be issued by NHQ ONLY upon recommendation through NHQ Representative to the Executive Director.

NSCC Distinguished Service Ribbon - Awarded to an NSCC officer, midshipman, instructor, or NSCC cadet who distinguished him or herself:

By extraordinary heroism but not to the degree justifying award of the NSCC Honor Ribbon, or Through sustained and extraordinary service to the NSCC or NLCC in a position of responsibility. (Cadets will not normally qualify for this award by this requirement.) Issued by NHQ only upon recommendation through NHQ Representative to the Executive Director.

NSCC Meritorious Recognition Ribbon - Awarded to an NSCC officer, midshipman, instructor or NSCC cadet who distinguishes him or herself by humanitarian action or exceptionally meritorious service to the NSCC or NLCC in a position of responsibility. Approval authority is the NHQ Representative.

Note: May be awarded to the Honor Cadet of the Recruit Training Command. Approval authority is the COTC of the RTC.

NSCC Commendation Ribbon - Awarded to an NSCC personnel who distinguishes themselves through superior service, which results in achievement of specific project, complex tasks or period of sustained service, which clearly warrants recognition of the individual's achievement. Award is designed to recognize cadet or unit leader who performs above that of a citation ribbon but of lesser degree than a Meritorious Recognition Ribbon. Approval authority is the NHQ Representative.

NSCC Escort Officer Ribbon- Awarded to an NSCC officer, instructor, and midshipman who meet the criteria below. Approval authority is the COTC:

Have been issued training authorization letters designating participation as escorts for training scheduled by National Headquarters. Have served in this capacity for training evolutions of not less than ten (10) days duration or 2 five (5) day evolutions. Have successfully served as an escort officer as certified by the senior escort officer or other appropriate authority.

Special Note: This is to recognize the significant additional responsibilities associated with this training. Officers performing the duty of the Commanding Officer Training Contingent (COTC) for NSCC Recruit Training or NLCC Orientation are authorized to wear the gold frame over the Escort Officer Ribbon.

NSCC Citation Ribbon - Awarded to an NSCC officer, midshipman, instructor, or cadet who in the opinion of the unit Commanding Officer, distinguishes himself/herself by exceptionally commendable service or action, or meets all of the following criteria. Approval authority is the NHQ Representative as noted below.

Cadet:
(1) Excels in the normal path of advancement.
(2) Performs normal training requirements in an outstanding manner.
(3) Is smart and neat in appearance, and wears the uniform with pride.
(4) Always acts in keeping with the highest traditions of the NSCC.

Notes:
(1) May be awarded to company honor cadets upon completion of NSCC RTC. Approval authority given to the COTC.
(2) May be awarded to all Cadets in the honor company upon completion of the NSCC RTC as approved by COTC.

Officer/Midshipman/Instructor:
(1) Pursues professional development through participation in formal and optional courses.
(2) Performs training and administrative responsibilities in an outstanding manner.
(3) Is smart and neat in appearance.
(4) Always acts in keeping with the highest traditions of the NSCC.

NLUS Youth Medal and Ribbon - This award sponsored by the Navy League of the United States enables sponsoring councils to annually recognize excellence on the part of young people participating in NSCC and NLCC programs. It serves to emphasize the importance placed on education and training of American youth and recognizes the importance of NSCC and NLCC as NLUS youth programs in attaining established goals and objectives. The NLUS Youth Medal and ribbon with a 5/16" inch silver star affixed to the center of the ribbon may be awarded annually to the unit NSCC Cadet of the Year, as nominated by the sponsored unit's Commanding Officer. The above award is based on the inspection year (calendar year) and shall be awarded at the end of the school year.

Notes: (1) Approval Authority NLUS Regional or Local Council.
(2) Units not sponsored by NLUS Councils should contact the closest NLUS Region or Council and request authorization for award of the NLUS Youth Medal to their deserving Cadet. This is to be at no cost to the authorizing council; either the unit's designated sponsor, unit's parents group or unit assumes the cost.
(3) Contact BJB Specialties, 1-800-847-4BJB to order the medal, ribbon bar, 5/16" inch star, and accompanying certificate.
(4) NSCC Cadets earn the Medal, ribbon, and certificate. NLCC Cadets earn ribbon, gold boot, and certificate only.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), ROTC Award - Awarded to a graduating high school cadet who has demonstrated dependability, good character, military discipline, leadership, and a fundamental patriotic understanding of the importance of ROTC (NSCC) training. The recipient of the award will be selected and nominated to the local DAR Chapter Regent, who will normally present the award. The award consists of a bronze medal and accompanying ribbon bar. Approval authority is DAR as sole distributor of the award (Contact information www.dar.org)

Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Good Citizenship Award - Awarded to an NSCC/NLCC cadet who has attained the rate of Petty Officer Second Class or above (NSCC or NLCC) and is in good standing militarily and scholastically at the time of selection and presentation The cadet nominated must demonstrate a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing, and excellence in the performance of duties; have the potential for greater leadership responsibilities; and be recommended by the unit Commanding Officer. The recipient of the award will be selected and nominated to the local SAR Chapter President, who will normally make the award. The award consists of a bronze medal and accompanying ribbon bar (NSCC only) and a certificate of recognition (NSCC/NLCC). Approval authority is SAR as sole distributor of the award (Contact information www.sar.org)

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Naval Sea Cadet Award - The recommended recipient of the award will be selected by the individual's Unit Commanding Officer and will be submitted to a local Veterans of Foreign War Post for their consideration and approval. It is recommended that the award be presented annually at an appropriate ceremony such as inspections, open houses, September Sea Cadet Anniversary events, etc. It is further recommended that a Post Commander or a representative of the VFW present the award. The award is presented to NSCC Cadets in grades PO3 through CPO and NSCC Midshipmen and must meet the following criteria: Approval authority is VFW as the sole distributor of this award (Contact information www.vfw.org).

Be in good standing academically.
Progressing satisfactorily in the Sea Cadet program.
Demonstrated outstanding achievement in (1) Community Service and (2) NSCC Naval Education.
Demonstrated outstanding leadership in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
Must be of high moral character.
Displays outstanding military bearing and conduct both in and out of uniform.
Actively promotes patriotism and Americanism.
Demonstrates growth potential (assumes higher levels of responsibility)
Must not have been previous recipient of the award.

Community Service Ribbon - Will be awarded to those NSCC/NLCC Cadets, Instructors, and Officers that distinguish themselves by accumulating 40 hours or more of community service work. This award is for true community work, i.e. serving meals for the homeless, community clean up, work at Veteran's Homes charity work, etc. Attendance at parades, or public events is not the purpose of this ribbon. Recording of service time will be on the Admin Remarks page (NSCADM 008). Approval authority is the unit CO.

NSCC International Exchange Program Ribbon - Awarded to NSCC Officers and Cadets who participate in the international exchange program./ Cadets are selected in recognition for their scholarship, contributions to the NSCC program, and citizenship attributes which serve as the basis for IEP selection. Senior escort officers are also eligible to wear the ribbon in recognition of their contribution to the NSCC program and selection of IEP duty. Awarded upon completion of IEP - TWT by IEP Director.

Academic Achievement Ribbon - Awarded to NSCC cadets who distinguish themselves in an academic environment by meeting the following criteria. Approval authority is unit Commanding Officer.

Is officially declared on his/her school's Honor Roll for a semester.
Makes no grade below B.
Makes the Honor Roll during the regular school year.
Carries the required courses to be considered a full-time student at the enrolled school.
Provide Commanding Officers with a letter from the school verifying the Honor Roll status.

Notes:
(1) NSCC Subsequent awards can be earned for each semester an individual is on the school's Honor Roll using the appurtenance star system with a maximum of two (2) awards per school year.
(2) NLCC subsequent may be earned using the star appurtenance system. The ribbon may be transferred when the League Cadet becomes a Sea Cadet, however the stars earned as a League Cadet are NOT TRANSFERABLE.

Drug Reduction Service Ribbon - Awarded to an NSCC officer, midshipman, instructor, or NSCC/NLCC cadet who displays outstanding skills in the area of leadership, perseverance, and courage in the community as a Drug-free role model and who has fulfilled the below listed criteria. Approval Authority is unit Commanding Officer.

Successful completion of eight (8) prescribed substance abuse or Campaign Drug Free (CDF) lectures in accompaniment with a trained instructor.
Performed one (1) CDF presentation to either a school, civic, church, youth group, or other community-based audience.
Successfully provided awareness to the ideas of CDF to community, school, church, or other youth-related organizations via newspaper articles, radio or TV stories, displays, or participation in other youth activities.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) distinguishing device may be awarded to an officer, midshipman, instructor, or NSCC cadet who distinguishes him/herself by giving four (4) or more CDF presentations to any of the aforementioned community organizations. The DEA device is awarded and approved by the Executive Director.

Notes:
(1) The unit Commanding Officer or other appropriate authority must substantiate these requirements and forward to NHQ Representative for approval.
(2) The ribbon design will reflect a blue and gold field, split vertically with the inboard side solid blue and the outboard side solid gold.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Science Achievement Ribbon - ONR is the recognized leader in Science and Technology in the maritime service. In order to stimulate scientific curiosity, initiative and performance in scientific method, as well as recognize outstanding achievement by Cadets in scientific fields, the Office of Naval Research has initiated an awards program for Cadets who distinguish themselves in educationally sanctioned science competitions. Documentation will be sent to the Executive Director, Naval Sea Cadet Corps, who will endorse and provide validation of award eligibility to the Chief of Naval Research. Approval authority is ONR. The ONR program recognizes three levels of scientific achievement:

Navy League Cadets or Naval Sea Cadets, regardless or age or grade, who participate in educationally sanctioned science competitions, shall receive an appropriate Certificate of Participation, signed by the Office of Naval Research Program Manager for Education. Only one certificate per science competition shall be awarded.

Navy League Cadets or Naval Sea Cadets in Grades 7-8, who receive science competition Placement Awards (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) or Special Awards, including Naval Science Awards (U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps) or other science awards from federal agencies or private institutions/organizations, shall receive an Office of Naval Research Science Achievement Certificate, signed by the Chief of naval Research and Vice Chief of Naval Research (RADM, USN and BGEN, USMC respectively). Only one certificate per science project shall be awarded in any competition for which a Placement or Special Award is received.

Naval Sea Cadets in Grades 9-12, who receive science competition Placement Awards (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) or Special Awards, including Naval Science Awards (U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps) or other science awards from federal agencies or private institutions/organizations shall receive the Office of Naval Research Science Achievement Ribbon. Subsequent awards shall be recognized by addition of a miniature "bronze" star appurtenance. An Office of Naval Research Science Achievement Ribbon Certificate, signed by the Chief of Naval Research and Vice Chief of Naval Research shall also be presented. Only one ribbon (or appurtenance)/certificate per science project shall be awarded on any competition for which a Placement or Special Award is received.

In order to receive an level of award, Cadets must submit the attached form (NSCADM 039) (see appendix), via their unit Commanding Officer, to Headquarters, Naval Sea Cadet Corps for review and forwarding to Office of Naval Research. The ONR Science Achievement Ribbon shall follow the Drug Reduction Service Ribbon.

Recruiting Incentive Ribbon - Awarded to an officer, midshipman, instructor, and NSCC/NLCC cadet who meet the below listed criteria. Awarded to any NSCC/NLCC member who recruits any new individual into the program and who remains for three months or more. Approval authority is Unit CO.

Cadet:
Recruit one officer, midshipman, instructor, or five NSCC/NLCC cadet into any NSCC/NLCC unit. [For subsequent appurtenances see SECTION X, Paragraph 5q Note (4)]

Officer/Midshipman/Instructor:
Recruit officers, midshipmen, instructors, and NSCC/NLCC cadets into any NSCC/NLCC unit; accumulation of 20 recruitment points is required to qualify for the ribbon as follows (See SECTION X, Paragraph 6 for additional awards):

1 point for each NSCC/NLCC cadet enrolled.
2 points for each instructor enrolled
4 points for each officer enrolled.

Notes:
(1) A further accumulation of 20 recruitment points is necessary to earn additional Recruiting Incentive appurtenances/awards.
(1) See CHAPTER 4, SECTION X Note (4) for subsequent appurtenances/awards.

Unit Commendation Ribbon- Awarded with approval of NHQ Representative to an officer, midshipman, instructor, and/or NSCC/NLCC cadet who, as a group of fifteen (15) or more; or 80% of unit enrollees, receive recognition for:

Acts which reflect conspicuous honor on the NSCC or NLCC. Participation in community affairs.

Note:
(1) A unit must participate in two or more community affairs events to be eligible. Commanding Officers should submit a written request upon completion of the unit's participation in two or more such events with a description of the events. A roster of all cadets participating in the events should be made part of the request.
(2) Color Guards are not eligible for this award.

Physical Fitness Ribbon - Awarded to NSCC/NLCC cadets who distinguish themselves by excelling in maintaining physical fitness standards. Approval authority of unit CO. This award is granted to any cadet who meets the required qualifying standards of the Presidential Physical Fitness Award as outlined in the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Package available to the public each year. Units may order the package from the council at 1-800-258-8146, 8am to 5 pm CST. Information available on web site www.presidentschallenge.org. There are five test items (with options for the basic items), which the cadet must pass to qualify for the ribbon. To qualify, the following is applicable:

The current test elements from the Presidential Physical Fitness Award must be used.
A certified instructor from the list below must validate the test (observing another certified instructor in giving the test can certify an instructor):
(1) Physical Education Teacher at cadet's local school.
(2) Regional Director or his designated staff.
(3) Active duty staff at Department of Defense facilities.
(4) Designated active duty or NSCC PRT Coordinators at NSCC training sites.

The President's Challenge Physical Fitness Scorecard must be used and be presented to the cadet's Commanding Officer to validate the cadet's passing of the required standards. Officers, midshipmen, and instructors are not eligible for this award. Using the star appurtenance system, a maximum of one award per school year is allowed. Ribbon is worn with the color BLUE inboard.

NSCC Staff Cadet Ribbon - Awarded only to NSCC cadets who successfully serve as "staff" cadets for NSCC/NLCC training evolutions scheduled by National Headquarters, and who meet the following criteria. Approval authority is COTC.

Have been issued a NSCC Training Authorization (NSCTNG 005) which designates or authorizes participation as a "staff" cadet. Served as "staff" cadet in support of a complete NSCC/NLCC training evolution on not less than ten (10) days' duration, unless otherwise authorized by National Headquarters, and Have successfully served as "staff" cadet as certified by a COTC entry on NSCADM 008 of the cadet's service record.

Color Guard Ribbon - Awarded to NSCC/NLCC cadets who, as a designated member of either a color guard, exhibition drill team, or ceremonial rifle squad, meet the following criteria. Approval authority is unit CO.

Has performed as a member of the team for a minimum of six (6) months.
Has performed in a minimum of ten (10) team evolutions. in a public event. Unit drills do not count.
Is smart and neat in appearance, and wears the uniform with pride.
Always acts in the highest traditions of the NSCC/NLCC.
Subsequent awards will be a star on the ribbon.

NSCC/NLCC Service Ribbon - Awarded to an NSCC officer, midshipman, instructor, or cadet who meet the following criteria:

NSCC Cadet:
(1) Served as a Navy League Cadet for a period of twelve (12) months prior to enrollment in NSCC (there shall be no time lapse between NLCC and NSCC enrollments).
(2) Attained the rate of PO3, or higher, while serving as a NLCC cadet.

Officer/Midshipman/Instructor:
Served as a Sea Cadet for a period of twelve (12) months prior to appointment as an officer, instructor, or midshipman (continuous service is not required).

Notes:
(1) Qualifying officers, midshipmen instructors, and cadets may wear the bronze boot appurtenances if earned.
(2) Qualifying officers, instructors, and midshipmen may wear the ribbon with 5/16" (large) silver star, if earned.

Marksman Ribbon - Awarded to an officer, midshipman, instructor, and NSCC/NLCC cadet who attains a qualifying score with pistol and/or rifle. Since there are many different forms of qualifying on the ranges (i.e., air rifle, laser, small bore, etc.), scoring, manner of firing, distances, etc. will be in accordance with applicable standards for the range. Individuals will qualify for marksman sharpshooter, or expert, based on the qualifying range requirements for these levels of experience. Approval authority is unit CO.

International Naval Review (INR)/OpSail 2000 Ribbon- Awarded to an officer, instructor, or cadet who participated in the INR in New York City, NY, during the period 29 June - 7 July 1986 or during OpSail 2000. Cadets authorized to wear the INR Ribbon may wear the anchor appurtenance. (See SECTION X Paragraphs 4 & 5.c.) Officers, instructors, and midshipmen authorized to wear the INR Ribbon are also authorized to wear the NSCC Escort Officer Ribbon. Approval authority is unit CO.

Note: Ribbon worn with blue on the inboard side and red on the outboard side.

NSCC 25th Anniversary Ribbon - A silver ribbon is authorized for wear by all NSCC/NLCC personnel (officers, instructors, midshipmen, and cadets) enrolled in NSCC as of 10 September 1987. The ribbon will take precedence after the International Naval Review Ribbon. Approval authority is NHQ Representative.

Note: 5/16" inch Silver Star Appurtenance: Authorized for wear on the 25th Anniversary Ribbon by those personnel who attended the 25th anniversary ceremonies in Washington, DC, on 15 August 1987.

25th Year Commissioned Ribbon,- A silver ribbon with blue edges is authorized for wear by all NSCC/NLCC personnel enrolled in a unit qualifying for a 25-year commissioning after one full year of enrollment in the unit. This is only awarded to units who have 25 years of continuous operation. Approval authority is Executive Director.

USCG Bicentennial Unit Commendation Ribbon - Awarded only to an officer, midshipman, instructor, and NSCC/NLCC cadet who served at least one day with the Coast Guard during the period 6 June 1989 through 4 August 1990.

NSCC Year Ribbons - Awarded to an officer, midshipman, instructor, and NSCC cadet to reflect the number of years of service in NSCC. There are five (5) ribbon awards which are awarded to both officers, midshipmen, instructors, and cadets as follows Approval authority is unit CO.

Cadet:
1st Year Ribbon - After 90 days, but less than one year
2nd Year Ribbon - After one year, but less than two years
3rd Year Ribbon - After two years, but less than three years
4th Year Ribbon - After three years
5th Year Ribbon - After four years

Officer/Midshipman/Instructor:
1st Year Ribbon - Upon completion of one year of service
2nd Year Ribbon - Upon completion of two years of service
3rd Year Ribbon - Upon completion of three years of service
4th Year Ribbon - Upon completion of four years of service
5th Year Ribbon - Upon completion of five years of service

Notes:
(1) Officers, Midshipmen, and Instructors may only wear the current earned year ribbon.
(2) NSCC Cadets may wear all earned year ribbons.
(3) Officers, instructors, and midshipmen are not authorized to wear year ribbon awards earned while serving as a cadet.
(4) Midshipmen commence earning year ribbon awards upon completion of one year of service as a midshipman. Years of service for award purposes continue on from midshipman to officer without a break. Continuous years of service do not start over when appointed to officer status from midshipman.
(5) For service awards in excess of five years on the part of officers or instructors, see CHAPTER 4, SECTION X, and Note (5) thereto.

♦ SECTION V: Recommendation Procedures

Any NSCC officer having knowledge of the act achievement, or service, which may establish eligibility, may make recommendations for ribbon awards.

All recommendations shall include supporting information as necessary to show justification for the award. Full names and NSCC/NLCC identification numbers of personnel for whom the award is proposed will be included.

Recommendations for the Honor Ribbon and Distinguished Service Ribbon will be submitted in letter form via the chain of command to the executive director, normally over the signature of the unit commanding officer. Meritorious Recognition Ribbon and below unless noted otherwise, shall be submitted to the NHQ Representative via the chain of command. Recommendations will be accompanied by a citation on the individual's behalf. (Refer to pages 20-23 for sample citations/recommendations.)

The NSCC/NLCC Unit Commendation is a group award; therefore, names and NSCC/NLCC identification numbers of all officers and cadets who participated in the activity for which the award is recommended must be listed in the letter of recommendation.

♦ SECTION VI: Approval of Awards

Only the Executive Director shall approve recommendations for the award of the Honor Ribbon, Distinguished Service Ribbon, ONR Scientific Achievement Award, 25th Year Commissioned Ribbon and the NLCC Distinguished Service Ribbon.. Please refer to the ribbon award instructions above or Appendix II for approval.

♦ SECTION VII: Subsequent Awards

Second and subsequent awards of certain ribbons will be indicated by affixing certain appurtenances. [Refer to CHAPTER 4, SECTION X Note (5).]

♦ SECTION VIII: Wearing of Medals and Ribbon Awards

Ribbons will be worn on dress uniforms only in the following manner:

Centered above the left pocket with the bottom edge 1/4 inch above the pocket.
In horizontal rows of not more than three (3) ribbons.
If not in multiples of three, the upper row will contain the lesser number.
The center of the top row will be over the center of the first full ribbon row.
There will be no space between rows.
Sewn-on ribbons may be worn.

Officers, instructors, and midshipmen may wear all ribbon award and appurtenances earned as a NSCC cadet with the exception of year ribbons. [See CHAPTER 4, SECTION IV, Paragraph 22, Notes (3) and (4).]

NSCC cadets may wear ALL ribbons awarded as a NLCC cadet except for year ribbons.

Medals will be worn over the right pocket with the dress uniform when prescribed for formal occasions, centered and clasped 1/4 inch above the upper pocket seam. Name tags are not authorized for formal occasions when dress uniforms (with medals) are prescribed.

♦ SECTION IX: Precedence

NSCC/NLCC ribbon awards will be worn in the following order of precedence from the top to bottom and from inboard to outboard:

NSCC Officers/Cadets NLCC Cadets
Chairman's Medal Ribbon Honor Ribbon
Honor Ribbon NLCC Distinguished Service Ribbon
NSCC Distinguished Service Ribbon NLUS Youth Ribbon
NLCC Distinguished Service Ribbon NLCC Merit Ribbon
NSCC Meritorious Recognition Ribbon SAR Good Citizenship Award
NSCC Commendation Ribbon Community Service Ribbon
NSCC Escort Officer Ribbon Academic Achievement Ribbon
NSCC Citation Ribbon Drug Reduction Service Ribbon
NLUS Youth Award Ribbon ONR Science Achievement Ribbon
DAR Award Ribbon Recruiting Incentive Ribbon
SAR Good Citizenship Ribbon Unit Commendation Ribbon
VFW Ribbon Physical Fitness Ribbon
Community Service Ribbon Color Guard Ribbon
NSCC IEP Ribbon Marksman Ribbon
Academic Achievement Ribbon
INR / OpSail 2000 Ribbon
Drug Reduction Service Ribbon
25th Year Commissioned Ribbon
ONR Science Achievement Ribbon
NLCC Year Ribbon Recruiting Incentive Ribbon
Unit Commendation Ribbon
Physical Fitness Ribbon
NSCC Staff Cadet Ribbon
Color Guard Ribbon
NSCC/NLCC Service Ribbon
NLCC Merit Ribbon
Marksman Ribbon
INR / OpSail 2000 Ribbon
25th Anniversary Ribbon
25th Year Commissioned Ribbon
USCG Bicentennial Unit Commendation Ribbon
5th Year Ribbon
4th Year Ribbon
3rd Year Ribbon
2nd Year Ribbon
1st Year Ribbon

Note: U.S. Coast Guard personnel (active duty, reserve, or retired) who are active NSCC leaders will wear the U.S. Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation Ribbon in accordance with current USCG instructions.

♦ SECTION X: Appurtenances

Appurtenance awards were established to recognize individual accomplishments. Unit Commanding Officers will ensure that appurtenances recommended/awarded meet established criteria, and that the appurtenance award program is not abused.

Only those NSCC/NLCC cadets, officers, instructors, and midshipmen who are currently enrolled in a NSCC/NLCC unit, or as a regional staff member, may receive an appurtenance award.

Appurtenances will be worn on the year ribbon for the year in which the award was earned except as noted in description of appurtenance awards.

Appurtenances will be placed on ribbon awards as follows:

When one is worn, it will be centered on the ribbon.
When two or more are worn, they will be spaced so that the distance between each will be equal to the distance from end to end.

Description of appurtenances and criteria for award follow:

Maple Leaf: Awarded to officers and cadets for satisfactory completion of the US/Canadian Sea Cadet Exchange Program. A silver maple leaf is awarded for participation on the East Coast and a gold maple leaf is awarded for participation on the West Coast. The maple leaf is affixed to the NSCC Citation Ribbon.

Aircraft: Awarded to cadets for satisfactory completion of aviation-oriented advanced training program of ten or more days' duration authorized by National Headquarters. See Note (1).

Anchor: Awarded to cadets for satisfactory completion of advanced training aboard ship, amphibious operations, port operations, Special Boats or other surface warfare-type training, of ten days' or more duration, authorized by National Headquarters. See Note (1).

Shield: Awarded to cadets for satisfactory completion of advanced training aboard a Coast Guard ship or shore activity, of not less than ten days' duration, authorized by National Headquarters. See Note (1).

Propeller: Awarded to an officer, midshipman, instructor, and NSCC/NLCC cadet for satisfactory completion of the Coast Guard Safe Boating Program, or a comparable program approved by National Headquarters. NLCC cadets who transfer to NSCC may wear this appurtenance on the NSCC/NLCC Service Ribbon.

Torch: Awarded to an officer, midshipman, instructor, and NSCC cadet for satisfactory completion of a leadership-training program approved by National Headquarters. Completion of all of the NSCC officer courses, OPD 101-301, qualifies the member for this award.

Submarine: Awarded to cadets for satisfactory completion of a submarine seminar/orientation program approved by National Headquarters.

Hammer: Awarded to cadets for satisfactory completion of a Seabee training program approved by National Headquarters.

Trident: Awarded to cadets for satisfactory completion of a SEAL training program approved by National Headquarters prior to 2001. Note: No longer awarded for SEAL Training.

Compass Rose: Awarded to officers and cadets who participate in international exchange programs other than Canadian. Compass Rose is for training periods completed prior to the issuance of IEP Ribbon.

Lyre: Awarded to cadets for satisfactory completion of ten (10) or more days of advanced training at the DoD School of Music.

Caduceus: Awarded to cadets for satisfactory completion of ten (10) or more days of advanced hospital corpsman training at a Navy or other military medical facility.

MAA - Awarded to Cadets for satisfactory completion of ten (1) or more days at a NSCC nationally approved MAA School

"R": Awarded to cadets for satisfactory completion of ten (10) or more days of advanced training in a Navy or Coast Guard recruiting office or station. See Note (1).

"E": Awarded as follows:

(1) Awarded to all personnel attached to a NSCC unit achieving a 3.50 grade or an NLCC unit obtaining a 3.70 grade on the annual inspection. Individuals must have been attached to the unit during the year of the inspection for which the award was earned, worn on the year ribbon.

(2) To officers, midshipmen, instructors, and NSCC/NLCC cadets who qualify as expert with pistol and/or rifle. Worn on the NSCC Marksman Ribbon. See Note (2).

"S": Awarded to an officer, midshipman, instructor, and NSCC/NLCC cadet who qualify as sharpshooter with pistol and/or rifle. Worn on the NSCC Marksman Ribbon. See Note (2).

Gold Ribbon Frame :

(1) Awarded to an officer, midshipman, instructor, and cadet enrolled in a unit awarded the John J. Bergen Trophy for NSCC, or the Morgan L. Fitch Trophy for NLCC. Only those enrolled in the unit at the time of the required annual inspection period for which the trophy was awarded are eligible. The ribbon frame is worn on the year ribbon for the training year covered by the inspection, or will be moved to the next highest year ribbon (NSCC cadets) for subsequent awards of the trophy. NLCC cadets authorized a ribbon frame earned for winning the Morgan Fitch Award may transfer this frame to their first-year NSCC ribbon. Only one ribbon frame may be transferred

(2) Upon successful completion of Honor Guard Training. Frame will be worn on Color Guard Ribbon. (See Action Letter 08-04) Silver Star : Awarded as follows:

Large (5/16 inch)
(1) Affixed to NSCC 25th Anniversary Ribbon for those NSCC/NLCC officers, midshipmen, and cadets who attended the ceremonies in Washington, D.C. on 15 August 1987.
(2) Affixed to the NSCC Fifth Year Ribbon for adult leaders who have twenty-five years of consecutive active service with the NSCC/NLCC.
(3) Affixed to NLCC Merit Ribbon indicating designation as the Honor Cadet at a NLCC orientation program approved by National Headquarters.
(4) Affixed to NSCC/NLCC Service Ribbon for officers/midshipmen who were both former NLCC and NSCC cadets.
(5) For those NSCC cadets who won the NLUS Youth Award as a NLCC cadet and also wins it as a NSCC cadet. The star will be affixed to the center of the suspension ribbon on NLUS Youth Medal and affixed to the outboard side with a gold boot on the inboard side of the NLUS Youth Ribbon.

Small (3/16 inch)
(1) Denotes five (5) additional awards and multiples thereof. See Note (3).
(2) Denotes five (5) additional NSCC/NLCC cadets recruited (6th Award). Affixed to the NSCC/NLCC Recruiting Incentive Ribbon. See Note (4).

Bronze Star : Awarded as follows:
(1) Denotes 6th year enrollment as a NSCC officer. See Note (3).
Denotes subsequent awards of certain ribbons in conjunction with silver stars. See Note (3).

DEA Device : Affixed to the center of the Drug Reduction Service Ribbon to signify giving four or more CDF presentations.

Notes:
(1) Minimum of five (5) consecutive days of the ten (10) total days required.
(2) "S" and "E" may both be worn on the Marksman Ribbon, providing that one was earned with pistol and the other with rifle. Also, two "S" or two "E" may be worn if earned with different weapons.
(3) The following appurtenances affixed to the 5th Year Ribbon indicate additional years of enrollment as NSCC officer/midshipman/instructor:
6th Year
7th Year
8th Year
9th Year
10th Year
11th Year
12th Year
13th Year
14th Year
15th Year
16th Year
17th Year
18th Year
19th Year
20th Year
21st Year
22nd Year
23rd Year
24th Year
25th Year
one bronze star
two bronze stars
three bronze stars
four bronze stars
one small (3/16") silver star
one small silver star and one bronze star
one small silver star and two bronze stars
one small silver star and three bronze stars
one small silver star and four bronze stars
two small silver stars
two small silver stars and one bronze star
two small silver stars and two bronze stars
two small silver stars and three bronze stars
two small silver stars and four bronze stars
three small silver stars
three small silver stars and one bronze star
three small silver stars and two bronze stars
three small silver stars and three bronze stars
three small silver stars and four bronze stars
one large (5/16") silver star

(4) Second and subsequent awards of certain other ribbons are to be indicated by affixing the following appurtenances:

2nd Award
3rd Award
4th Award
5th Award
6th Award
7th Award
one bronze star
two bronze stars
three bronze stars
four bronze stars
one small silver star replaces all previous bronze stars
one small silver star and one bronze star, etc.