Cadet Corps Ranks/Ribbons

Enlisted Rank:

-Enlisted rank in AFJROTC comprises both new and senior level cadets in the program. These ranks represent Junior Enlisted, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers. These cadets take on responsibilities such as taking instruction, training other cadets, and being leaders in their class.

Officer Rank:

-Officer rank in AFJROTC is awarded for cadets with exceptional leadership ability as well as overwhelming dedication to bettering the corps. Officers are responsible for managing large events, leading groups of cadets, and coordinating activities.

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Ribbons:

-Ribbons are a way cadets are rewarded for various acts of service, demonstrations of leadership, or any other meritorious actions. Ribbons are awarded to cadets for various achievements, performance, and participation.

-These ribbons are classified into different categories, each representing a specific type of accomplishment or contribution. The classification of ribbons in AFJROTC generally falls into the following categories:

1. Academic Ribbons

These ribbons are awarded to cadets who excel in academic performance, both in JROTC classes and in their overall school studies. Examples include:

  • Academic Achievement Ribbon: Awarded for maintaining a high GPA (usually above 3.0 or 3.5).

  • Superior Performance Ribbon: Awarded for outstanding performance in AFJROTC.

  • Leadership Ribbon: Awarded to cadets who demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities in AFJROTC activities.

2. Leadership Ribbons

Leadership ribbons recognize cadets who have demonstrated leadership abilities, either by holding positions within the unit or by leading in other capacities. Examples include:

  • Leadership School Ribbon: Awarded for completing a summer leadership school program.

  • Outstanding Flight Ribbon: Awarded to the members of the top-performing flight within the unit.

  • Leadership Development Requirement (LDR) Ribbon: Awarded for participation in Leadership Development Requirements, such as drill teams, color guards, or other leadership activities.

3. Service Ribbons

Service ribbons are awarded to cadets who have shown dedication to community service and volunteer activities. Examples include:

  • Service Ribbon: Awarded for contributing to the betterment of the school or local community through service projects.

  • Kitty Hawk Air Society Badge: Awarded to members of the Kitty Hawk Air Society, the academic honor society of AFJROTC.

4. Activities Ribbons

These ribbons are awarded for participation in various AFJROTC activities, such as sports, drill, and special teams. Examples include:

  • Drill Team Ribbon: Awarded for active participation in the drill team.

  • Color Guard Ribbon: Awarded for active participation in the color guard team.

  • Marksmanship Ribbon: Awarded for participating in the marksmanship team or competitions.

5. Good Conduct Ribbons

Good conduct ribbons are awarded to cadets who have shown exemplary behavior and conduct throughout the school year. Examples include:

  • Good Conduct Ribbon: Awarded to cadets who have demonstrated good behavior, discipline, and respect for authority.

  • Attendance Ribbon: Awarded to cadets with perfect or near-perfect attendance.

  • Dress and Appearance Ribbon: Awarded for consistently meeting or exceeding uniform standards.

6. Health and Wellness Ribbons

Health and wellness ribbons are awarded for physical fitness and participation in sports or physical activities. Examples include:

  • Health and Wellness Ribbon: Awarded for meeting or exceeding physical fitness standards set by the AFJROTC program.

  • Raider Team Ribbon: Awarded to cadets who are a member of the raider team, an intense physical fitness team as a part of AFJROTC.

7. Miscellaneous Ribbons

These ribbons do not fit into the above categories but are awarded for various achievements or participation. Examples include:

  • Recruiting Ribbon: Awarded to cadets who successfully recruit new members to the AFJROTC program.

  • Activities Ribbon: Awarded for participating in unit activities such as parades, community events, or special functions.

  • Patriotic Flag Ribbon: Awarded to cadets who perform duties related to the raising, lowering, or presenting of the flag.

8. National Awards

These ribbons are awarded to cadets based on their achievements and contributions according to specific national criteria set by the Air Force.

  1. Gold Valor Award

    • Awarded for a voluntary act of heroism that does not involve combat. This is the highest award in AFJROTC and is given for an outstanding act that involves significant personal risk to the cadet.

  2. Silver Valor Award

    • Awarded for a voluntary act of heroism that involves personal risk to the cadet’s life or well-being.

  3. Cadet Humanitarian Award

    • Presented to cadets who provide exceptional assistance to others in a time of need. This could be during a natural disaster, accident, or another emergency.

  4. Silver Star Community Service with Excellence Award

    • Awarded to cadets in recognition of outstanding community service that significantly benefits their school or local community. The unit must perform well in service events, and cadets must actively participate.

  5. Community Service with Excellence Award

    • Recognizes those units that have distinguished themselves through outstanding community service. This service should reflect credit on the cadet corps and the school.

  6. Air Force Association Award

    • Awarded annually to an outstanding third-year cadet in a four-year program or a second-year cadet in a three-year program. The recipient must demonstrate leadership qualities, academic excellence, and a positive attitude.