Order of Precedence
Special Awards:
Gold Valor Award -- Awarded to recognize the most outstanding voluntary acts of self-sacrifice and personal bravery by a cadet involving conspicuous risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The award consists of a medal, ribbon, and certificate.
Silver Valor Award -- Awarded to a cadet for a voluntary act of heroism which does not meet the risk-of-life requirements of the Gold Valor Award. The award consists of a medal, ribbon, and certificate.
Cadet Humanitarian Award -- Recognizes cadets who provide aid in response to a singular extraordinary event such as a natural disaster or other catastrophe that has placed or has the potential to place a hardship on their fellow citizens. This award is not to be used to recognize day-to-day service in the community. The award consists of a ribbon and certificate.
Silver Star Community Service With Exccellence Award -- Award consists of a ribbon with silver star device and certificate. The Silver Star Community Service with Excellence Award will be an honor that emphasizes the value of community service and establishes a greater sense of pride within the corps.
Community Service With Excellence Award -- Recognizes those individual cadets who provide significant leadership in the planning, organizing, directing, and executing of a major unit community service project that greatly benefit the local community. This is not an award given to participants but to the key leader(s) of the project. The award consists of a ribbon and certificate.
National Awards:
Air Force Association (AFA) Award -- This AFA-sponsored award consists of a medal and ribbon and is presented annually at each unit to the outstanding AS-5/6 (junior) cadet. The award recipient must possess/meet the following personal characteristics and eligibility criteria:
- Positive attitude (toward AFJROTC and school)
- Outstanding personal appearance (uniform and grooming)
- Display personal attributes such as initiative, judgment, and self-confidence
- Courteous demeanor (promptness, obedience, and respect for customs)
Daedalian Award -- The Order of Daedalians is a fraternity of commissioned pilots from all military services. It is named after the legendary figure, Daedalus, and was organized by WWI military pilots who sought to perpetuate the spirit of patriotism, love of country, and the high ideals of self-sacrifice, which place service to the nation above personal safety and position. This award is offered to encourage the development of these traits in cadets and to interest them in a military career. The medal is fashioned after an ancient Grecian plaque discovered by a Daedalian in the village of Lavadia, Greece and depicts Daedalus and his son Icarus fabricating their legendary wings of wax and feathers. The award includes a medal and ribbon. This annual award recognizes one outstanding AS-5/6 (junior) cadet at each unit. Each cadet must:
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of patriotism, love of country, and service to the nation
- Indicate the potential and desire to pursue a military career
- Rank in the top 10% of the AS class and top 20% of the school class
Daughters Of The American Revolution (DAR) Award -- This award consists of a bronze medal and ribbon and is presented annually to one third-year (in a 3-year program) or fourth- year cadet (in a 4-year program) that meets the following criteria:
- Rank in the top 25% of their AFJROTC class.
- Rank in the top 25% of their high school class.
- Demonstrate qualities of dependability and good character.
- Demonstrate adherence to military discipline.
- Possess leadership ability and a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of JROTC training.
American Legion Scholastic Award -- This award consists of a bronze medal accompanied by a ribbon with a distinctive miniature attachment depicting a scholastic scroll. It is presented annually to an AS-3/4 (sophomore) or AS-5/6 (junior) cadet based on overall scholastic achievements. Each cadet must:
- Rank in the top 25% of the AS class and top 10% of the school class
- Demonstrate leadership qualities
- Actively participate in constructive student activities
American Legion General Military Excellence Award -- This award consists of a bronze medal accompanied by a ribbon with a distinctive miniature attachment depicting a torch. This award is presented annually to an AS-3/4 (sophomore) or AS-5/6 (junior) cadet based on overall scholastic achievements. Each cadet must:
- Rank in the top 25% of the AFJROTC class
- Demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship
Reserve Officers Association (ROA) Award -- This award consists of a bronze medal, ribbon, and certificate and is presented annually for military and academic achievement to an outstanding AS-3/4 (sophomore) or AS 5/6 (junior) cadet. Each cadet must possess individual characteristics contributing to leadership such as:
- Positive attitude toward the AS curriculum
- Outstanding personal appearance (wear of the uniform, posture, and grooming)
- Attributes of initiative, judgment, and self-confidence
- Courtesy (promptness, obedience, and respect)
- Growth potential (capacity for responsibility, high productivity, adaptability to change)
- Demonstrate the highest personal and ethical standards and strong positive convictions
- Rank in the top 10% of the AS class
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Award -- This award, formerly known as The Retired Officers Association Award, consists of a medal pendant with ribbon and is presented annually to an outstanding AS-5/6 (junior) cadet who shows exceptional potential for military leadership. Each cadet must:
- Be a member of the junior class, in good academic standing, and of high moral character
- Show a high order of loyalty to the unit, school, and country
- Show exceptional potential for military leadership
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Award -- This award consists of a medal pendant with ribbon and is presented annually to an outstanding AS-200 (sophomore) or AS-300 (junior) cadet who is actively engaged in the AFJROTC program and who possesses individual characteristics contributing to leadership. Each cadet must:
- Have a positive attitude toward AFJROTC
- Have outstanding military bearing and conduct
- Possess strong positive personal attributes (such as courtesy, dependability, punctuality, respect, and cooperation)
- Demonstrate patriotism (being a member of the color guard or drill team) and actively promote Americanism
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Attain a grade of "B" or better in AFJROTC with an overall average grade of "C" in all subjects for the previous semester
- Be active in student activities
- Not have been previous recipients of this award
National Society United States Daughters 1812 Award -- Awarded annually, at the SASI’s discretion, for academic excellence, leadership, military discipline, dependability, patriotism and upright character in speech and habits. This award consists of a ribbon, medal, and certificate.
National Sojourners Award -- This award consists of a ribbon, medal pendant, and certificate. It is presented annually, recognizing an outstanding first- or second-year cadet (second or third-year cadet in a 4-year program) who contributed the most to encourage and demonstrate Americanism within the corps of cadets and on campus. Each cadet must:
- Be in the top 25% of their academic class.
- Encourage and demonstrate ideals of Americanism.
- Demonstrate potential for outstanding leadership.
- Not have previously received the award.
Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction Award -- This award consists of a medal, ribbon, and certificate and annually recognizes an outstanding second-year cadet in a 3-year program or third-year cadet in a 4-year program. Each cadet must:
- Contribute the most to encourage Americanism by participation in Co-Curricular activities or community projects.
- Demonstrate academic excellence by being in the top 25% of the class.
- Demonstrate the qualities of dependability, good character, self-discipline, good citizenship, and patriotism.
- Not have been previous recipients of this award.
Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Award -- This award consists of a medal pendant with a ribbon and annually recognizes an outstanding AS-200 (sophomore) or AS-300 (junior) cadet who is enrolled in the AFJROTC program and demonstrates leadership ability. Each cadet must:
- Have a positive attitude toward AFJROTC and country
- Hold a leadership position in the cadet corps
- Be active in school and community affairs
- Attain a grade of "B" or better in all subjects for the previous semester
- Not have been a previous recipient of this award
Sons Of The American Revolution (SAR) Award -- This award consists of a bronze medal with ribbon. It recognizes an outstanding second-year cadet in a 3-year program or third-year cadet in a 4-year program who is enrolled in the AFJROTC program. The recipient must exhibit a high degree of leadership, military bearing, and all-around excellence in AS studies and not have previously received the award. Each cadet must:
- Be currently enrolled in the AFJROTC program.
- Be in the top 10% of their AFJROTC class.
- Be in the top 25% of their overall class.
The Military Order of World Wars (MOWW) Award -- This award consists of a bronze medal pendant, certificate, and ribbon and is presented annually to an outstanding cadet who has committed to continue the aerospace science program the following school year. Selection is based on outstanding accomplishments or service to the AFJROTC unit.
American Veterans (AMVETS) Award -- This award consists of a medal pendant and ribbon and is presented annually to one qualified cadet at each unit. Each cadet must possess individual characteristics contributing to leadership such as:
- A positive attitude toward Air Force JROTC programs and service in the Air Force
- Personal appearance (wearing of the uniform, posture, and grooming, but not physical characteristics per se)
- Personal attributes (initiative, dependability, judgment and self-confidence)
- Officer potential (capacity for responsibility, adaptability, and maintenance of high personal standards)
- Obtained a grade of "A" in their AS class
- Be in good scholastic standing in all classes at the time of selection and at the time of presentation
Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) Award -- This annual award consists of a medal pendant with a ribbon and recognizes an outstanding AS-200 (sophomore) or AS-300 (junior) cadet. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, citizenship. Each cadet must:
- Be in the top 25% of the AFJROTC class
- Demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship
- Not have been a previous recipient of this award
Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (TAI) AJFJROTC Cadet Award -- This award consists of a ribbon and certificate and is presented annually to two cadets. Cadets must:
- Attain a grade of “B” or better in the AS class
- Be in good academic standing
- Actively participate in cadet corps activities
- Participate in at least 50% of all unit service programs
The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) Award -- This award consists of a medal set with ribbon and a certificate and is awarded for exceptional leadership to the most outstanding AFJROTC cadet while serving in an enlisted rank. The selected enlisted cadet must have shown outstanding leadership throughout the course of the school year.
The Celebrate Freedom Foundation Award -- This award consists of a certificate and ribbon and is presented annually to an outstanding AS-100 (freshman) or AS-200 (sophomore) cadet for outstanding performance in academics and cadet corps activities.
Air Commando Association Award. Awarded annually at the SASI’s discretion for completing a one page essay based on a historical AF Special Operations Mission possessing the thirteen critical attributes of success: integrity, self-motivation, intelligence, self-discipline, perseverance, adaptability, maturity, judgment, selflessness, leadership, skilled, physical fitness and family strength. This award consists of a ribbon and certificate.
AFJROTC Funded Local Awards:
Distinguished Unit award with Merit (DUAM) -- 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. The unit will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of recognition which will be posted in WINGS.
Distinguished Unit Award (DUA) -- Awarded to cadets enrolled during the academic year when a unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the DUA. The unit will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of recognition which will be posted in WINGS.
Outstanding Organization Award (OOA) – Awarded to cadets enrolled during the academic year when a unit is selected by HQ AFJROTC to receive the OOA. The Outstanding Organization Award consists of a congratulatory letter and a certificate of recognition, which will be posted in WINGS. The OOA ribbon is ordered through EMALL. OOA recipients do not receive a streamer.
Outstanding Flight Ribbon -- Awarded each academic term to cadets in a flight designated Outstanding Flight. Criteria normally include academic grades, uniform wear, homework, attendance, conduct, and involvement in corps activities.
Top Performer Award -- The Cadet Top Performer Award is a Headquarters, AFJROTC award presented to a maximum of 2% of the current unit cadet corps population (unduplicated headcount). All currently enrolled cadets may be considered. Specific consideration is given to cadets not previously recognized for superior performance. The award recognizes a cadet’s performance in the following key areas: (1) Leadership and job performance: in primary duty and specifically in preparation for the unit’s annual assessment. (2) Leadership qualities: involvement and positions held in extracurricular activities. (3) Academic performance: nominee must be in good academic standing in all high school course work. (4) Significant self-improvement. (5) Community involvement. (6) Other accomplishments. SASIs may nominate candidates to their respective Area Administrator. Area Administrators will present awards to nominees during their visit unless personal observation of the cadet warrants otherwise. SASIs may select recipients and present award in years that unit does not receive AA visit. Ribbons will be available from HQ AFJROTC and distributed to the Area Administrators for presentation. The award consists of a certificate and a ribbon, which may be presented by the Area Administrator during the visit or the SASI if the cadet(s) is unavailable due to class scheduling conflict, etc. The ribbon may be worn for the duration of a cadet’s tenure in AFJROTC.
Superior Performance Ribbon -- Awarded annually to the cadet Airman/NCO/Officer of the Year. The recipients must be of high moral character, demonstrate positive personal attributes, display outstanding military potential, and attain academic and military excellence. Cadets must have an “A” average in AFJROTC.
Leadership Ribbon -- Awarded for outstanding performance in a position of leadership as an AFJROTC cadet in corps training activities. Recognition goes to cadets who have consistently displayed outstanding leadership ability above and beyond expected performance.
Achievement Ribbon -- Awarded to cadets for a significant achievement as deemed appropriate by the SASI. Individuals may not receive more than one ribbon during a one year period.
Outstanding Cadet Ribbon -- Awarded to the Outstanding Cadets of the Quarter. Also, awarded at the SASI’s discretion for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of AFJROTC. Recognition goes to cadets whose achievements and services are clearly outstanding and exceptional when compared to achievements and accomplishments of other cadets.
Academic Ribbon -- Awarded for academic excellence each nine-week grading period as signified by attaining an “A” average in AFJROTC and is on the school’s all A or A/B honor roll.
Leadership School Ribbon -- Awarded for completion of an approved leadership school program of at least 5 days duration. For each additional Leadership School completion, an additional Bronze Star will be awarded. Add a silver star for outstanding performance or leadership ability at a leadership school instead of the Bronze Star. Limit the Silver Star to 10 percent of the class.
Special Teams Competition Ribbon -- Awarded to team members for placing first, second or third place in an Air Force or Joint Service Competition to include Color Guard Teams, Rifle Teams, Drill Teams, Saber Teams, Academic Bowl Teams, CyberPatriot, etc.
All-Service National Competition Ribbon (No Description at this time)
Air Force National Competition Ribbon (No Description at this time)
Orienteering Ribbon -- Awarded to team members for completing unit specific Orienteering Program as part of unit curriculum.
Leadership Development Requirement Leadership Ribbon -- Awarded at the SASI’s discretion for leadership in AFJROTC co-curricular activities (such as dining-in chairperson, military ball chairperson, etc.) The recipient must have demonstrated exceptional leadership in achieving objectives through the coordinated efforts of others. The ribbon may be awarded a maximum of four times. An oak leaf cluster should be added to this ribbon for each additional award.
Drill Team Ribbon -- Awarded for distinguished participation in at least five scheduled drill team events. Cadet must have completed one school term on the drill team without suspension. An oak leaf cluster should be added to this ribbon for each year of qualifying membership beginning with the second year.
Color Guard Ribbon -- Awarded for distinguished participation in at least five-scheduled color guard events (at least one with rifle and one with a flag). An oak leaf cluster is added to this ribbon for the tenth event, fifteenth event.
Saber Team Ribbon – This unit does not currently have a Saber Team. Awarded for distinguished participation in at least two-scheduled saber team events (Football homecoming, Military Ball, etc.) An oak leaf cluster is added to this ribbon for each year of qualifying membership beginning with the second year.
Marksmanship Ribbon – This unit does not currently have a Marksmanship Program, but is in the process to create one. Awarded for being an active member
Good Conduct Ribbon -- Awarded at the end of each semester to cadets with no out-of-school suspensions, no more than two full days of in-school-suspension, no more than six absences in their AFJROTC class, and no integrity violations, insubordination, and disrespect. Must be on the Good Standing List.
Service Ribbon -- Awarded to cadets for distinctive performance in school, community, or AFJROTC events. Generally, Salvation Army Ring-a-Bell, adopt-a-highway litter pickup, and placing flags on veterans graves warrant a Service Ribbon for each activity. There are others that may require more service time to be awarded a ribbon. The SASI/ASI will specify before the activity if a Service Ribbon will be awarded. Cadets participating in activities such as Drill Team, Saber Team or Color Guard are ineligible to receive a Service Ribbon.
Health and Wellness Ribbon -- Awarded for participation in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program. The Bronze Star device will be awarded and worn on the ribbon to any cadet scoring in the 75-84 percentiles in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program. If a cadet earns a percentile score of 85-95 they will wear a Silver Star. Cadets scoring 96-100 percentile will earn the prestigious Gold Star on the ribbon. NOTE: Cadets attending Cadet Leadership School are also expected to meet the following requirements:
(1) Male: one mile run in 10 min or less.
(2) Female: one mile run in 11 min or less.
(1) Male: one mile run in 10 min or less.
(2) Female: one mile run in 11 min or less.
Recruiting Ribbon -- Awarded for outstanding effort in support of unit recruiting activities. Cadets who participate in presentations to groups of 25 or more are eligible. These presentations may occur at South Johnston High School, feeder school meetings at the American Legion, or during a recruiting trip at the middle school. Cadets who can be confirmed as recruiters of at least two middle school students (non-relatives) may also be eligible. The recruited students must enroll and successfully complete a full school term for the ribbon to be awarded.
Activities Ribbon -- Awarded to cadets who contribute to the success of formally scheduled, school sanctioned, co-curricular activities such as military ball, dining in/out, football games “push-up team, field trips, fundraisers, parades, community service activities, and other activities as determined by the SASI/ASI. (Color Guard, Drill Team, and Special Teams participation do not apply.) It takes five activities to earn one Activities Ribbon. For each five activities completed, an oak leaf cluster is added to this ribbon.
Attendance Ribbon -- Awarded each semester to cadets with no more than six absences in their AFJROTC class.
Dress and Appearance Ribbon -- Awarded each semester for wearing uniform on all scheduled uniform days with a uniform grade average of 90 or above.
Longevity Ribbon -- Awarded for completion of each AS year.
Bataan Death March Memorial Hike Ribbon -- 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.
Patriotic Flag Ribbon -- May be 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. SASIs may award this ribbon based on local criteria which must be clearly published in the unit’s Cadet Guide or Unit Operating Instruction.
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Awards:
- General Carl Spaatz Award
- General Ira C. Eaker Award
- Amelia Earhart Award
- General Billy Mitchell Award
- General J. F. Curry Achievement Award
"Building Better Citizens for America"