1. Gold Valor Award: The Gold Valor Award recognizes 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.
2. Silver Valor Award: The Silver Valor Award is awarded to a cadet for a voluntary act of heroism which does not meet the risk-of-life requirements of the Gold Valor Award.
3. Cadet Humanitarian Award: It is intended to recognize 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.
4. Silver Star Community Service with Excellence Award: The award will be given to cadets in the Top 5% of units (approximately 45 units) who have the highest "per cadet average" community service hours.
5. 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.
6. Air Force Association (AFA) Award: National Medal, State Award, Doolittle Award, for each Leadership and Academic Awards. (Leadership/ Academic Awards are divided between ASIs, II, IIIs, and IVs.) Some of these Awards are awarded with saving Bonds or checks.
7. Daedalian Achievement Award: Recognizes one outstanding ASIII Cadet who demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of patriotism, love of country, and service to the nation.
8. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Award: Cadets may only receive this award once. This award 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.
9. American Legion Scholastic Award: Presented to two ASIII or ASIV Cadets. Cadets must be ranked in the top 10% of the high school class; top 25% of their class; demonstrate leadership qualities; and actively participate in student activities.
10. American Legion General Military Excellence Award: Presented to two ASIII or ASIV Cadets who demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship.
11. Reserve Organization of American (ROA) Award: Cadets may only receive this award once. This award is presented annually for military and academic achievement to an outstanding third-year cadet (fourth-year cadet in a 4-year program). The recipient must possess individual characteristics contributing to leadership such as:
• Be in the top 10% in the AFJROTC program.
• Be in the top 25% in academic grades.
• Be recognized for having contributed the most to advancing the objectives of the AFJROTC program, which include outstanding dedication to citizenship, knowledge of civic responsibility, military orientation, self-discipline, and a sound work ethic.
12. Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Award: This award, formerly known as The Retired Officers Association Award, is presented to an ASIII cadet who is a member of the junior class, has good academic standing, of high moral character, shows a high order of loyalty to the unit, school, and country, and shows exceptional potential for military leadership.
13. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Award: Recognizes an Outstanding ASIII or ASIV cadet who have a positive attitude toward AFJROTC., have outstanding military bearing and conduct. Demonstrate leadership potential, Attain a grade of “B” 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.
14. National Society United States Daughters of 1812: Awarded annually, at the SASI’s discretion, for academic excellence, leadership, military discipline, dependability, patriotism and upright character in speech and habits.
15. National Sojourners Award: This award 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.
16. Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction Award: This award 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 LDR activities or community projects.
• Demonstrate academic excellence by being in the top 25% of class.
• Demonstrate the qualities of dependability, good character, self-discipline, good citizenship and patriotism.
• Not have been previous recipients of this award.
17. Military Order of the Purple Heart Award: This award annually recognizes an outstanding ASI II or III 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 previous recipients of this award.
18. Sons of the American Revolution Award: This award 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.
19. Military Order of World Wars Award: Presented to an ASII 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.
20. American Veterans (AMVETS) Award: Recognizes one cadet, ASI, II, III, or IV at each unit that possesses individual characteristics contributing to leadership. Individual must have also obtained a grade of “A” in the Aerospace Science Class during the most recent grading period.
21. Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) Award: This award recognizes an outstanding ASIII or ASIV The recipient must demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship. Each cadet must:
• Be in the top 10% of the AFJROTC class.
• Demonstrate outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship.
• Not have been previous recipients of this award.
22. Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (TAI) Air Force JROTC Cadet Award: This award is presented annually to two cadets. Cadets may be first-year, second-year, or third-year cadets (in a 3- or 4-year program) and must meet the following criteria
• Attain a grade of “B” or better in their AS class.
• Be in good academic standing.
• Actively participate in cadet corps activities.
• Participate in at least 50% of all unit service programs.
23. The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) Award: Awarded annually, at the SASI’s discretion, for exceptional leadership to the most outstanding AFJROTC cadet while serving in an Enlisted Rank. Selected enlisted cadet must have shown outstanding leadership throughout the course of the school year.
24. The Celebrate Freedom Foundation (CFF): Awarded annually, at the SASI’s discretion, for outstanding performance in academics and cadets corps activities, any JROTC cadet may receive this award. This award consists of a ribbon and a certificate. Possess the highest personal and ethical standards and strong positive convictions
• Shows the potential and desire to pursue a military career
• Rank in the top 5% in his/her AS class with a grade average of A or numerical equivalent
• Rank in the top 15 % of his/her academic class
• Demonstrates a positive attitude (toward AFJROTC and school)
25. 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.
26. Distinguished Unit with Merit Award (DUAM): 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.
27. 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.
28. Outstanding Organization Award: 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.
29. Outstanding Flight Ribbon: Awarded each academic term to members of the outstanding flight under criteria determined by the SASI.
30. 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 HQ 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 and SFJROTC.
31. Outstanding Cadet Ribbon: Awarded annually at the SASI’s discretion to the outstanding first-year, second-year, third-year, and fourth-year cadet. 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. Awarded once per year.
32. Leadership Ribbon: Awarded at the SASI’s discretion for outstanding performance in a position of leadership as an AFJROTC cadet in corps training activities. Ensure recognition of cadets who have consistently displayed outstanding leadership ability above and beyond expected performance. Awarded once per year.
33. Superior Performance Ribbon: Awarded annually at the SASI’s discretion to no more than the top 10% of the cadet corps annually for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of AFJROTC and SFJROTC. 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. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
34. Achievement Ribbon: Awarded for a significant achievement as deemed appropriate by the SASI. Is a ribbon awarded for a significant achievement in AFJROTC or other school activities/events. Individuals may not receive more than one ribbon during a 1-year period. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
35. Academic Ribbon: (Cadet may only receive one award annually). Is a ribbon awarded for academic excellence as signified by attaining an overall grade point average of at least “B” for one academic term (cadet may only receive one award annually), in addition to an “A” average in AFJROTC and SFJROTC . Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
36. Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) Ribbon: Awarded for completion of an approved leadership school program of at least 5 days duration. For each additional Leadership School completion additional bronze star will be awarded. Silver Star will be awarded 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.
37. Special Teams Placement Ribbon: Is a ribbon awarded to team members for placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in an Air Force or Joint Service (local, regional, state or national-level) Competition to include Drill Teams, Color Guard Teams, Marksmanship Rifle Teams, Saber Teams, Academic Bowl Teams,
Cyber Patriot, StellarXplorers etc.
38. All-Service National Competition Ribbon: 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.
39. Air Force Nationals Competition Ribbon: 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.
40. Orienteering Ribbon: Is a ribbon awarded to team members for completing a unit-specific Orienteering program as part of unit curriculum. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
41. Leadership Development Requirement (LDR) Leadership Ribbon: Is a ribbon awarded at the SASI’s discretion for leadership in AFJROTC and SFJROTC 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.). Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
42. 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 3 drill performance events, i.e., competitions, special school events, community demonstrations (cumulative).
43. Color Guard Ribbon: Cadets must perform at least 5 color guard performance events to receive this ribbon (cumulative).
44. Saber Team Ribbon: Cadets must perform at least 3 saber team performance events to receive this ribbon (cumulative).
45. Marksmanship Ribbon: Cadets must be on the marksmanship team for an entire year/season to be eligible to qualify and must have competed in at least 1 marksmanship competition event (cumulative).
46. JLAB Ribbon: Cadets must be a member of the JLAB team. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
47. Cyber Patriot Ribbon: Cadets must be a member of the Cyber Patriot team. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
48. StellarXplorers Ribbon: Cadets must be a member of the StellarXplorers team. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
49. Raiders Team Ribbon: Cadets must be a member of the Raiders Team. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
50. Military Model Building Ribbon: Cadets must be a member of the Military Model Building Team. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
51. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Ribbon: Cadets must be a member of the UAS team. UAS vehicles include multi-copters, drones, and remote-controlled aircraft/vehicles. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
52. Robotics Ribbon: Cadets must be a member of the Robotics club/team. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
53. Good Conduct Ribbon: (Cadet may only receive one award annually) Cadets must not have received a referral (this includes no ISS/OSS) and not missed more than 5 days of school (unexcused absences) for an entire school year to be eligible to qualify for this award.
54. Service Ribbon: Awarded at the SASI’s discretion for distinctive performance in school, community, or AFJROTC service projects. Limit to members whose active participation in a service project contributed significantly to the goals of the organization. Awarded once per semester.
* Participation in Drill Teams, Saber Teams or Color Guard Teams does not qualify for the Service Ribbon (see above criteria for Drill Team Ribbon) unless community service hours are awarded within established local criteria.
55. Health and Wellness Ribbon: Awarded by the SASI for participation in the health and wellness physical fitness program. All cadets who participate in the wellness program will receive the Health and Wellness Ribbon. All cadets who participate in the Physical Fitness Test and score in the 75-84 percentiles will receive a second Health and Wellness Ribbon and a Bronze Star device. If a cadet earns a percentile score of 85-95 they will receive a second Health and Wellness Ribbon and wear a Silver Star. If they receive a 96-100 percent they will receive a second Health and Wellness Ribbon and they will wear the Gold Star on the ribbon. The percentiles are computed automatically under Physical Fitness Assessment in WINGS. Awarded once per semester.
56. Recruiting Ribbon: Awarded for outstanding effort in support of unit recruiting activities. Cadets must have directly contributed to the recruitment of two new members to AFJROTC. The SASI awards this ribbon based on locally developed criteria, which must be included in the unit Cadet Guide.
57. Activities Ribbon: Is a ribbon awarded for participation in Leadership Development Requirement (LDR) activities other than those that qualify for a ribbon on the ribbon chart. These include, but are not limited to, model rocketry clubs, sports teams, and any other LDR team event that does not currently have a ribbon on the ribbon chart. An oak leaf cluster will be added to this ribbon for each year of membership beginning with the second year. Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
58. Attendance Ribbon: Is awarded to cadets who have no more than three school absences during academic term (cadet may only receive one award annually).
Criteria for this award will be published in the unit’s Cadet Guide.
59. Dress and Appearance Ribbon: Is awarded to cadets who maintain a 90% or higher average on weekly uniform grades. Cadets receiving this award will maintain the highest grooming and dress standards possible. Awarded once per semester.
60. Longevity Ribbon: Is a ribbon awarded for successful completion of each AFJROTC school year or semester. Cadets may only receive one award annually.
61. Bataan Death March: Cadets who fully complete the 14-mile hike are authorized to wear the ribbon.
62. Patriotic Flag 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 5 flag events.
63. COVID-19 Ribbon: Is a ribbon awarded by the SASI to any cadet who was enrolled in an AFJROTC course of study from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2022. This is a one-time award. A course of study is defined as any cadet who was enrolled, participated and completed in an on-line, virtual, or on campus in person, AFJROTC course during this period.
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