All ribbons are in the order in which they should appear on the ribbon rack (ranked by order of importance). The meritorious achievement ribbon, for example, should be at the top left of the ribbon rack since it’s the highest award an NJROTC cadet can receive. Unit ribbons should be at the bottom right of the ribbon rack.
NJROTC AWARDS
- Meritorious Achievement
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to any NJROTC cadet who distinguishes him/herself by outstanding meritorious achievement or performance of a meritorious act. Awarded on a case-by-case basis by the Area Manager.
2. Distinguished Unit
Awarded YEARLY to cadets who were unit members during the academic year in which the school earned the Distinguished Unit status during the Annual Military Inspection (AMI).
3. Distinguished Cadet
Awarded YEARLY to one cadet in each year group with the highest combined average for overall scholastic standing and aptitude in NJROTC unit activities (includes academics, homework, physical fitness, community service, drill, etc.)
4. Honor Cadet
Awarded YEARLY to one cadet in each year group with the highest overall academic achievement (GPA) in school, including naval science.
5. Cadet Achievement
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to any cadet who distinguishes him/herself by outstanding achievement or sustained superior performance. The cadet must exhibit exceptional military aptitude and dedication to the program as well as overall excellence in all facets of NJROTC. Awarded on a case-by-case basis by the Area Manager.
6. Unit Achievement
Awarded YEARLY to cadets in good standing who were unit members during the academic year which the school earned the Unit Achievement status as determined by the Area Manager. Awarded only to those units that demonstrated exceptional performance, but did not qualify for Distinguished Unit status.
7. Aptitude Award
Awarded YEARLY to outstanding cadets who demonstrate an exceptional military aptitude and dedication to the NJROTC program.
8. NS IV Outstanding Cadet
Awarded YEARLY to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 4 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.
9. NS III Outstanding Cadet
Awarded YEARLY to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 3 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.
10. NS II Outstanding Cadet
Awarded YEARLY to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 2 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.
11. NS I Outstanding Cadet
Awarded YEARLY to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 1 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.
12. Exemplary Conduct
Awarded YEARLY to each cadet who demonstrates exemplary conduct for the school year.
13. Exemplary Personal Appearance
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to each cadet who displays exemplary personal appearance and has worn his/her uniform on all occasions required.
14. Physical Fitness
Awarded TWICE A YEAR to any cadet who meets or exceeds the basic physical fitness requirements as outlined in Chapter 13 on pages 13-10/11 of the Cadet Field Manual.
15. Participation
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to any cadet who has participated in three events other than routine unit activities.
16. Unit Service
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to any cadet who has demonstrated exemplary service and dedication to the unit as determined by the SNSI.
17. Community Service
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to any cadet in good standing who distinguishes him/herself by dedicated and outstanding service to the community by completing 10 or more community service hours led by the unit.
18. Academic Team
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to each cadet who has completed three academic postals.
19. Drill Team
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to each member of a drill team in good standing who has entered competition, or performed at three or more official functions.
20. Color Guard
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to each member of a color guard in good standing who has entered competition or performed at three or more official functions.
21. S.T.E.M
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to each Cadet who competes in any S.T.E.M. related event or competition including but not limited to Drone, Sea Perch, Cyber, Robotics, or Rocketry. Not to be awarded for multi- or intra-service competitions.
22. Marksmanship Team
Awarded WHEN EARNED, to any cadet in good standing who has entered any competition with their rifle/pistol team.
23. Orienteering Team
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to any cadet in good standing who has entered any organized orienteering competition, or who meets the orienteering qualification standards outlined on pages 9-18/19 of the Cadet Field Manual.
24. Inter-Service Competition Award
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to any cadet who has participated in a nation-wide competition.
25. Recruiting
Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to a cadet who is instrumental in the enrollment of two students in the NJROTC program. Subsequent awards are given for each additional two students enrolled.
26. Leadership Training
Awarded to any cadet upon satisfactory completion of mini-boot camp, Leadership Academy or similar training as approved by the Area Manager.
27. Sea Cruise
Awarded to any cadet upon completion of an at-sea cruise
(vessel must cast off lines and be underway).
28. C.E.R.T
Awarded to any cadet upon completion of any Community Emergency Response Training hosted by the Department of Homeland Security and local Fire Department.
UNIT AWARDS
- HONOR GUARD
Awarded, when earned, to cadets upon completion of 20 morning/afternoon Flag details, while Commanding five.
2. VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO
Awarded, when earned, to cadets who have performed in five Virginia International Tattoo performances.