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ribbons. A row of fewer than three ribbons is centered
above a full row. Persons possessing four or more
ribbons must wear a minimum of three but may wear all
if desired. The ribbons, which may be either sewn on the
uniform or attached to bars, are worn in their order of
precedence—from top to bottom and inboard to
outboard within rows. Transparent covering or the use
of preservatives isn’t permitted. No alteration may be
made that would change the appearance of the ribbons.
When medals are prescribed as part of the uniform,
ribbons that don’t have corresponding large medals are
worn on the right breast.
REVIEW 4 QUESTIONS
Q1. If a person has four or more ribbons, what is the
minimum number of medals that can be worn on
the uniform?
Q2. List four examples of military decorations.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Q3. List two types of nonmilitary decorations.
a.
b.
Q4. When wearing medals or ribbons on a uniform,
what is their order of precedence?
IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Learning Objective: When you finish this chapter, you
will be able to—
Identify the regulations governing military
identification (ID) cards and identification tags.
The armed forces identification card is used to
identify you as a member of the U.S. armed forces. It
isn’t a pass. It remains the property of the United States.
Anyone altering, damaging, lending, counterfeiting, or
using the card in an unauthorized manner is subject to
disciplinary action.
You must carry the card at all times. You can’t give
your ID card as security for the return of property or
equipment provided by civilian or naval recreational
activities.
The active-duty ID card must be surrendered by the
holder for the following reasons:
When it is replaced. It must be replaced for the
following reasons:
— To show a change in rank or rate.
— To show a change in the card’s expiration date
— To replace a lost, stolen, or destroyed card.
— To correct an error.
— To replace a mutilated card.
— To c h a n g e d a t a t h a t m a ke s t h e c a r d
questionable as a means of identification.
— To effect a name change.
When the holder is released from extended active
duty.
When it is required by proper military authority
for identification or investigation purposes, or
while in disciplinary confinement.
Since the armed forces ID card (active) meets all the
requirements of article 17 of the Geneva Convention
pertaining to the treatment of prisoners of war, it serves
as identification for that purpose. If you’re captured as a
prisoner of war, you may show your ID card to the
capturing authorities but you may not surrender it to
Student Notes:
