Sequoyah High School GA-952  •  Air Force JROTC    

   I. Introduction

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The AFJROTC Awards, Badges, and Decorations program is one that intends to recognize the achievements of deserving cadets.  Cadets who demonstrate academic achievement, exceptional leadership, valor, dedicated performance, outstanding teamwork, and continuous good service can earn awards.  A number of distinctive and coveted awards and badges are authorized for wear by AFJROTC cadets.  Badges and AFJROTC ribbons are awarded and authorized for wear when they are earned.  Most National and Community Awards are generally presented near the end of the school year at the Annual Awards Banquet. 

 

REFER TO THE ACCOMPANYING AFJROTC OPERATIONAL SUPPLEMENT, CHAPTER 7, FOR AFJROTC GUIDANCE AND POLICIES ON AWARDS, BADGES, AND DECORATIONS.

 

   II. Unit Policies and Award Criteria

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Where needed, the unit has developed more specific criteria for AFJROTC awards.  The following includes enhanced award descriptions for only those awards where additional more specific criteria was necessary. As mentioned above, refer to the accompanying AFJROTC Operation Supplement, Chapter 7, for AFJROTC Guidance and Policies on other awards, badges, and decorations.

 

Outstanding Flight Ribbon (Awarded Semesterly):

Is a ribbon awarded each academic term to members of the outstanding flight under criteria determined by the SASI.  It is GA-952 policy for this ribbon to be awarded each semester to the outstanding flight in the unit based on the flight’s combined performance in the areas of professionalism, classroom participation, uniform wear, and academics.  The SASI consults with ASI to determine the Outstanding Flight.  For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster. 

 

Outstanding Cadet Ribbon (Awarded Annually):

Is a ribbon awarded annually to the outstanding first-year, second-year, third-year, and fourth-year cadets. 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. In addition to the above criteria, it is GA-952 policy that the cadet must be in the top 3 in unit merit points for their respective year group and must be in good standing in all classes.  Simply having the most school letter points does not guarantee the award because the cadet must also show dedication, professionalism, excellence, and service beyond simple participation in cadet activities. The cadet must also have no academic or behavioral deficiencies.  For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster. 

 

Leadership Ribbon (Awarded Annually):

Is a ribbon awarded for outstanding performance in a position of leadership as an AFJROTC cadet. Ensure recognition of cadets who have consistently displayed outstanding leadership ability above and beyond expected performance. It is GA-952 Policy that being a member of the Top 6/7, serving in an officer or NCOIC position, or commanding/leading team or significant LDR activity represents a position of leadership. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster. 

 

Achievement Ribbon Awarded Annually):

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. It is GA-952 Policy to consider significant achievements across of variety of areas but especially those that are leadership and/or service related.  For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster. 

 

Superior Performance Ribbon (Awarded Annually):

Is a ribbon awarded to no more than the top 10% of the cadet corps annually for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of AFJROTC. 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. It is GA-952 Policy to consider significant achievements across of variety of areas but especially those that are leadership and/or service related.  For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.

 

Orienteering Ribbon (Awarded as Earned):

Is a ribbon awarded to team members for completing a unit-specific Orienteering program as part of unit curriculum. It is GA-952 policy for this ribbon to be initially awarded upon successful completion of an Orienteering course of study, an individual proficiency demonstration, and the successful completion of an orienteering course under a time constraint. Cadets earn additional ribbons each time they successfully complete three additional orienteering courses or competitions.  For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster. 

 

Leadership Development Requirement (LDR) Leadership Ribbon (Awarded Annually):

Is a ribbon awarded at the SASI’s discretion for leadership in AFJROTC 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.). It is GA-952 policy for this ribbon to be awarded annually to those cadets who demonstrate consistent exemplary performance as a leader of our competition drill team, competition color guard team, competition orienteering team, special color guard performances, and/or the unit’s Tiger Flight Aviation Program.  For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster. 

 

Good Conduct Ribbon (Awarded 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. In addition to the above criteria, the awarded cadet must not have any adverse reports from staff or faculty. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.  

 

Service Ribbon (Awarded as Earned):

Is a ribbon awarded 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. (NOTE: Participation in Drill Teams, Saber Teams or Color Guard Teams alone does not qualify for the Service Ribbon (see above criteria for these other ribbons) unless community service hours are also awarded. In addition to the above criteria, it is GA-952 policy that a cadet must contribute at least 15 hours of distinctive performance in school or community service projects to earn each ribbon. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.

 

Recruiting Ribbon (Awarded Semesterly):

Is a 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. In addition to the above criteria, it is GA-952 policy the awarded cadet must participate in at least one large recruiting event (e.g. 8th Grade Recruiting Visit, 8th Grade AFJROTC Orientation Night, or 8th Grade High School Orientation where the unit is an active participant) for each semester the cadet is considered for the award. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.  

 

Activities Ribbon (Awarded as Earned):

Is a ribbon awarded for participation in Leadership Development Requirement (LDR) activities other than those that qualify for the Color Guard, Drill Team, and Special Teams Competition ribbons. These include, but are not limited to orienteering teams, model rocketry clubs, academic bowl teams, and raider/sports teams. An oak leaf cluster will be added to this ribbon for each year of membership beginning with the second year. In addition to the above guidance, it is GA952 policy that this ribbon is awarded for participation in three formally scheduled major activities (or regular participating in smaller activities) such as major fund raisers, major field trips, the military ball, awards banquet, orienteering teams, model rocketry clubs, AFJROTC academic teams, raider team competitions, Tiger Flight events and parades.  For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.  

 

Dress and Appearance Ribbon (Awarded Semesterly):

It is GA-952 policy that this ribbon is awarded to cadets who maintain a 90% or higher average on weekly uniform grades and have not missed any uniform grades (to include make-ups) in a semester.  Cadets receiving this award will maintain the highest grooming and dress standards possible. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster. 

 

Patriotic Flag Ribbon (Awarded as Earned):

Is a 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. In addition to the above criteria, it is GA-952 policy that 5 days raising and lowering the school flag can count as one of the special flag events described above.  Hence, a cadet could earn this award by exclusively raising and lowering the flag 25 times.  The Special Teams Officer will track the cadets’ participation.  Ribbon may be purchased from a vendor using MilPer funds. For each additional ribbon earned an additional bronze oak leaf cluster will be awarded. A single silver oak leaf cluster will be used for the award of the fifth bronze oak leaf cluster.

 

   III. School Awards

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These awards are sponsored by local military and civic groups and the AFJROTC instructors.   

 

School Letter:

AFJROTC cadets may earn the AFJROTC School Letter to wear on the letter jacket.  This is a challenging program that requires a cadet to be highly involved in all AFJROTC activities. See the School Letter Chapter of the Handbook for award requirements.

 

SASI’s Leadership Award:

The SASI Eagle Trophy will be awarded annually at the awards banquet to a cadet selected by the SASI, who has demonstrated the highest standard in all school courses and has excelled in AFJROTC as a cadet leader.  The award will be accompanied by award of the Superior Performance Ribbon.

 

Chief’s Award:

The Chief’s Trophy will be awarded annually at the awards banquet to one enlisted cadet determined by the ASI to have demonstrated the highest standards of leadership, teamwork, and courage.  The Superior Performance Ribbon will accompany the award.

 

Georgia Army National Guard “Minuteman” Award:

The Georgia Army National Guard Plaque recognizes a cadet displaying the highest commitment to military excellence, school, and community service, and their fellow cadets.  The recipient must have at least 20 hours community service in AFJROTC community service projects, be a member of either the Color Guard or Drill Team, have presented the Colors at least five times at school events, have no missing uniform lab days, and have at least a “B” average in AFJROTC.  In addition to the award, the recipient will be authorized wear of the Superior Performance.

 

The Bulldog Award:

The award is named in honor of the first SASI, who opened the unit in 1995 and served 14 years before retiring.  The award recognizes one cadet who displays the highest commitment to military excellence, school, and community service, and their fellow cadets.  In addition to the plaque, the recipient will be authorized wear of the Superior Performance Ribbon.  

 

   IV. Cords

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Decorations which are given to cadets in the corps for being part of a specific subsection in the Corps of Cadets. There are many different types of issued Cords, but the cords distributed in GA-952 are single braid cords, attached with a pin-on, and are either one or two colors.

The cord is worn on the left shoulder as close to the edge as possible and under the button-down flap.

Job or Organization related cords are to be replaced with team cords when performing for one of those teams/groups (i.e., Drill Team, Color Guard, Honor Guard, etc.).

 

Job Specific:

• Black Outline, Gold Center: Cord given to the Group Commander.

• Black Outline, Silver Center: Cord distinguishing the Deputy Group Commander.

• Solid Red: Cord distinguishing the First Sergeant.

• Red Outline, Silver Center: Cord distinguishing the 952nd Squadron Commander

• Silver Outline, Blue Center: Cord distinguishing the Kitty Hawk Commander

• White Outline, Silver Center: Cord distinguishing the Operations Squadron Commander.

• Purple Outline, Silver Center: Cord distinguishing the Misson Support Squadron Commander

 

Team/Group Specific:

• Royal Blue: Distinguishes a Kitty Hawk cadet.

• White:  Distinguishes a Color Guard member.

• Yellow: Distinguishes an Honor Guard member.