Defining the force

Airman, Jan, 2005 by Chuck Roberts

Air Force Grade and Insignia

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Air Force Awards and Decorations

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Air Force Berets

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Silver/Bronze Stars

The bronze star represents participation in campaigns or operations, multiple qualifications or an additional award to any of the various ribbons an which it is authorized. The silver star is worn in the same manner as the bronze star, but each silver star is worn in lieu of five bronze service stars. When worn together on a single ribbon, the silver star(s) will be worn to the wearer's right of any bronze star(s).

Silver/Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

The bronze oak leaf cluster represents second and subsequent entitlements of awards. The silver oak leaf cluster represents sixth, 11th, etc., entitlements or in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters Silver oak leaf clusters are worn to the wearer's right of the bronze oak leaf clusters on the same ribbon.

Antarctica Service Medal Clasp (and disc)

The Antarctica Service Medal Clasp, bearing the words "Wintered Over," is only worn on the medal's suspension ribbon. The discs are authorized for people who stayed on the continent during winter months.

Arabic Numerals

Arabic numerals are worn on the Armed Forces Reserve medal to denote participation in additional contingencies.

M Device

The "M" device is worn with the Armed Forces Reserve Medal to denote active duty status for at least one day during a contingency.

Hourglass Device

The hourglass is worn with the Armed Forces Reserve Medal in bronze for 10 years of service, silver for 20 years and gold for 30 years.

Valor Devices and Clusters

The "V" device, when worn on the same ribbon with clusters, is worn to the wearer's right of such clusters.

Good Conduct Medal Clasp

The Valor Device

The "V" device represents valor and does not denote an additional award. Only one may be worn on any ribbon.

Arctic Service Device

The "A" device, when worn with oak leaf clusters, is worn to the wearer's right of such clusters. The device is worn with the Air Force Overseas Ribbon--Short Tour and is authorized for people who completed a short tour north of the Arctic Circle.

Plane Device

The device is worn with the Army of Occupation Medal to denote service of 90 consecutive days in direct support of the Berlin Airlift (June 26, 1948, to Sept. 30, 1949).

Arrowhead

The arrowhead denotes participation in a combat parachute jump, combat glider landing or amphibious assault landing. The arrowhead points up and is worn to the wearer's right of any service stars.

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* Also awarded with gold, silver or bronze devices. The gold frame on the ribbon denotes a unit citation; without, an individual citation.

** Awarded with gold frame to represent second and subsequent entitlements of the award.

Civilian Awards

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Air Force Badges

Officers: Wear the senior badge, with star, after seven years in the specialty and the master badge, with star and wreath, after 15 years in the specialty. Exception: Medical service officers' time in specialty includes any service credit awarded at the time of appointment.