Ribbons are listed in precedence order. The NJROTC ribbons are be worn centered, one-fourth of an inch above the left breast pocket of the shirt or coat. Adjustment may be necessary to make the ribbons parallel to the deck on the Service Dress Blue Coat. NJROTC ribbons are be worn in the order of precedence with the most senior ribbon worn on the top row and inboard when more than one ribbon is on a row. All earned ribbons can be worn at the same time, but only one of each ribbon may be worn with devices/subsequent awards attached to that ribbon. Other awards and ribbons awarded by other organizations besides NJROTC such as other military JROTC programs, DAR, American Legion, ROA, marksmanship, etc., are worn after (junior to) NJROTC ribbons in the order determined by the Naval Science Instructor (NSI).

Medals earned are only worn on uniforms where awards and decorations are authorized. They are positioned one-fourth of an inch below the bottom row of ribbons on the left breast pocket, arranging in seniority order inboard to outboard in the following order: NJROTC Academic Competition, NJROTC Marksmanship Competition, and all other prescribed by the NSI. No more than 3 medals will be worn in each row side by side or 5 medals when overlapping, in addition to its corresponding ribbon, if any. When wearing large medals, they are placed immediately below the last row of medals so only the medallion of each medal is visible.

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NJROTC Ribbons
Ribbon	Ribbon Name	Given For
	Meritorius Achievement	Awarded to any NJROTC cadet who distinguishes him/herself by outstanding meritorious achievement. Awarded on a case-by-case basis by the area manager.
	Distinguished Unit	Awarded yearly to cadetswho were unit members during the academic year in which the school earned the Distingished unit status. Awarded only to 30 percent of the NJROTC schools in the program.
	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.)
	Honor Cadet	Awarded yearly to one cadet in each year group with the highest overall academic achievement (GPA) in school, including naval science courses.
	Military Apititude	Awarded yearly to those outstanding cadets who demonstrate an exceptional military aptitude and dedication to the NJROTC program.
	Naval Science IV Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science IV based on citizsenship, academic performance, personal appearence and conduct.
	Naval Science III Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science III based on citizsenship, academic performance, personal appearence and conduct.
	Naval Science II Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science II based on citizsenship, academic performance, personal appearence and conduct.
	Naval Science I Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science I based on citizsenship, academic performance, personal appearence and conduct.
	Exemplary Conduct	Awarded yearly to each cadet who demonstrates exemplary conduct for the year.
	Academic Award	Awarded, when earned, to each cadet who has met any of the following academic award criteria: Awarded once annually upon completion of the minimum requirement, to any cadet who attains school honor roll status equal to 50 percent or more of the academic school year (need not be subsequential) The first award is the ribbon with a bronze lamp. Subsequent awards are as follows: 2nd Award – Silver Lamp 3rd Award -Gold lamp 4th Award – Gold Anchor Academic Team -Awarded once annually upon completion of the minimum requirement, to any cadet who is a member in good standing of the Academic team and has participated in three or more competitions. The first award is the ribbon with a gold torch. Subsequent awards are as follows: 2nd Award – Bronze Star 3rd Award – Silver Star 4th Award – Gold Star When both the honor roll and academic team awards havebeen earned, the torch and the lamp are positioned side-by-side on the ribbon, with the lamp on the wearers right. Subsequent award stars are worn outboard of the gold torch.
	Exemplary Personal Appearance	Awarded twice a year to each cadet who displays exemplary personal appearance and has worn his/her uniform on all occasions required.
	Physical Fitness	Awarded twice a year to any cadet who meets or exceeds the basic physical fitness requirements outlined in Chapter 3 on page 3-7 of the NJROTC Field Manual.
	Participation	Awarded, when earned, to any cadet who has participated in three activities other than routine unit activities.
	Unit Service	Awarded to any cadet who has demonstrated exemplary service and dedication to the unit as determined by the NSI.
	Community Service	Awarded, twice a year to any cadet in good standing who distinguishes him/herself by by dedicated and outstanding service to the community.
	Drill Team	Awarded twice a year to each member of a drill team in good standing, who has entered competition or performed at three or more official functions.
	Color Guard	Awarded twice a year to each member of a color guard in good standing who has entered competition or performed at three or more official functions.
	Pistol/Rifle Team	Awarded twice a year to any cadet in good standing who has entered any competition.
	Orienteering	Awarded twice a year, to any cadet in good standing who meets the orienteering standards listed on pages 1-45 and 1-46 of the NJROTC Field Manual, or who has entered any competition.
	Recruiting	Awarded, when earned, to a cadet who is instrumental in the enrollment of two students in the NJROTC program. Subsequent awards are given when two additional students are enrolled.
	Mini-BootCamp	Awarded to any cadet upon satisfactory completion of mini-bootcamp, Leadership Academy, or similar training as approved by the area manager.
	Sea Cruise	Awarded to any cadet upon completion of an at-sea cruise (vessel must be cast off lines and be underway).