Army Dress Blues Medal & Ribbon Placement | Medals of America (2024)

Army Dress Blues Medal & Ribbon Placement | Medals of America (1)

Earning a medal or ribbon for your service in the United States Army is a great honor. Part of that honor is getting the opportunity to wear those medals and ribbons on your Army dress blues when the situation calls for it.

However, just as is the case with any military uniform, there are specific regulations you must adhere to when you place your medals and ribbons on your dress blues. The standards for dress blues include everything you wear on them, not just medals and ribbons, so make sure you’re aware of all of the specific details of this important dress code.

To help you do that, we’ve created this easy guide to Army dress blues, Army dress blues medal placement, and Army dress blues ribbon placement. Make sure to reference this guide the next time you wear your dress blues to ensure you’ve met all of the various uniform regulations and can wear your ribbons and medals with pride.

Overview of Army Dress Blues

Your Army dress blues are the uniform you wear when attending an event that requires formal attire. They consist of a long-sleeved white shirt, a black-tie (in certain instances, a black bowtie is acceptable), an Army blue coat, and Army blue trousers.

A beret typically accompanies the Army dress blues, but it’s not a requirement to wear any headgear during evening social occasions.

On your Army blue coat, it’s a requirement to wear an identification badge, your regimental insignia, your branch insignia, hash marks, and overseas bars, if you have them. You may also wear any unit awards, combat and skill badges, full-sized medals, and ribbons that you’ve earned.

Army Dress Blues Medal & Ribbon Placement | Medals of America (2)Events that Warrant Army Dress Blues

As previously stated, the Army dress blues are worn explicitly during formal events. What constitutes a proper formal event varies based on whether you are on active duty or a veteran. We’ve broken down exactly what that means in the sections below.

Active Duty

If you’re currently enlisted in the United States Army, you have a more comprehensive range of events considered formal enough for Army dress blues than veterans do.

You should be wearing dress blues during national holidays, funerals and weddings, parades, and certain military ceremonial events.

There are slight variations in the regulations regarding your dress blues, depending on the nature of the formal event. For instance, a black bow tie is worn only after the retreat, while a four-in-hand tie is worn on all other occasions.

Veterans

Veterans may still wear their Army dress blues under a more limited number of circ*mstances. The only times you should wear them are at special formal events centered around the military or at family events such as military funerals or military weddings. Veterans can also be buried in their Army dress blues.

Army Dress Blues Medal Placement

Army Dress Blues Medal & Ribbon Placement | Medals of America (3)

Wearing your medals on your Army dress blues requires placing them using specific measurements. Those Army dress blues medal placement measurements are listed below. Make sure to note them or even memorize them, so you don’t have any issues with the dress code.

Combat and Skill Badges

Your combat and skill badges can be worn either 1/4″ above any ribbons or below the top of the pocket. Badges should be placed 1/2″ apart from one another.

Marksmanship Badges

Marksmanship badges should be placed 1/4″ below the bottom row of ribbons and spaced 1″ apart from one another in the case that there is more than one. Any special skills badges should be placed to the right of marksmanship badges.

Unit Awards

Any awards earned by your unit may be worn centered 1/8″ above the right breast pocket of your Army dress blues jacket.

Hash marks

Hash marks denoting the length of your service appear on the outside of the left sleeve of your Army dress blues jacket. Hash marks should be at a 45-degree angle with the lower end toward the inside seam of the sleeve. They must be centered and placed 4″ above the bottom of the sleeve.

Overseas Service Bar

The Overseas Service Bar is on the right sleeve of the Army dress blues jacket. It needs to be on the outside of the sleeve 4″ above and parallel to its bottom. All Overseas Service Bars are worn parallel to one another and set 1/16″ apart.

Army Dress Blues Ribbon Placement

Army Dress Blues Medal & Ribbon Placement | Medals of America (4)

Just like with your medals, there are specific measurements you must adhere to during Army dress blues ribbon placement. Those measurements are listed below for both male and female uniforms, as there are slight variations.

Male Uniform Ribbon Placement

Army Dress Blues Medal & Ribbon Placement | Medals of America (5)

All ribbons should be worn on the left side of the Army dress blues jacket. They should be worn centered and 1/8″ above the left jacket pocket.

Female Uniform Ribbon Placement

Army Dress Blues Medal & Ribbon Placement | Medals of America (6)

All ribbons should be worn on the left side of the Army dress blues jacket, centered, and with the bottom row of ribbons parallel to the bottom of the

nameplate. Ribbon placement can be adjusted for female personnel according to their body shape.

Other Army Dress Blues Details

There are other essential details regarding the placement of badges on your Army dress blues. These details include multiple badges and insignia with

specific measurements that you will need to know. Those measurements are listed below.

Identification Badges

Place identification badges on the right side of the Army dress blues jacket. They should be centered between the bottom of the right pocket and the bottom of the pocket’s flap.

DUI Crest

The DUI crest should be placed on the left shoulder, centered between the button and rank insignia.

Regimental Insignia

The regimental insignia should be worn on the right side of the Army dress blues jacket. It should be worn 1/8″ above the right pocket or 1/4″ above the unit awards.

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Army Dress Blues Medal & Ribbon Placement | Medals of America (2024)

FAQs

Army Dress Blues Medal & Ribbon Placement | Medals of America? ›

Full size medals may be worn on blue or white uniform Combat and skill badges are worn 1/4" above ribbons or below top of pocket 1/2" apart. Ribbons are centered 1/8" over the left breast pocket, normally three to a row; with no space or 1/8" between rows.

Where do you put medals on Army dress blues? ›

Full size medals may be worn on blue or white uniform Combat and skill badges are worn 1/4" above ribbons or below top of pocket 1/2" apart. Ribbons are centered 1/8" over the left breast pocket, normally three to a row; with no space or 1/8" between rows.

Where do you put the ribbon on dress blues? ›

Wear ribbons with the lower edge of the bottom row centered 1/4 inch above the left breast pocket and parallel to the deck. To prevent coat lapels from covering ribbons, ribbons may be aligned so the border to wearer's left is aligned with left side of pocket.

Where do medals and ribbons go on Army uniform? ›

Male personnel wear the ribbons centered 1/8 inch above the left pocket. Female personnel wear the ribbons centered on the left side, with the bottom row positioned parallel to the bottom edge of the nameplate. Females may adjust ribbon placement to conform to individual body-shape differences.

How do you wear dress blues with medals? ›

Large medals are worn on the service coat or jumper of Full Dress Blues and Full Dress White. When wearing more than one medal, suspend them from a holding bar that supports the medal's weight. Place the holding bar of the lowest row of medals in the same position as the lowest ribbon bar.

Can you wear ribbons and medals at the same time? ›

The use of large medals and badges is reserved for daytime attire, but ensure not to wear large medals and ribbons at the same time. The exception is the wear of unit ribbons on the right side on the Army uniform. When wearing civilian attire, ensure you comply with the same rules as if you were in uniform.

Where do you put medals on a dress uniform? ›

The miniature badges of orders, decorations and medals should be worn suspended from a medal bar attached the left side of the dress. If there is only one such award, it may be worn on a bow. As many as four stars of order may be worn on the left side of the dress.

How do you wear ribbons and medals? ›

The top of the ribbon with a medal attached should be pinned 3mm above the top of the pocket. Unit citations are worn above the medal ribbons. Where a person holds more than one award, the most senior award is placed towards the right side of the chest and the main insignia are worn in order of precedence.

Where are the ribbons placed? ›

Ribbons are worn in order of precedence from the wearer's right to left, in one or more rows, with either no space between rows or 1/8-inch space between rows. No more than four ribbons are worn in any one row. Soldiers will not start a second row unless they are authorized to wear four or more ribbons.

What side does the ribbon bar go on? ›

Service medals and ribbons are generally worn in rows on the left side of the chest. In certain commemorative or memorial circ*mstances, a relative may wear the medals or ribbons of a dead relative on the right side of the chest.

Do Army ribbons go left to right? ›

Ribbons: Ribbons are worn centered on the left side with the bottom row positioned parallel with the bottom edge of the nameplate and worn in order of precedence with highest award closest to heart. Subsequent rows will be flush or no more then 1/8 inch from each other and centered.

How do you display US Army medals? ›

Army Ribbon/Medal Order of Display. Wear of United States military medals or ribbons on recreational clothing such as baseball caps and T-shirts is prohibited. US military medals and ribbons are properly worn on chests, lapels and collars of conventional civilian dress.

How do you wear military medals and ribbons? ›

If you are in possession of a Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, Military Medal, Distinguished Flying Medal, British Empire Medal or other gallantry award, they should be worn to the right of other stars or medals, which will be worn from right to left.

Is the Army getting rid of dress blues? ›

The current Army Blues Uniform will return to being a formal dress uniform, while the Army Greens will become the everyday business-wear uniform for all Soldiers. The Army Combat Uniform -- also known as the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) -- will remain the Army's duty/field uniform.

Do you wear medals with morning suit? ›

With overcoats, only those full size Orders, Decorations and Medals normally mounted on a medal bar or pocket inserts may be worn, on the left side. Full size orders, decorations and medals normally mounted on a medal bar or pocket insert should be worn with morning dress, when required.

How do you wear medals on an army uniform? ›

The medals are placed so the bottom line is positioned parallel to the top edge of the top button of the Army white and blue uniform coats, and in a similar position on the new version of the white mess uniforms, and the blue mess and evening mess uniforms (see fig 29-8 below).

Can I wear my military medals at a wedding? ›

With that being said, it is common for them to wear military boots underneath their wedding outfit. All of the other service members present at the wedding are welcome to show up in their military uniforms also, wearing all the medals and ribbons they were presented with during their service and military career.

Can you wear Army medals on civilian clothes? ›

It is permissible for veterans and retirees to wear military awards on civilian clothes for gatherings of a military theme. On significant holidays, veterans and retirees are encouraged to wear their awards and medals. The choice of either full-size medal or miniature is an individual one.

Can a veteran wear dress blues? ›

Uniform Rules for Veterans and Retirees

Only the Service Dress Uniform may be worn; no work, battle dress or PT uniforms are permitted to be worn at formal events. For non-formal events, veterans are allowed to wear other working uniforms as deemed appropriate for the occasion.

What side do you wear Army medals? ›

Did you know there are rules about wearing your family war medals? The rule is that war medals should only be worn on the left breast by the person upon whom they were conferred.

Do medals go on dress blue deltas? ›

The actual medals, of course, are only worn on the most formal, ceremonious dress (or mess dress) uniforms. For less-formal wear, only a piece of the ribbon is worn.

Is there an order to wear medals? ›

The Order of Precedence is typically: 'British awards by date', so first come Orders, next Decorations, then followed by medals. The eldest medal nearest the centre of the chest. The obverse (front) of the medal should be showing, this is usually the head of the sovereign or coat of arms.

Why are medals worn on the left? ›

Military medals are by tradition worn on the left chest in all countries. This dates back to the tradition of fighting when the weapon was held in the right hand and a shield was held on the left. Some experts also say that the medals are worn on the left because it is closer to the heart.

How are ribbons positioned on the uniform? ›

Q: How are ribbons positioned on the class A uniform? A: Ribbons are centered on the left side 1/8 of an inch above the left pocket for males. For females, parallel to the nametag which is between 1 and 2 inches above the top button.

Where do you wear medal ribbons? ›

Wearing Military Medals:

When wearing your own medals, they should be mounted in the correct order of wear (see below) and attached to your garment on your left breast. If you are wearing medals awarded to a next of kin, these would be worn on the right breast.

What ribbon is first place? ›

Gold Blue

What goes on the right side of Army uniform? ›

ALL SOLDIERS OSBS The overseas service bar is worn centered on the outside bottom half of the right sleeve of the Army Service Uniform coat.

Which bar is located above the ribbon? ›

The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) is a customizable toolbar containing a set of commands that are independent of the tab that is currently displayed. It can be located in one of two places: Upper-left corner above the ribbon (default location)

Which bar is located below the ribbon? ›

Introduction. By default, the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) is located in the title bar of the application window but can be configured to display below the ribbon.

What goes on left side of Army uniform? ›

Military unit patches are worn on the left shoulder, the insignia on the patch represents the brigade or division the service member is currently assigned to. U.S. Army patches are unique in that all Army soldiers are required to wear U.S. Army unit patches as part of their uniform.

Do Army ribbons have to be in an order? ›

Army Ribbons may be worn on the Army green, blue and white uniform coats. The ribbons are worn in one or more rows in order of precedence with either no space or 1/8 inch between rows, no more than four ribbons to a row. The top row is centered or aligned to left edge of the row underneath, whichever looks the best.

What are the four ribbons which can be worn incorrectly? ›

Note: There are four of the NJROTC ribbons that can be worn incorrectly (upside down) with the colors reversed in order from the wearer's right to left. These are: number 3 (Distinguished Cadet), number 14 (Physical Fitness), number 16 (Unit Service) and number 19 (Color Guard).

What order are military medals displayed? ›

Army Military Medals And Ribbon Chart in Order of Precedence
Silver StarDefense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit
Soldier's MedalNavy and Marine Corps MedalAirman's Medal
Bronze Star MedalPurple Heart MedalDefense Meritorious Service Medal
Air MedalAerial Achievement MedalJoint Service Commendation Medal
120 more rows

What is the blue ribbon on the Army uniform? ›

The infantry blue cord is presented to all infantry-qualified soldiers in the U.S. Army at the end of their Advanced Individual Training. Commissioned officers earn their blue cord after graduating from the U.S. Army Infantry School's Infantry Officer Basic Course (IBOLC).

How do you display military medals in a frame? ›

The medals are displayed in the frame by using two hooks that are fixed into the backing, so you just unhook them to get them out and hook them back over to put them back in the frame. The only limitation with this design is you can only include the medals, photos and a plaque.

Can I wear my Army dress blues after I retire? ›

Retired personnel, who are not on active duty, living or visiting a foreign country, may only wear a uniform to attend ceremonies or social functions when wearing a uniform is required by the terms of the invitations of customs of the country.

Do you keep your dress blues after discharge? ›

(d) A person who is discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may wear his uniform while going from the place of discharge to his home, within three months after his discharge.

Why did the US Army stop wearing blue? ›

The blue uniforms were dropped in 1917 prompted by the exigencies of World War I. In 1926, the previous stand collar service coat was replaced with an open-collared coat worn with a collared shirt and necktie, and in 1937 breeches were replaced with straight-legged trousers.

Are military medals worn at funerals? ›

A rule of thumb: medals and ribbons are worn over the heart. Service medals are worn at appropriate ceremonial functions such as parades, presentations, general meetings and funerals. All service medals must be worn over the left breast, in order of precedence from the centre of the body outwards.

What is the protocol for wearing medals? ›

Your medals should be worn over the left lapel or the left breast pocket of a formal jacket or coat. Medals are mounted on a metal holding bar or bar brooch, and that bar is attached to the lapel. The center of the holding bar should be parallel to the ground.

What does a rosette on a medal mean? ›

A rosette /roʊˈzɛt/ is a small, circular device that is typically presented with a medal. The rosettes are either worn on the medal to denote a higher rank, or for situations where wearing the medal is deemed inappropriate, such as on a suit. Rosettes are issued in nations such as Belgium, France, Italy and Japan.

How do you display military medals on uniform? ›

According to the general protocol for displaying medals, the highest honors should be placed to the top left in order of precedence. It's also advised to assemble medals of the same category together. For example, all the stars, with the highest-ranking to the top left, and then patches, pins, and ribbons.

How do you wear medals on an Army uniform? ›

The medals are placed so the bottom line is positioned parallel to the top edge of the top button of the Army white and blue uniform coats, and in a similar position on the new version of the white mess uniforms, and the blue mess and evening mess uniforms (see fig 29-8 below).

Which side do medals go on dress blue alphas? ›

Blue dress “A” — full size medals worn on the left breast, ribbons authorized for wear on the USMC uniform for which no medal exists worn on the right breast, e.g., “Sea Service Deployment Ribbon,” “Meritorious Unit Citation,” etc. Shooting badges not authorized. Blue dress “B” — all ribbons authorized for wear.

In what order do you wear military medals? ›

If you are in possession of a Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, Military Medal, Distinguished Flying Medal, British Empire Medal or other gallantry award, they should be worn to the right of other stars or medals, which will be worn from right to left.

In what order do you wear ribbons? ›

(a) General. Ribbons are worn in order of precedence from the wearer's right to left, in one or more rows, with either no space between rows or 1/8-inch space between rows. No more than four ribbons are worn in any one row. Soldiers will not start a second row unless they are authorized to wear four or more ribbons.

When wearing ribbons on your uniform what is the order of precedence? ›

The medal representing the highest award will be positioned to the wearer's right with subsequent medals in order of precedence from right to left. 2. A single medal will be worn with the top edge of the ribbon one-fourth inch below and centered under the unit designator.

Why do people wear medals on the right side? ›

Technically this honour remains with the individual and does not pass to a widow, parent or relative upon death. However, if you wish to wear your family medals you should wear them on the right breast to indicate they were not conferred upon you.

Which side do you wear the national medal? ›

The National Emergency Medal shall be worn on the left breast on all occasions when full-size orders, decorations and medals are worn.

What side do war veterans wear their medals? ›

Both female and male veterans wear their medals over their chest on the left-hand side of their uniform. Widows, widowers, and other relations of veterans may wear their relative's medals on the right. A veteran with medals on both sides may wear their own medals on the left and those of a relative on the right.

Do you wear medals at a military funeral? ›

Military funerals, for example, often see servicemen and women wear bright medals and uniforms as a mark of respect to honour the loved one's service. It's likewise completely acceptable to request guests wear outfits or items of clothing outside of the norm in order to remember the deceased.

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