Earned, Not Decor..!!!
Military Awards Basics is designed for readers who want to understand the fundamentals of military awards, decorations, medals, and ribbons. Whether you’re new to the topic or looking for a clear explanation of how military recognition works, this category provides easy-to-understand guides covering the essential concepts behind the U.S. military awards system.
Military awards serve an important role in recognizing service, achievement, valor, leadership, sacrifice, and dedication. However, understanding the differences between medals, ribbons, decorations, badges, and honors can be confusing. This category helps explain how military awards are earned, what they represent, why they matter, and how they fit into the broader military honors system.
You’ll find introductory guides covering military award terminology, award eligibility, award precedence, common types of decorations, branch-specific award systems, and the history and purpose of military recognition. These articles are intended to help veterans, military families, collectors, researchers, and anyone interested in military history develop a strong foundation before exploring more specialized topics.
Whether you’re researching a specific award, learning how the military honors service members, or simply seeking a better understanding of military decorations, this category serves as a starting point for exploring the meaning and significance of military awards and honors.
The U.S. Marine Corps and Navy Military Combat Aircrew Wings with Stars recognize enlisted and officer aircrew members who have demonstrated exceptional performance while participating in combat aviation operations. The addition of gold stars to the Combat Aircrew Wings signifies multiple combat deployments or additional qualifying combat missions, making this badge one of the most … Read more
(Airborne Wings) The Parachutist Badge, commonly known as Airborne Wings, is one of the most recognizable military qualification badges in the United States Armed Forces. It is awarded to service members who successfully complete military parachute training and demonstrate the skills required to conduct airborne operations safely and effectively. For many Soldiers, earning Airborne Wings … Read more
Military Aviation Wings are qualification insignia awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who complete specialized aviation training or serve in designated flight-related positions. These badges recognize pilots, aircrew members, flight surgeons, aerospace professionals, and other personnel whose duties directly support military aviation operations. Among the most recognizable military insignia, aviation wings symbolize extensive … Read more
The Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) is one of the most respected special skill badges awarded by the United States Army. It recognizes infantry Soldiers who demonstrate exceptional proficiency in infantry skills through a demanding series of physical and technical evaluations. Earning the EIB requires extensive preparation, discipline, and mastery of the core tasks expected of … Read more
Among combat veterans, few topics generate as much debate as whether the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) is “better” than the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB). Both awards signify direct engagement with enemy forces, yet they apply to different branches and service roles. This article breaks down the differences clearly, explains eligibility, and answers the real question: … Read more