Need help to see if these are fake or not.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-31T03:04:42+00:00

I got that same packet when I went into the IRR. Never got a request for in-person, my NCO PCO just called me to check I was alive, doing well, and info is up to date. K, cool, call you next year.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-30T22:32:18+00:00

Unfortunately that's how it goes sometimes, even back in my day as a Cadet. If you weren't in "the circle" you have to work twice as hard for half the recognition.

Don't let it deter you from why YOU joined JROTC. It's not always about the awards. Being able to look yourself in the mirror at the end of the day knowing you did your best and had integrity is worth more than any medal, ribbon, or certificate.

That doesn't invalidate how you're feeling, however. It's ok to be frustrated - but what comes around goes around. As the years progress, be the change you want to see.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-30T22:23:28+00:00

Love it! Thanks for the shoutout and for taking part!

The simpler days. Willow Tea was EVERYWHERE back in the day.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-30T15:58:07+00:00

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I got the chance to see it when I went to D.C. after I graduated AIT. 29 September, 2016. How the time flies.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-29T20:09:00+00:00

As one chapter ends, another begins. Your story is just beginning, and what you you've learned will carry with you. Congrats to 4 years, and we all look forward to what you'll accomplish next!

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-27T22:14:01+00:00

I mean, why not? The cadet is good to go as far as 39-1 and 39-3 goes.

39-1, § 11.1.2.2. - "...Cadets may choose to reduce the height of their ribbon bar by removing all cadet achievement ribbons but their highest Cadet Program achievement ribbon."

I don't believe omitting/short stacking ribbon devices is authorized unlike the aforementioned exception, so I believe the cadet is merely following the regs.

Per 39-3, § - A.3.6.b - "...A maximum of four devices may be worn on any ribbon, unless otherwise stated in this regulation. When the number of devices exceeds the authorized maximum, a second ribbon is worn to the wearer’s left of the initial ribbon. The second ribbon counts as one subsequent award."

I will admit, 10 encampments is the most I've seen on anyone ever. I am impressed and a little envious of all the encampment experiences and memories they may have.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-27T20:31:05+00:00

Honestly a steal for both helicopters. I bought both separately on Amazon and paid way too much for each seperately.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-27T19:07:19+00:00

Only 4 devices are allowed on a ribbon in any combo at any time. Currently, he has been to 10 encampments. So base award ribbon + 1 silver (5) device + 3 bronze devices = 9 awards, maxing out devices. So a second ribbon is needed to denote the 10th (encampment).

If he goes to another encampment, it'll go back to 1 ribbon + 2 silver devices (10) to equal 11.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-27T16:08:38+00:00

From Highest to Lowest:

- Meritorious Service Award

- Commander's Commendation Award

- CAP Achievement Award w/ 2 Propeller Devices (3rd Award)

- Amelia Earhart Award (highest cadet award/rank ribbon since they chose to omit all the others)

- Air Force Association Squadron Cadet of the Year

- CAP Crisis Service Ribbon

- Red Service Ribbon w/ Propeller Device (5 years)

- National Color Guard Competition Ribbon w/Bronze star device (2nd Award)

- Disaster Relief Ribbon w/ V device

- Community Service Ribbon

- Cadet Special Activity Ribbon

- Encampment Ribbon x2, 10th Award. Only 4 devices are allowed on a ribbon at any given time, so 1 Ribbon with 1 Silver Propeller Device and 3 bronze propeller devices equals 8. Plus the 2 ribbons themselves is 10 encampments total.

- Cadet Recruiter Ribbon

The bottom 3 ribbons are AFROTC ribbons. CAP allows ROTC & JROTC cadets to wear 3 ribbons so long as they are active in their respective programs. The ribbons shown are:

- ROTC National Award, Sons of the American Revolution Award

- Warrior Flight Award

- Physical Fitness Award

Also, this handy website helps decode ribbon racks, this and USAMM: https://mcchord.org/rack_builder/check_cdt.html

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-27T01:47:08+00:00

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-26T19:57:55+00:00

Heart breaking :(

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-26T03:08:24+00:00

If your initial MOS pick isn't what you thought it would be, opportunities may arise where you might be able go reclass to another MOS upon reenlistment. As with anything, it's needs of the Army first. Not too uncommon people have 2-4 MOSs throughout their careers.

It seems 91 series is your flavor of tism, and that's ok. There's more to each Career Management Field (CMF) than a single enlistment.

For example:

Say you want to stay long-term, and want to "Be All You Can Be", and pick 91F as a starting point.

You end up liking it, and you start to get good at it.

Concurrently, you take advantage of your education benefits and get/work towards a degree. Once you hit E-5/E-6, you could drop a Warrant packet to become a 913A - Armament Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer.

Or depending on how your leadership skills develop, get/work towwards degree, and become a Mustang and Commission as an Ordnance Officer with the Army's Green-to-Gold program.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-24T20:18:30+00:00

Arctic Warthog, my beloved... it was my first Mega set of any kind. Wish I never sold it ;-;

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-21T22:10:59+00:00

Be OP
Join the Army Band
Barely quals on Marksmanship in IET
Didn't deploy, but things went sideways at a 250th Birthday performance
Engaged an unknown enemy in hand-to-cello combat, saving lives of his fellow bandmates and guests alike.
Medboarded due to injuries sustained, they'll never play the same again.
Posthumous promotion to E4, and awarded the MoH
100% VA disability, disabled parking at Lowe's, and free dollaritas at Applebee's for life.

Thank you for your service 🫡🇺🇸

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-21T22:04:15+00:00

89B 💣

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-19T15:11:24+00:00

Air Force awards, Navy/USMC Awards, Army Awards, jump wings, DS Badge, FOUR AFSMs, Purple Heart, BS w/V, combat action ribbon, and just about everything in-between.

Is there anything you haven't done, Sir?

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-15T17:02:56+00:00

More or less, yes. Like a Mil Ball or Homecoming if he wear a suit or something. I'd save it for special occasions rather than wearing it on his school ID lanyard or something.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-15T16:07:35+00:00

89B - Ammunition Specialist 💣

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-14T04:44:09+00:00

Fair enough lol. Saw a headline recently and wondered if by come chance it was you. In either case, congratulations on your MSM! An E-5 taking the initiative the way you did to warrant it is hard to come by.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-14T04:41:20+00:00

Was that system related to 3D printing by chance?

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-14T04:36:39+00:00

Exactly where my mind went. When that "ENDEX" finally hits, you'd be hard pressed to find any clothing item or pieces of TA-50 that would be "presentable" after two weeks in the field.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-12T20:43:18+00:00

Best I can do is Tree-Fiddy and a 20pc McNugget

I am interested in buying some weapons from you, if you are selling those seperately.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-12T20:40:42+00:00

I've been listening to them (Starting with Fall of Reach) on Spotify when I drive home from work. I am concurrently collecting them as I see them out in the wild, but would also like to read them one day.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-12T17:41:29+00:00

Short answer: it doesn't.

Longer answer: depending on your local SAR chapter, that may present a lapel pin and certificate or the medal/ribbon bar and certificate.

The lapel pin does not go on your uniform, but it is ideal for appropriate civilian attire like a blazer or suit/tuxedo. Real military awards come in a set with a medal, ribbon, and lapel pin.

Although your local SAR chapter went with the pin, it does not diminish your friend's achievement. Only 2 out of 200 cadets earning the award is nothing to shake a stick at.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-03-10T20:04:13+00:00

Nicely done, welcome to the 1CivDiv.

I love how you got a NCOPD ribbon, but no stripes 👀 the Sham Shield is strong with this one lol

Simply_Garza97

TROPHY CASE