Recognition
Awards
All 27 NJROTC ribbons — what they are, how they're earned, and when they're awarded.
Ribbons are worn on the service uniform in order of precedence. Awards marked When Earned are awarded on a case-by-case basis. Awards marked Yearly are awarded at the end of each academic year.
01
Meritorious Achievement
When EarnedAwarded to any cadet who distinguishes themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or performance of a meritorious act. Awarded on a case-by-case basis by the Area Manager.
02
Distinguished Unit
YearlyAwarded yearly to cadets in good standing whose unit earned Distinguished Unit status — recognizing the highest levels of overall unit performance.
03
Distinguished Cadet
YearlyAwarded yearly to one cadet per year group with the highest combined average for scholastic standing and aptitude across academics, homework, PT, community service, and drill.
04
Honor Cadet
YearlyAwarded yearly to one cadet per year group with the highest overall academic GPA in school, including naval science courses.
05
Cadet Achievement
When EarnedAwarded to any cadet who distinguishes themselves by outstanding achievement or sustained superior performance. Requires exceptional military aptitude and dedication. Awarded by the Area Manager.
06
Unit Achievement
YearlyAwarded yearly to cadets in good standing whose unit earned Unit Achievement status — for exceptional performance that did not qualify for Distinguished Unit status.
07
Aptitude
YearlyAwarded yearly to outstanding cadets who demonstrate exceptional military aptitude and dedication to the NJROTC program.
08
NS IV Outstanding Cadet
YearlyAwarded yearly to outstanding Naval Science 4 cadets based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.
09
NS III Outstanding Cadet
YearlyAwarded yearly to outstanding Naval Science 3 cadets based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.
10
NS II Outstanding Cadet
YearlyAwarded yearly to outstanding Naval Science 2 cadets based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.
11
NS I Outstanding Cadet
YearlyAwarded yearly to outstanding Naval Science 1 cadets based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.
12
Exemplary Conduct
YearlyAwarded yearly to each cadet who demonstrates exemplary conduct throughout the school year.
13
Exemplary Personal Appearance
When EarnedAwarded to each cadet who displays exemplary personal appearance and has worn their uniform on all required occasions.
14
Physical Fitness
Twice a YearAwarded twice a year to any cadet who meets or exceeds the basic physical fitness exercise requirements outlined in the Cadet Reference Manual.
15
Participation
When EarnedAwarded to any cadet who has participated in three events other than routine unit activities.
16
Unit Service
When EarnedAwarded to any cadet who has demonstrated exemplary service and dedication to the unit, as determined by the SNSI.
17
Community Service
When EarnedAwarded to any cadet in good standing who distinguishes themselves by dedicated and outstanding service to the community.
18
Academic Team
When EarnedAwarded to any cadet who is a member in good standing of the academic team and has participated in three or more academic competitions.
19
Drill Team
When EarnedAwarded to each member of a drill team in good standing who has entered competition or performed at three or more official functions.
20
Color Guard
When EarnedAwarded to each member of a color guard in good standing who has entered competition or performed at three or more official functions.
21
S.T.E.M.
When EarnedAwarded to each cadet who competes in any S.T.E.M. related event including Drone, Sea Perch, Cyber, Robotics, or Rocketry. Not awarded for multi- or intra-service competitions.
22
Orienteering
When EarnedAwarded to any cadet in good standing who has entered any organized orienteering competition or who meets the orienteering qualification standards.
23
Inter-Service Competition
When EarnedAwarded to any cadet who has entered any inter-service national level competition such as CyberPatriot or JLAB. Cannot be awarded in lieu of another team-specific ribbon.
24
Recruiting
When EarnedAwarded to a cadet who is instrumental in enrolling two students in the NJROTC program. Subsequent awards for each additional two students enrolled.
25
Leadership Training
Upon CompletionAwarded upon satisfactory completion of Basic Leadership Training, Leadership Academy, or similar approved training as approved by the Area Manager.
26
Sea Cruise
Upon CompletionAwarded to any cadet upon completion of an at-sea cruise — vessel must cast off lines and be underway.
27
C.E.R.T.
Upon CompletionAwarded upon completion of any Community Emergency Response Training hosted by the Department of Homeland Security and local Fire Department.