Ribbons

Four ribbons can be worn upside down or with the colors reversed they are the Distinguished Cadet, Physical Fitness, Unit Service and Color Guard. The rule of thumb is blue inboard.

	Meritorious Achievement	Awarded when earned to a cadet who distinguishes themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or performance of a meritorious act. Excludes such things as length in the unit or superior performance in a leadership position. Awarded case by case by the area manager.
	Distinguished Unit	Awarded yearly to cadets who were unit members during the academic year in which the school earned Distinguished Unit status. Awarded to only 30 percent of the total number of NJROTC units 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 (include 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 in school, including naval science courses
	Cadet Achievement	Awarded when earned to any cadet who distinguishes themselves by outstanding achievement or sustained superior performance. The cadet must exhibit exceptional military aptitude and dedication to the program as well as overall excellence in all facets of NJROTC. Awarded on a case by case basis by the area manager.
	Military Aptitude	Awarded yearly to those outstanding cadets who demonstrate an exceptional military aptitude and dedication to the NJROTC program.
	Navel Science 4 Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Navel Science 4 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance and conduct.
	Navel Science 3 Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in NS-3. Same criteria as above.
	Navel Science 2 Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in NS-2. Same criteria as above.
	Navel Science 1 Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in NS-1. Same criteria as above.
	Exemplary Conduct	Awarded yearly to each cadet who demonstrates exemplary conduct throughout the school year.
	Academic Award	Awarded, when earned, to each cadet who has met any of the following academic award criteria: A. 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 sequential) 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 B. 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 C. When both the honor roll and academic team awards have been 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 uniform an all occasions required.
	Personal Fitness	Awarded twice a year to any cadet who meets or exceeds the basic physical requirements.
	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 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-Boot Camp	Awarded to any cadet upon satisfactory completion of mini-boot camp, 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).