Awards
Every cadet knows about the Curry, Mitchell, Spaatz, and the other awards they naturally earn as they climb the ranks. But for cadets and senior members who achieve above and beyond basic expectations, special awards are available. This regulation describes the medals, ribbons and certificates that may be awarded to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members: CAPR 39-3 (Awards of CAP Medals, Ribbons and Certificates)
The following are just a few of available CAP awards.
Achievement Award
The Civil Air Patrol's Achievement Award is presented to members that demonstrate outstanding service to the unit (or higher echelon). Specifically, displaying performance beyond normal expectations of service.
All members, including cadets, are eligible to receive the Achievement Award.
Nominations for the award may be submitted through eServices.
The Achievement Award ribbon may be worn on the Cadet Service (Class B "Blues"), Service Dress (Class A "Blues") and Semiformal uniforms.
Cadet Advisory Council Ribbon
The Cadet Advisory Council Ribbon is awarded to the primary members of an advisory council.
Cadet recipients must have served as a Primary Representative, Assistant Representative, or CAC Officer (Chair, Vice Chair, or Recorder). Cadets must have successfully completed their term on CAC (typically 1 year).
The squadron should consult with the CAC echelon commander or CAC Advisor to ensure the cadet's participation was satisfactory. The squadron may present the CAC Ribbon immediately upon the completion of the term.
The Cadet Advisory Council Ribbon may be worn on the Cadet Service (Class B "Blues"), Service Dress (Class A "Blues") and Semiformal uniforms. A different-colored star will be affixed to the ribbon depending upon the cadet's level of service on CAC (i.e., echelon). Primary representatives may also wear a colored shoulder cord during their service on CAC. Consult CAP Regulation 60-1, Section 7, for guidance.
Commander's Commendation
The Civil Air Patrol Commander's Commendation is presented to members for outstanding duty performance where achievements and services are clearly and unmistakably exceptional when compared to similar achievements and service of members of like rank and responsibility. The regulation states that the Commander's Commendation Award should be presented only to those members whose efforts were clearly integral to the success of the program.
All members, including cadets, are eligible to receive a Commander's Commendation.
Nominations for the award may be submitted through eServices.
The Commander's Commendation Award ribbon may be worn on the Cadet Service (Class B "Blues"), Service Dress (Class A "Blues") and Semiformal uniforms.
Community Service Ribbon
The Community Service Ribbon is awarded to senior members and cadets who complete 60 hours of community service. The community service is done outside of Civil Air Patrol, and is verified by someone other than the member. Civil Air Patrol headquarters has authorized the wear of a bronze device for every additional 60 hours of community service.
All members are eligible to receive the Community Service Ribbon.
The unit commander will verify the service hours and approve the ribbon awarded to the individual. Members shall present a compiled list of hours—totaling to a minimum of 60 hours—to the unit commander for review. It is recommended but not required that a letter be provided from each listed service agency verifying the service performed by the member.
The Community Service Ribbon may be worn on the Cadet Service (Class B "Blues"), Service Dress (Class A "Blues") and Semiformal uniforms.
Meritorious Service Award
The Meritorious Service Award is awarded for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of CAP. Simply performing one's normal duties very well will not automatically qualify a member for this award. This award is meant specifically for achievements and services which are clearly outstanding and unmistakably exceptional. The Meritorious Service Award should be presented only to those members whose efforts were clearly integral to the success of the program.
All members are eligible to receive a Meritorious Service Award.
Nominations for the award may be submitted through eServices.
The Meritorious Service Award ribbon may be worn on the Cadet Service (Class B "Blues"), Service Dress (Class A "Blues") and Semiformal uniforms.
Recruiter Ribbon
The Recruiter Ribbon is presented for recruiting new members into Civil Air Patrol.
There are two categories of this ribbon: the Cadet Recruiter Ribbon and Senior Recruiter Ribbon.
All members are eligible to receive the respective Recruiter Ribbon for their membership category.
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Cadets may only wear the Cadet Recruiter Ribbon. Awarded to cadets who recruit at least two (2) new members. For each additional two members recruited, a bronze clasp may be worn on the ribbon. Once a cadet earns five bronze clasps, they may be replaced with a silver clasp. Bronze clasps are no longer worn after a silver clasp is received. For every ten new cadets recruited after this, an additional silver clasp may be worn on the ribbon.
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Senior members may only wear the Senior Recruiter Ribbon. Awarded to senior members who recruit at least seven (7) new members.
The Cadet Recruiter Ribbon may be worn on the Cadet Service (Class B "Blues"), Service Dress (Class A "Blues") and Semiformal uniforms.
