STATE GUARD DECORATION POLICY

1.GENERAL AWARD REGULATIONS

• (a)Awards are designed to recognize state guardsmen for exemplary performance, bravery, leadership, operational excellence, and long-term commitment.
  • (i)Eligibility and criteria for each award are specified below.
  • (ii)Awards are issued upon recommendation and validation through the state guardsman's chain of command or by specific authority.
  • (iii)Any award may also be issued directly by the Governor at their discretion.

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1.INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

• (a)SILVER STAR
  • (i)For acts of utmost gallantry and life-risking bravery beyond the call of duty. The highest honor within the State Guard for valor, excluding administrative achievements.
  • (ii)ISSUED BY: Ridgeway Military Department Headquarters or State Guard Command
• (b)BRONZE STAR
  • (i)For valor or significant administrative dedication within the State Guard. Similar to the Silver Star, this award recognizes both bravery in action and outstanding service contributions.
  • (ii)ISSUED BY: Ridgeway Military Department Headquarters or State Guard Command
• (c)CAPTAIN'S COMMENDATION
  • (i)Awarded for meritorious service or excellence in performance, at the discretion of the State Guard Captain. This commendation acknowledges a wide range of achievements, from operational success to significant service dedication.
  • (ii)ISSUED BY: State Guard Captain
• (d)PURPLE HEART
  • (i)For neutralizing three or more enemies in a single engagement, recognizing combat bravery and effectiveness. This award honors those who demonstrate courage under fire and operational effectiveness.
  • (ii)ISSUED BY: Platoon SNCO or above
• (e)DEPLOYMENT MEDAL
  • (i)Awarded for participation in a State Guard deployment operation, this medal acknowledges the commitment and service of state guardsmen in response to operational needs and missions.
  • (ii)ISSUED BY: Ridgeway Military Department Headquarters or State Guard Command
• (f)VALEDICTORIAN
  • (i)For achieving a perfect score in State Guard Basic Military Training, honoring the top performer for their exemplary academic and physical achievements throughout the training.
  • (ii)ISSUED BY: State Guard Training & Certification Unit, Unit Coordinator, and Ridgeway Military Department Headquarters or State Guard Command
• (g)BASIC SERVICE
  • (i)Awarded to all state guardsmen who have successfully completed the State Guard Basic Military Training, recognizing their foundational commitment and service to the State Guard.
  • (ii)ISSUED BY: Ridgeway Military Department Headquarters or State Guard Command

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1.CARRY-OVER AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

• (a)The following awards and recognitions carry over from the Ridgeway National Guard to the State Guard and its guardsmen, acknowledging their continuous service and achievements:
  • (i)Medal of Valor
  • (ii)Firestone/any campaign medal
  • (iii)Service Stripes: Issued for every 6 months of service within the Ridgeway National Guard or its detachments.
  • (iv)Deployment Stripes: Issued for service in a deployment as part of a war effort.
  • (v)Weapons Qualification Badges: Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert; issued upon completion of qualification exercises.

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1.MISCELLANEOUS AWARDS

• (a)Ridgeway Public Service Medal
  • (i)Issued outside of the State Guard by the Governor or Senate by an act of Congress; may be worn by state guardsmen who possess this award.