Federal Ribbon Awards – Air Force Individual Ribbon Awards

Establishing Authority

The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon was established on January 1, 1963, by Secretary of the Air Force Eugene M. Zuckert.

Effective Dates

The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon has been in effect since January 1, 1963.

Criteria

This ribbon is awarded to Air Force personnel who qualify as “expert” with either the M16 rifle or issue handgun on the Air Force qualification course.

Order of Precedence

The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon is worn after the Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon and before the Air Force Training Ribbon.

Restrictions

The Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon may not be worn on the Navy uniform.

Devices

The bronze service star is added to the ribbon for those personnel who, after June 22, 1972, meet award criteria with both the M16 rifle and the issue handgun.