Marksmanship Ribbon
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A Marksmanship Ribbon is an award of the United States Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard which is issued to service members who pass a weapons qualification course and achieve an above average score.
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Navy
The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the 9 millimeter handgun, while the rifle ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the M-16 automatic rifle.
The Navy issues the marksmanship ribbon in three levels: that of Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Expert. The basic ribbon is awarded for the Marksman level while the specific Marksmanship Device is awarded for qualification as a Sharpshooter or Expert. Those receiving an Expert qualification receive the Marksmanship Medal, in addition to the Marksmanship Ribbon.
Prior to 1959, the Navy also issued a ribbon known as the Distinguished Marksmanship Ribbon. This award was discontinued in 1960 and had been declared obsolete by 1965.
Air Force
The United States Air Force awards a single ribbon, known as the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, for an expert qualification on either the M-16 automatic rifle or a designated handgun weapon. The ribbon is issued in one degree only; however, a bronze service star may be worn on the decoration for those who have qualified expert on both the handgun and automatic rifle.
Coast Guard
The Coast Guard Marksmanship Ribbon are issued under the same criteria as the U.S. Navy. The Coast Guard issues two ribbons, known as the Coast Guard Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and the Coast Guard Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon. The Marksmanship Device is awarded for qualification at the higher levels of sharpshooter and expert. Like the Navy, for those who receive an expert qualification, the Marksmanship Medal is awarded instead of the Marksmanship Ribbon.
Additional Information
The U.S. Army and United States Marines provide Weapons Qualification Badges instead of a Marksmanship Ribbon. For the services which do award the Marksmanship Ribbon, requalification is not necessary once a service member has obtained the decoration and the Marksmanship Ribbon be worn throughout an individual's entire career. In the Navy and Coast Guard, the Marksmanship Ribbon may be upgraded to include the Marksmanship Device if a higher qualification is achieved after the initial award of the ribbon.