Ribbons
As Young Marines participate in the many activities and programs offered, he or she is given the opportunity to earn ribbons to indicate his or her accomplishments. In the last year Young Marines in the Lt Alexander Bonnyman Unit earned some of the following ribbons: fire prevention and protection, qualified field skills, CPR, basic and advanced first aid, academic achievement, musicians, sportsmanship and fundraising. Ribbons are given for activities performed both with the Young Marines and outside of the Young Marine program.
Examples of Ribbons and Requirements
Academic Achievement
Awarded to any Young Marine who maintains a 3.0 grade point average or equivalent for a period of one academic year.
Basic First Aid
The Young Marine must have successfully completed a course of instruction given in Basic Aid Training (BAT), Basic First Aid, or Standard First Aid prescribed by, but not limited to the following:
- The American Red Cross
- Local Hospital, Heath Center, or Community College training program.
- Local Police, Fire Department or Emergency Services, etc.
Community Service Award
Awarded to a Young Marine who performs a service that benefits their community, veteran’s organization, military unit, service organization, i.e. the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc., youth group, or school. Over a period of twelve consecutive months the Young Marine must accumulate not less than 50 community service hours and an official of the recipient organization(s) certify the community service hours. The hours may accumulate by service to one, or a combination of organizations. The Young Marine is responsible for obtaining and retaining, community service hour certifications until the required hours are accumulated. A certification may be a simple letter by an official of the recipient organization written on the organization’s letterhead paper. The original letters filed in the Young Marine’s YMRB after the hours are entered in the Young Marines Database System.
CPR
Awarded to a Young Marine who has a current CPR certification. The Young Marine must complete a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course prescribed by a qualified governing body, such as but not limited to the following:
- The American Red Cross
- The American Heart Association
- Local Hospital Training Program
- Local Police, Fire Department, or Emergency Medical Service, etc.
Drill Competition
Awarded to a Young Marine who competes in a drill competition against other units or organizations and the performance is judged by other officials. Must be a marching member of the competing drill team or color guard and must participate in the competition as a marching member of the competing drill team or color guard.
Fire Prevention
Awarded to a Young Marine who has completed, under the instruction of a qualified Fire Safety Instructor/Professional Firefighter, a Basic Fire Safety course. The Basic Fire Safety course must include, but is not limited to:
- Proper care and maintenance of home smoke detectors.
- Develop an E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills in the Home) diagram of their residence.
- Complete a basic fire extinguisher usage and application session.
Honor Recruit
Awarded to a Young Marine Recruit who is designated the outstanding member of their Recruit Training Class. The Young Marine Recruit, in addition to fulfilling all requirements for the Basic Ribbon, must demonstrate the following:
- Displayed exceptional leadership qualities.
- Attended all scheduled drills during the recruit-training period.
- Maintain 80-percent mastery of the Young Marine Common Tasks as outlined in the Young Marine Recruit Training SOP.
- Pass the Young Marines Physical Fitness Test.
Outstanding Salesman (Fundraising)
Awarded to a Young Marine who participates in a fundraising event and who achieves the unit’s individual fundraising goal. Also awarded in recognition of a similar act for other non-profit organizations that a Young Marine is a member, such as church or school groups.
Qualified Field
Awarded to a Young Marine who successfully performs and demonstrates skills in selected field craft. The Young Marine must be a Basic Young Marine (YM/PVT, YM/PFC or YM/LCPL), successfully perform and complete all of the Enabling Objectives, which includes selecting clothing and equipment, outdoor tools safety, assembly of survival kit, stove and lantern safety, construct a shelter and light a fire.
Sportsmanship
Awarded to a Young Marine who actively participates in any recognized and organized sport, individual or team and displays outstanding sportsmanship qualities. Requires written verification from coach or, In cases where the Young Marine is a relative of the coach(es), written verification must come from an assistant coach or other qualified individual who is not related to the Young Marine.
If you would like to see a full list of the ribbons that Young Marines may be awarded, please click here to visit the Young Marines National Headquarters website. Click on the ribbon to learn more about the qualifications necessary to earn a ribbon.