Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon - Eligibility Clarification

  • Published
Applicable To: Military

The Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Professional Military Education (PME) Graduate Ribbon (NCOPMER) was established on 28 August 1962 and awarded to in-residence graduates of a certified NCO PME school. Prior to 31 July 2014, only in-residence PME completion qualified for award of the NCOPMER, however after 31 July 2014, "in-residence" and "distance learning" (DL) courses qualify for award of the ribbon.

To provide clarification pertaining to the eligibility criteria contained in AFI 36-2301, Developmental Education and AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, AFI 36-2301 lists the courses that qualify for award of the NCOPMER; however, AFI 36-2803 is currently being re-written to update the changes to the NCOPMER policy.

Accordingly, a key factor for award of the NCOPMER is that each phase of PME only qualifies for one award regardless of how an Airman completed a particular phase of PME (DL or in-residence). In no circumstances should an individual be awarded more than one award for completion of a single phase of PME.

Example:
MSgt Smith completes Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (SNCOA) by correspondence and then is selected/completes the in-residence SNCOA course. MSgt Smith is only awarded one (1) NCOPMER for this phase.

Point of Contact

Airmen should address questions to their servicing Force Support Squadron (FSS) Military Personnel Section. FSS staff should contact their major command (MAJCOM) counterparts to resolve or address questions/comments or obtain additional information.