Parent organizations identified for these awards will provide unit award elements (i.e. certificate, citation, and streamer). Subordinate units assigned directly to parent organizations can share in these awards provided they have been identified by the parent unit as being eligible. Subordinate units should contact the parent unit for verification.
Note: Units are not obligated to provide each individual a copy of the special order for verification of the unit award.
Individual Eligibility
According to AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, paragraph 4.11, personnel assigned or attached to an identified organization for at least one day during the award inclusive period, and who directly contributed to the mission and accomplishments of the unit, are authorized the appropriate ribbon. When needed, the squadron commander or other designated official in a unit recognized validates and determines entitlement.
Responsibilities
Military Personnel Section (MPS) Responsibility
For military personnel, the MPS will ensure the Military Personnel Data System (MILPDS) is updated for entitled individuals as soon as possible. The update codes for each of the approved unit awards are available in MILPDS. A batch update can be accomplished for personnel still assigned to an identified organization. The current servicing MPS will validate entitlements and update MILPDS for personnel previously assigned to an identified organization who have had a permanent change of station (PCS) or permanent change of assignment (PCA) and are entitled to share in the approved unit award. Verification of assignment to any of the approved organizations can be accomplished by reviewing the military personnel record and/or assignment data in MILPDS, and comparing it to the Air Force Unit Award Database. When necessary, the servicing MPS may contact the squadron commander or another designated official in a recognized unit to validate entitlement.
Civilian Personnel Section Responsibilities
For civilian personnel, the Civilian Personnel Section (CPS) will update the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System (DCPDS), and ensure entitled personnel receive the appropriate lapel pin, in accordance with (IAW) AFI 36-1004, The Air Force Civilian Recognition Program.
Individual Responsibility
Active duty, Reserve and Guard personnel who are/have been assigned to these identified organizations can report to their servicing MPS and have their unit awards updated in their records, and are authorized to wear the appropriate unit award ribbon on their uniforms IAW AFI 36-2903, Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel. Personnel who have since had a PCS or PCA and are entitled to share in the approved unit award should report to their servicing MPS for assistance. Veterans should report to their local Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, or Veterans Administration offices for assistance. Air Force civilian employees should report to their servicing CPS to have the award documented in DCPDS, and receive the appropriate lapel pin.