SFMC Awards Program

SFMC Awards Program

About the Awards Program

Awards are given for two basic reasons, regardless of the organization. First, they are intended as tangible evidence of recognition for some achievement or service. Second, awards serve as a motivating factor. The SFMC awards program exists for these same reasons. Awards are indicated by ribbons, and worn on Class A uniforms. The
Awards Program of the SFMC is not a static concept. Rather it evolves and changes to meet the needs of the organization as a whole. For this reason, it is important to keep in touch with the chain of command for the latest information on the awards standards.

The Awards Procedure

To receive an award, you have to be nominated for it by someone. Usually this involves your Unit OIC, ship CO, or fellow Marines. An award recommendation is sent up the chain of command to the appropriate authority (issuing authority for each award is specified in the next section). If you have met or exceeded the standards for that award, it will be authorized and then awarded to you.

Eligibility for Awards

SFMC awards may normally only be awarded to STARFLEET Marines or STARFLEET Marine units. This means that in order to receive awards, individuals must be SFI members in good standing, and units must be listed as active and reporting for a minimum of 3 reporting periods. These limits are intended to reinforce and support the link between participation and communication that are essential for a successful fan organization.

Recommending Awards

Remember, although only certain persons can actually authorize each of these awards, they can be recommended by anyone in the Chain of Command. This is one reason why unit reports and good communication are so important. If the Brigade OIC never hears about the things your unit has done, he certainly can’t recommend an award.

Military Service Ribbons

At no time may any member of the SFMC wear any award ribbons associated with the real-world military service on any SFMC uniforms of any type regardless of whether that person has earned the right to wear that ribbon otherwise.

Wearing the Ribbons

All awards are ranked in order of precedence, from the highest to the lowest. The ribbons are worn in that order. The ribbon with the lowest precedence goes on the bottom row to the wearer’s extreme left (toward their arm), and the highest goes at the top to the wearer’s right (toward their heart). In this way, ribbons are read by an observer from left to right, top to bottom—just like reading words—with the most important ribbon first and the least important last. Each row of ribbons is, at most, three ribbons wide. If the total number of ribbons necessitates a row with less than three, that row is placed at the top and centered Silver stars represent additional awards of the same ribbon, gold stars represent five additional awards of the same ribbon. Therefore, a Marine who has received three Brigade Service Commendations would wear the appropriate ribbon with two silver stars. A Marine who has received six Academic Excellence Awards would wear the appropriate ribbon and a gold star.

Award Categories

All SFMC awards belong to one of three categories: Achievement, Service, and Training. In order of precedence, all Achievement Ribbons are worn ahead of all Service ribbons, which are worn ahead of all Training ribbons.

Please see the SUPCOM site for more information on uniform items as well as a list of approved uniform items and where to buy them.

AWARDS LIST

On SD 0107.08 the STARFLEET Marine Corps officially adopted a new set or ribbons to replace those currently in service. These new ribbon designs were carefully chosen not only to satisfactorily meet the requirements of the SFMC but also to:

Comply with the US Civil Air Patrol's request that the SFMC stop using the CAP award ribbons. Assure supply, Keep overall costs down

Besides changing the ribbon designs there has been one minor change to the overall awards given. The Klingon and Romulan Service Awards have been combined with the Joint Service Award. Other than that small change the rest of the awards are unchanged.

Availability:
Most if not all the solid color ribbons (those of one or two colors) are stocked by Glendale. Glendale also stocks the ribbon attachments that are required for some of the awards. The "200" series ribbons are going to be stocked and shipped by SUPCOM. At the moment there is no information available as to the overall availability of these ribbons. Please check back with SUPCOM for any updates dealing with this issue. Any announcements regarding ribbon availability will also be made on the SFMC lists.

Purchasing:
Items from Glendale may be purchased immediately by going to their site (please go to the links section at SUPCOM). The "200" series ribbons are not currently available for purchase. An announcement will be made when these ribbons are available for purchasing.

The Ribbons:
Below is a chart with pictures of the new ribbons. Please note that the colors shown are an approximation and may be updated at any time to better reflect the actual ribbon. All ribbon attachments can be ordered through Glendale.

SFMC Achievement Awards, In Order of Precedence

Black with Gold Oak Leaf Cluster	GOLD NEBULA Issuing Authority: Commandant Frequency: As needed This award is given to any SFMC member who saves another person from immediate and potentially fatal harm while risking their own life in the process. The important criteria here is “immediate and potentially fatal harm.” Saving a child from drowning by jumping into a rushing river and pulling them to shore is a worthy example. Tackling Colonel Kelley to prevent him from eating his fifth pizza of the evening may save his life, but it does not rate an award—even if you did risk your life in the process. Lifesaving as a normal part of one’s employment (paramedic, doctor, lifeguard, etc.) is excluded from this award.
Black with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster	SILVER NEBULA Issuing Authority: Commandant Frequency: As needed This award is given to any SFMC member who saves another person from immediate and potentially fatal harm without risking their own life in the process. Other than the risk to the lifesaver’s own life, all criteria of the Gold Nebula apply.
Gold	CROSS OF HONOR (a.k.a. SFMC Marine of the Year) Issuing Authority: Commandant Frequency: Annual (one award issued to one marine each year) This award is given to the marine, officer or enlisted, that most exemplifies the spirit, image and attitude of the SFMC—the one who sets the standard for personal conduct, appearance, motivation, dedicated service and esprit de corps for which all STARFLEET Marines strive. Normally, the Steering Committee selects the top three candidates for this award from among the Cross of Valor recipients in the various brigades, and passes those names on to the Commandant for his selection of the final recipient. The recipient of the Cross of Honor is known as the “Marine of the Year,” and may be asked to serve on the Steering Committee for one year as a representative of the general membership.
208	SWORD OF HONOR (a.k.a. SFMC Leader of the Year) Issuing Authority: Commandant Frequency: Annual (one award issued to one marine each year) This award is given to the Marine Officer who most exemplifies the personal and professional standards of leadership valued by the SFMC. This individual has provided the highest standard of guidance and leadership to their fellow Marines, setting a standard of excellence for other leaders to follow. Normally, the Steering Committee selects the top three candidates for this award from among the Sword of Valor recipients in the various brigades, and passes those names on to the Commandant for his selection of the final recipient.
204	SHIELD OF HONOR (a.k.a. SFMC Volunteer of the Year) Issuing Authority: Commandant Category & Type: Participation, Service This award is given to the Marine who has made the most significant personal impact in community service efforts within the SFMC. This effort does not necessarily have to be on behalf of a SFMC campaign effort, but financial donations are specifically excluded as the basis for eligibility. Volunteering your time and hard work counts; simply writing a check does not. Normally, the Steering Committee selects the top three candidates for this award from among the Shield of Valor recipients in the various brigades, and passes those names on to the Commandant for his selection of the final recipient.
Red/White	STAR OF HONOR (a.k.a. SFMC NCO of the Year) Issuing Authority: SGM/SFMC Frequency: Annual (one award issued to one marine each year) This award is given to the Marine NCO who most exemplifies the personal and professional standards of leadership valued by the SFMC NCO Corps. This Marine NCO has made a significant personal impact in community service efforts throughout their area, and through their actions and words, have provided the highest standard of guidance and leadership to their fellow Marines, setting a standard of excellence for other NCOs to follow. Normally, the Steering Committee selects the top three candidates for this award from among the Star of Valor recipients in the various brigades, and passes those names on to the SGM/ SFMC for his selection of the final recipient.
206	LEGION OF HONOR (a.k.a. SFMC Unit of the Year) Issuing Authority: Commandant Frequency: Annual (one award issued to one unit each year) This award is given to the SFMC unit that most exemplifies the spirit, image and attitude of the Corps. This unit should set the standard for conduct, appearance, motivation and activity for which all STARFLEET Marine units strive. Normally, the Steering Committee selects the top three candidate units for this award from among the Legion of Valor recipients in the various brigades, and passes those units on to the Commandant for his selection of the final recipient.
203	STARFLEET CROSS Issuing Authority: Commander, STARFLEET Category & Type: Achievement, Service or Event Frequency: As needed (one award per marine per year maximum) This award is given by the Commander, STARFLEET to recognize a marine who has rendered exceptional service to STARFLEET in general—either by demonstrating consistently outstanding performance over time, or by performing a particular task or service to a high standard of excellence.
220	COMMANDANTS MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD Issuing Authority: Commandant Category & Type: Achievement, Service or Event Frequency: As needed (one award per marine per year maximum) This award is given by the Commandant SFMC to any member of the Star Fleet Marine Corps who has distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service. The performance must have been such as to merit recognition of key individuals for service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner. Performance of duties normal to the grade, branch, specialty or assignment, and experience of an individual is not adequate basis for the award. Justification of this award may accrue by virtue of exceptionally meritorious service in a succession of important positions.
216	CROSS OF VALOR (a.k.a. Brigade Marine of the Year) Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: Annual (one award per brigade issued each year) This award is given to the marine, officer or enlisted, that most exemplifies the spirit, image and attitude of the SFMC within a particular brigade—the one who sets the standard for personal conduct, appearance, motivation, dedicated service and esprit de corps for which all STARFLEET Marines in that brigade strive.
209	SWORD OF VALOR (a.k.a. Brigade Leader of the Year) Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: Annual (one award per brigade issued each year) This award is given to the Marine who most exemplifies the personal and professional standards of leadership valued by the Brigade. This individual, through their actions and words, has provided the highest standard of guidance and leadership to their fellow Marines, setting a standard of excellence for other leaders to follow.
212	SHIELD OF VALOR (a.k.a. Brigade Volunteer of the Year) Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: Annual (one award per brigade issued each year) This award is given to the Marine who has made the most significant personal impact in community service efforts within the Brigade. This effort does not necessarily have to be on behalf of a SFMC campaign effort, but financial donations are specifically excluded as the basis for eligibility. Volunteering your time and hard work counts; simply writing a check does not. Candidates for this award should chosen from marines in a particular brigade who have received the Community Service Citation within the past year.
Red	STAR OF VALOR (a.k.a. Brigade NCO of the Year) Issuing Authority: Brigade SGM Frequency: Annual (one award per brigade issued each year) This award is given to the Marine NCO who most exemplifies the personal and professional standards of leadership valued by the NCO Corps of a Brigade. This Marine NCO has made a significant personal impact in community service efforts throughout their area, and through their actions and words, have provided the highest standard of guidance and leadership to their fellow Marines, setting a standard of excellence for other NCOs to follow.
217	LEGION OF VALOR (a.k.a. Brigade Unit of the Year) Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: Annual (one award per brigade issued each year) This award is given to the Brigade unit that most exemplifies the spirit, image and attitude of the STARFLEET Marine Corps within that Brigade. This unit should set the standard for conduct, appearance, motivation and activity for which all units in the Brigade strive.
Purple	WOUNDED LION Issuing Authority: Commandant Frequency: As needed This award is given to Marines who are seriously injured while on duty as a STARFLEET Marine during a STARFLEET or STARFLEET Marine event. The injury must be serious enough to require emergency room attention.
214	SFMC SERVICE COMMENDATION Issuing Authority: Commandant Frequency: As needed (one award per marine per year maximum) This award is given to recognize marines who have rendered exceptional service to the Corps by demonstrating consistently outstanding performance over time. To be eligible for this award, a marine must have served in an official capacity for a period of at least six months.
Navy Blue	SFMC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Issuing Authority: Commandant Frequency: As needed This award is given to recognize marines who have rendered exceptional service to the Corps by performing a particular task or service to a high standard of excellence. Such accomplishment should be of national or international significance and affect or reflect favorably on the Corps as a whole.
Grey	BRIGADE SERVICE COMMENDATION Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: As needed (one award per marine per year maximum) This award is given to recognize marines who have rendered exceptional service to a particular brigade by demonstrating consistently outstanding performance over time. To be eligible for this award, a marine must have served in an official capacity for a period of at least six months.
210	BRIGADE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: As needed This award is given to recognize marines who have rendered exceptional service to a particular brigade by performing a particular task or service to a high standard of excellence. Such accomplishment should be of regional significance and affect or reflect favorably on the brigade as a whole.
215	MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC (for BN and below) COFORCECOM (for BDE or above) Frequency: As needed (one award per unit per year maximum) This award is given to an MSG, a BDE staff, or other marine unit which exemplifies meritorious service either by demonstrating consistently outstanding performance over time, or by performing a particular task or service to a high standard of excellence. Receipt of this award neither recommends a unit for, nor precludes a unit from, receiving additional unit recognition such as the Legion of Valor.
219	LEADER’S COMMENDATION Issuing Authority: Unit OIC Category & Type: Service, Event Frequency: As needed (one award per marine per year maximum) This award is given by a Unit OIC to a marine under his command who exemplifies meritorious service either by demonstrating consistently outstanding performance over time, or by performing a particular task or service to a high standard of excellence. Receipt of this award neither recommends the marine for, nor precludes him from, receiving additional recognition such as the Cross of Valor.

SFMC Service Awards, In Order of Precedence

Maroon	MARINE HONOR GUARD Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: As needed (one award per marine per year maximum) Members of the STARFLEET Marine Corps who serve on SFMC Color Guards, Honor Guards or Drill Teams at public events (STARFLEET or otherwise) are eligible for this award. Recipients of this award have spent time and effort in close order drill or other parade skills, and are deserving of special recognition.
213	GREAT BARRIER EXPEDITION Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: As needed (two awards per marine per year maximum) This award is given to Marines who have undertaken extreme or lengthy travel on behalf of the SFMC. The two important criteria are “extreme or lengthy” and “on behalf of the SFMC.” The former requires a judgment call by the Brigade OIC. A possible standard might be 5 hours travel time, for example. The latter is more exact: Taking a long road trip to attend a convention with the other members of your chapter, for example, does not qualify. Doing so because you are going to be presenting a class or demonstration (as a Marine) would qualify.
218	DISASTER RELIEF Issuing Authority: Commandant Frequency: As needed This award is authorized to Marines who have assisted in some form of disaster relief effort, whether the disaster is natural or man-made. Financial donations are specifically excluded as the basis for eligibility for this award. Further, the Marine may not receive this award if participation in the disaster relief effort was a requirement of their employment (National Guard, etc.).
Royal Blue	UNITED NATIONS SERVICE Issuing Authority: Commandant Frequency: As needed (one award per marine per year maximum) This award recognizes marines who make major efforts in the promotion of world peace. Financial donations are specifically excluded as the basis for eligibility— volunteering your time and hard work count, simply writing a check does not. A marine who spent more than 100 hours in service to a recognized charity organization over a period of six months or more would qualify for this award.
Light Yellow	PRENTARES Issuing Authority: Commandant Frequency: As needed (one award per marine per year maximum) This award recognizes marines who make major efforts in the promotion of space exploration. Financial donations are specifically excluded as the basis for eligibility— volunteering your time and hard work count, simply writing a check does not. A Marine who spent more than 100 hours in service to a recognized charity organization over a period of six months or more would qualify for this award.
202	COMMUNITY SERVICE CITATION Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: As needed (one award per marine per year maximum) This award is authorized to Marines who have made a significant personal impact in a community service effort. This effort does not necessarily have to be on behalf of a SFMC campaign effort for the current year, however financial donations are specifically excluded as the basis for eligibility—volunteering your time and hard work count, simply writing a check does not.
201	COMMUNICATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Issuing Authority: COSUPCOM Frequency: As needed This award is given at the discretion of the COSUPCOM to those Marines who have demonstrated their communications skills in service to the Corps in general, or Support Command in particular. Such skills may be demonstrated through contributing to SFMC, BDE, or unit publications; creation of superior quality SFMC-oriented websites; or other similar activities. The Communications Achievement Award also includes designators for the yearly newsletter and website awards. A silver oak leaf cluster will be added for the SFMC website of the year and a gold oak leaf cluster will be added for the SFMC Newsletter of the year.
211	GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL Issuing Authority: COFORCECOM Frequency: As needed This award is given for three consecutive years of membership in good standing as a STARFLEET Marine. Once the award is issued, the three-year clock resets. In other words, a marine who joined the Corps in 1995 will receive a GCM for the period 1995 to 1998. He will receive his next one in 2001. He may not request one in 1999 for the period 1996 to 1999, because the clock “reset” in 1998.
Gold/Black	INTERNATIONAL SERVICE AWARD Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: As needed This award is given to those SFMC members that attend the annual International Muster.
207	JOINT SERVICE RIBBON Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: As needed (two awards per marine per year maximum) This award is given to marines for participation in events with Star Trek-related fan organizations other than SFI, and Klingon and/or Romulan clubs. This may be cooperative or competitive, and must be done while obviously participating as a STARFLEET Marine. Participation as a marine can be shown by wearing a SFMC uniform, a unit cap or shirt, or by obviously being associated with others who are wearing an SFMC uniform. Marines who are also members of the same fan organization are not eligible. This award combines and replaces the Organian Service, Wolf 359, Bajoran Campaign, Andorian Campaign, Klingon Service and Romulan Service ribbons.
Red/Black	EMBASSY DUTY Issuing Authority: Brigade OIC Frequency: As needed (two awards per marine per year maximum) This award is given to marines for participation at a STARFLEET function, such as the annual International Conference or a Regional Summit. The key word here is participation, not attendance. The Marine must have done more than simply attend (i.e., served on a panel, worked on the Security detail, etc.) Likewise, the Marine must have attended as a Marine for the entire time.
205	LEGION OF ARMS Issuing Authority: COFORCECOM Frequency: As needed (one award per marine maximum) This award is authorized to members of the SFMC who have actively served 180 days or more in the active or reserve components of their country’s armed forces. In the case of the United States, this includes the Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. It does not include the Merchant Marine, service auxiliaries like the Civil Air Patrol, Reserve Officer Training Courses (such as ROTC and JROTC), or similar organizations. Other countries’ qualifying service will be authorized by the COFORCECOM on an as needed basis.
205 with Good Conduct Knot	CADET LEGION OF ARMS Issuing Authority: COFORCECOM Frequency: As needed (one award per marine maximum) Ribbon: Same as above but with bronze good conduct device. This award is authorized to members of the SFMC who are JROTC members and have served two years and maintain a overall scholastic grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The ribbon will remain the same as the Legion of Arms but a bronze good conduct device will be added to the ribbon.

SFMC Training Awards, In Order of Precedence

Orange	ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD Issuing Authority: COTRACOM Frequency: As needed This award is given to SFMC Academy students who earn a Bachelor’s of Military Science Degree with Honors. Consult COTRACOM for current degree and honors requirements. The award may also be given to marines at the discretion of COTRACOM for meritorious performance and/or contributions to the Training and Doctrine Command.
White with Gold Torch	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD Issuing Authority: COTRACOM Frequency: As needed (one award per marine maximum) This award is given to Marines who have completed the Initial Entry Training Program, the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC) and STARFLEET Academy’s Officer Training Course (OTS). Note that while the Initial Entry Training program and PLDC are administered by SFMC Academy, OTS is administered by SFI Academy.
White with Gold Lamp of Knowledge	NCO Professional Development Award Issuing Authority: COTRACOM Frequency: As needed (one award per marine maximum) Ribbon: Special order from Glendale This award is awarded to Enlisted Marines who have completed the NCO courses (PD-15, PD-18)
Green	MEDICAL PROFICIENCY AWARD Issuing Authority: SFMC Surgeon General (COTRACOM if SG position vacant) Frequency: As needed (one award per marine maximum) This award is authorized to marines who receive certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) from the American Red Cross or similar organization. Documentation of such training must be provided by the certifying organization, and verified by the issuing authority. This ribbon is unlike most others in that it may only be worn as long as the individual’s certification is in effect.
White with Silver Torch	MARINE PROFICIENCY RIBBON Issuing Authority: COTRACOM Frequency: As needed (one award per marine maximum) This award is authorized to marines who have successfully completed Initial Entry Training and the Marine Essential Task List training program. Check with COTRACOM for current METL program guidelines.
White with Bronze Torch	INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING AWARD Issuing Authority: COTRACOM Frequency: As needed (one award per marine maximum) This award is authorized to Marines who complete the current Initial Entry Training program, as administered by the SFMCA.

Site Designed and Maintained by Forces Command Webmaster. Any broken links, site modifications or incorrect information that is posted should be reported directly to the webmaster.

Star Trek; Star Trek: The Next Generation; Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; Star Trek: Voyager; STARFLEET, STARFLEET ACADEMY, STAR TREK Encyclopedia, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual, all ® Paramount Pictures, a VIACOM company. No Infringement Intended. STARFLEET: International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc, is a non-profit corporation in the State of NC, is not connected with Paramount, VIACOM, or Star Trek: The Official Fan Club, and has been in existence since 1974.

STARFLEET Marine Corps is a part of STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc.