Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Service award

For qualifying as expert with the M-16 rifle or issue handgun.

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How you get it

You earn this by meeting the requirements. No recommendation is needed. If it's missing from your record, current members can have their MPF add it. Veterans can request it from AFPC with a Standard Form 180 and supporting documents.

You qualify if any of these apply

Qualified as expert with the M-16 rifle (or standard service rifle) after Jan. 1, 1963
Qualified as expert with the issue handgun after Jan. 1, 1963

Quick facts

Category: Service and training ribbons
Type: Service award
Authorized devices: Service Star
WAPS points: 0
Position in the AFPC listing: 71 of 91 (listed in order of precedence)

Full AFPC fact sheet text

Background

This ribbon was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on Aug. 28, 1962. It is awarded to all Air Force service members who, after Jan. 1, 1963, qualify as "expert" in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun.

Criteria

Qualify as expert in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun. These rules will apply to the Air Force standard service small arms weapon selected. Qualifications as expert in both weapons after June 22, 1972, shall be denoted by a bronze service star worn on the ribbon.

Ribbon description

The ribbon has a very wide center stripe of laurel green, flanked on either side by a thin yellow stripe, with a wide light blue stripe at the edges.

Authorized device

Service Star

Source: Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon fact sheet, Air Force's Personnel Center