Distinguished Unit - Awarded to cadets who were unit members during the academic year in which the school earned Distinguished Unit status. Awarded only to those units that demonstrated the very highest levels of performance.

Distinguished Cadet - Awarded yearly to one cadet in each year group with the highest combined average for overall scholastic standing and aptitude.

Honor Cadet - Awarded yearly to one cadet in each year group with the highest overall academic achievement in school.

Cadet Achievement – Awarded, when earned, to any cadet who distinguishes him/herself by outstanding achievement or sustained superior performance.The cadet must exhibit exceptional military aptitude and dedication to the program as well as overall excellence in all facets of NJROTC.Awarded on a case-by-case basis by the area manager.

Unit Achievement Award - Awarded to cadets in good standing who were unit members during the academic year in which the school earned the Unit Achievement status as determined by the Area Manager. Awarded only to those units that demonstrated exceptional performance but did not qualify for Distinguished Unit status.

Military Aptitude Award - Awarded yearly to the top 10 percent of the cadets based on evaluation of aptitude.

Naval Science 4 Outstanding Cadet - Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 4 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance and conduct.

Naval Science 3 Outstanding Cadet - Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 3. Same criteria as above.

Naval Science 2 Outstanding Cadet - Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 2. Same criteria as above.

Naval Science 1 Outstanding Cadet - Awarded yearly to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 1. Same criteria as above.

Exemplary Conduct - Awarded yearly to each cadet who demonstrates exemplary conduct for the year.

Academic Award - Awarded, when earned, to each member in good standing who has met any of the following academic requirements:
A. Honor Roll - Awarded to a cadet who completes the marking periods on the school honor roll equal to 50 percent of the academic year (not necessarily sequential). Awarded once annually upon completion of the minimum requirement. Award is the ribbon with a gold lamp device.
B. Academic Team - Awarded to a cadet who has entered any3 academic competitions. Awarded once annually upon completion of the minimum requirement. Award is the ribbon with a silver lamp device.
C. When both the honor roll and academic team awards have been earned, the lamps are position side-by-side on the ribbon, with the gold lamp on the wearer’s right. Subsequent award stars are worn outboard of the appropriate lamp.

Exemplary Personal Appearance - Awarded twice a year to each cadet who displays exemplary personal appearance and has worn his/her uniform on all occasions required.

Physical Fitness - Awarded twice a year to any cadet who meets or exceeds the minimum requirements as defined in the Cadet Field Manual for your specific age.

Participation - Awarded, when earned, to any cadet who has participated in three activities other than routine unit activities.

Unit Service - Awarded to any cadet who has demonstrated exemplary service and dedication to the unit as determined by the NSI.

Community Service - Awarded, when earned, to any cadet in good standing who distinguishes him/herself by meritorious service to the community.

Drill Team - Awarded, when earned, to each member of a drill team in good standing, who has entered competition or performed at three or more official functions.

Color Guard - Awarded, when earned, to each member of a color guard in good standing who has entered competition or performed at three or more official functions

Pistol/Rifle Team - Awarded, when earned, to any cadet in good standing who has entered any competition including all air-powered weapons.

Orienteering - Awarded twice a year, to any cadet in good standing who meets orienteering standards.

Recruiting - Awarded, when earned, to a cadet who is instrumental in the enrollment of two students in the NJROTC program. Subsequent awards are given when two additional students are enrolled.

Mini-Boot Camp - Awarded to any cadet upon satisfactory completion of mini-boot camp, Leadership Academy, or similar training as approved by the area manager.

Sea Cruise - Awarded to any cadet upon completion of an at-sea cruise (vessel must be cast off lines and be underway).

Other Non-NJROTC awards may be worn following the NJROTC awards.

Tips for Wearing Ribbons

Remember that when wearing ribbons on the uniform, the DARKER color will always face INBOARD. The only exception is when wearing a team commander ribbon. In such a case, the ribbon will be worn EXACTLY as if it were with the rest of the ribbons.