Does CB-OTH Ops merit CG Special Ops Ribbon? Or does a boarding in the carribean with a royal Bahamian defense force Boarding officer merit that same ribbon. From what I found, the criteria is this: The four main areas of eligibility, for the presentation of the Special Operations Service Ribbon, are listed as follows:
* Coast Guard operations of a special nature involving multiple agency involvement pertaining to national security or law enforcement. * Coast Guard operations of a special nature in support of special events drawing large media interest and public attention. * Coast Guard operations or involvement with foreign government in all areas of saving life and property at sea. * Coast Guard operations of assistance for friendly and/or developing nations.
Don't you have the wrong ribbons in your profile. They are Navy pistol and rifle Maksman Ribbons. I was under the impression th eCG had their own. Could be wrong though, it's been a few years.
Back to your original topic. Are you inquiring so that you can recommend someone for such a ribbon? Framnkly it escapes me why conducting a boarding with a Bahamian Defence Force Officer on board would merit a ribbon.....
Would not some FLAG/OPERATIONAL COMMANDER type somewhere have to recommend or authorize that the specific operation to be in line with the ribbons criteria, then the service ribbon can be distributed to the entire group of participants.
If you think that is the appropriate level of recognition,Chapter 5-A-8, of your awards manual lists out the steps and criteria, quite a little undertaking. Good luck with it, be interesting to see how it turns out.
If though, the crews were performing above & beyond what would be normally expected for such an operation, then perhaps an E-7 or above should initiate the process to award a decoration to the individual crewmen. The Commandants Letter of Commendation ribbon, CG Achievement Medal or CG Commendation Medal would be three of the decorations that most likely would be appropriate to be awarded individuals
If the cutter was performing at such a level, then the unit should be considered for one of the three Unit Commendations that are available to the CG.
If a number of units were involved in the operation, then perhaps it should be considered a CG Special Operation and be eligible for the service ribbon.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mastersmate,
Originally posted by MastersMate: Would not some FLAG/OPERATIONAL COMMANDER type somewhere have to recommend or authorize that the specific operation to be in line with the ribbons criteria, then the service ribbon can be distributed to the entire group of participants.
According to Table 1 of COMDTINST M1650.25 COMDT or AREA are the awarding authorities.
Think I might have to agree with the others, just doing a joint boarding probably doesnt qualify you for a Special Ops.
One point of correction though, just because an E7 can subit a citation doesnt mean an E6 and below cant draft one and submit it through an E7 for approval. Generally speaking, if your trying to find a way to qualify for it, you probably wont get it approved. As an E5 and E6, I wrote numerous Commandant LOCs, and Acheivement Medal citations for my folks. I also wrote one 9-11 ribbon citation, and two CG Meritorious Team Commendations that were upgraded to CG Meritorious Unit Commendations.
