USCG Medals and Awards Manual- COMDTINST M.1650.25E

Posted by Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools on May 19, 2022

TL;DR- USCG Medals and Awards Manual – COMDTINST M.1650.25E

1. Official Guide – Establishes policies and procedures for USCG medals, awards, and decorations.
2. Proper Placement – Provides detailed instructions on the correct wear and order of precedence.
3. Award Eligibility – Outlines criteria for personal, unit, and campaign recognitions.
4. Nomination Process – Explains how to submit and approve award recommendations.
5. Uniform Compliance – Ensures all service members wear their awards properly and consistently.

Understanding the USCG Medals and Awards Manual – COMDTINST M.1650.25E

The U.S. Coast Guard Medals and Awards Manual (COMDTINST M.1650.25E) is the official guide for service members on the proper wear, placement, and eligibility criteria for military decorations, medals, and ribbons. This manual ensures consistency and compliance across all ranks, preserving the integrity and tradition of the U.S. Coast Guard's recognition system.

Purpose of the Manual

The primary objective of the Medals and Awards Manual is to establish authority, policies, and procedures for issuing and wearing military awards. It provides guidance on:

• Award eligibility and criteria for various decorations and commendations.
• Proper arrangement and wear of medals, ribbons, and devices on uniforms.
• Nomination and approval processes for personal, unit, and campaign awards.

Placement and Wear of Awards

One of the manual’s key sections details how service members should correctly wear their medals and ribbons. This includes:

• Order of precedence – Ensuring ribbons and medals are placed correctly on the uniform.
• Ribbon bars and devices – Guidelines for attachments such as stars, oak leaf clusters, and “V” devices.
• Uniform requirements – Instructions for proper display on dress, service, and operational uniforms.

Types of Recognitions Covered

The manual outlines several categories of awards, including:

• Personal Decorations (e.g., Coast Guard Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal)
• Unit Awards (e.g., Coast Guard Unit Commendation)
• Campaign and Service Awards (e.g., Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal)
• Foreign and Non-Military Awards (approved for wear under certain conditions)

How to Use This Manual

Service members can use the manual to determine eligibility for awards, understand the nomination process, and ensure their decorations are properly worn. By following these guidelines, personnel maintain a professional and standardized appearance in accordance with Coast Guard traditions.

Enhance Your Uniform with Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools

For those looking to maintain a perfectly aligned and professional ribbon rack, Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools offers a range of solutions, including:

• Magnetic Thin Ribbons – Providing a sleek, low-profile look while ensuring a secure fit with strong magnets.
• Ribbon Rack Builder – A user-friendly online tool to customize and arrange your ribbons according to USCG regulations.
• Precision Tools – Designed to help service members achieve a flawless, regulation-compliant uniform appearance with ease.

Using Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools ensures that your ribbons stay in place, maintain proper alignment, and present a polished, professional image, whether in daily wear or formal ceremonies.

U.S. Coast Guard Medals and Awards Manual