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Posted by Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools on May 18, 2022
AR 670-1 sets the standard for a professional Army uniform, and DA PAM 670-1 gives the “how-to” details for
wear and placement. If your ribbon rack is even slightly off, it shows up at inspections, boards, ceremonies, and last-minute details.
This guide turns the key rules into a simple checklist, then shows the fastest way to stay updated with Pin-iT’s
Magic Rack – Magnetic Thin Ribbons.
AR 670-1 prescribes Department of the Army policy for the proper wear and appearance of uniforms and insignia,
while DA PAM 670-1 provides the implementation details (the diagrams and exact placement rules).
In plain terms: AR 670-1 sets the standard; DA PAM 670-1 shows you exactly how to meet it.
Ribbons sit at eye level and they’re easy to check: order of precedence, rows, spacing, and alignment.
When a rack is off, it looks sloppy fast, even if everything else is perfect.
These are the rules that fix most ribbon rack issues. Read them once, then use the checklist before every board or ceremony.
If your goal is to stay inspection-ready year-round, the easiest “win” is reducing update friction.
Build your rack here:
Pin-iT Ribbon Rack Builder.
When you can update quickly, you actually keep it current.
This quick process catches the most common issues before an inspection, ceremony, or board. It does not replace the manuals.
It helps you use the manuals faster and more accurately.
List every authorized ribbon and device you rate, then compare it to what is physically on your rack. Ensure ribbons are arranged in order of precedence from the wearer’s right to left, then confirm row format. Confirm your rows follow DA PAM guidance (no space or 1/8-inch space between rows) and your rack is balanced. If wearing ASU coat/shirt (male), verify centered 1/8 inch above the left breast pocket; for female, use the nameplate reference line. If you find a missing ribbon, update immediately. Waiting usually turns into a last-minute scramble. When in doubt, verify in AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1 and follow the latest published guidance.
Traditional racks can be frustrating to update. When adding one ribbon means rebuilding an entire rack, people delay updates.
Pin-iT’s approach is built around one idea: make updates easy so your uniform stays current.
These publications are the correct starting point for uniform wear guidance:
Note: publications are periodically updated. Always confirm you are using the most current version that applies to your uniform type.
AR 670-1 sets the policy standard; DA PAM 670-1 provides the implementation details and diagrams for how to wear items. DA PAM 670-1 states service ribbons are worn in order of precedence from the wearer’s right to left in one or more rows. DA PAM 670-1 states ribbons are centered 1/8 inch above the left breast pocket on the ASU coat and service uniform shirt (male). DA PAM 670-1 indicates ribbons are worn on the AGSU coat and states ribbons are not authorized on the AGSU shirt in that section. Use a system that updates easily so you can add or correct ribbons immediately, then verify placement using DA PAM 670-1.11 AR 670-1 Ribbon Rack Rules Soldiers Miss (DA PAM 670-1 + Inspection Tips)
TL;DR Key Takeaways
What AR 670-1 Actually Controls (and Why Ribbon Errors Stand Out)
The 11 Ribbon Rack Rules That Prevent Inspection Problems
Rule
What It Means
How to Avoid the Mistake
1) Wear ribbons in order of precedence
Ribbons are worn from the wearer’s right to left in order of precedence. (DA PAM 670-1)
Use a builder that arranges precedence automatically, then double-check against your records.
2) Rows must be clean and consistent
Ribbons are worn in one or more rows with no space between rows or 1/8-inch space between rows. (DA PAM 670-1)
Pick one spacing method and keep it consistent across the rack.
3) Avoid overcrowding a row
Generally, no more than four ribbons are worn in any one row. (DA PAM 670-1)
If you have 4+, confirm your rack is built in correct row format before wearing.
4) Do not start a second row too early
Soldiers will not start a second row unless authorized to wear four or more ribbons. (DA PAM 670-1)
If you only have three, keep it a single row (unless your uniform guidance dictates otherwise).
5) Row balance matters
First and second rows should contain the same number of ribbons (three or four) before starting a third row. (DA PAM 670-1)
Make sure your rack looks balanced instead of “stair-stepped” too early.
6) Keep the rack centered where required
Male ASU coat and service uniform shirt: ribbons are centered 1/8 inch above the left breast pocket. (DA PAM 670-1)
Measure from the pocket, not from where you “think” it looks centered.
7) Top row alignment has rules
The top row is centered on the row beneath or may be aligned to the wearer’s left for best appearance. (DA PAM 670-1)
Don’t freehand it. Use a mount or builder preview, then align cleanly.
8) Female placement uses nameplate reference
Female Soldiers wear ribbons centered on the left side, with bottom row parallel to the bottom edge of the nameplate; placement may be adjusted for body shape. (DA PAM 670-1)
Use the nameplate as your visual anchor line and keep the rack parallel.
9) AGSU coat vs shirt rules differ
DA PAM guidance shows ribbons on the AGSU coat and states ribbons are not authorized on the AGSU shirt in that section. (DA PAM 670-1)
Confirm which uniform you’re wearing that day and follow the correct rule set.
10) Keep your record updated
Most “bad racks” start with missing awards or outdated records.
Before you build, list every authorized ribbon and device you rate.
11) Build a system that updates easily
If updates are hard, Soldiers delay them, then scramble before inspections.
Use an easy-to-update rack so adding one ribbon does not mean rebuilding everything.
Inspection-Ready Checklist (Use This the Night Before)
Confirm your awards list
Verify order of precedence
Check rows and spacing
Measure placement on your uniform
Have a fast update plan
Use the manuals as final authority
Why Pin-iT’s Magic Rack – Magnetic Thin Ribbons Helps Soldiers Stay Updated
What Soldiers Like About Magnetic Thin Ribbons
Official Resources (Use These as Your Final Reference)
FAQ: AR 670-1 Ribbon Racks
What is the difference between AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1?
How are ribbons ordered on the rack?
Where do male Soldiers place ribbons on the ASU coat or service uniform shirt?
Are ribbons worn on the AGSU shirt?
What is the fastest way to stay inspection-ready?