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Posted by Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools on May 20, 2025
Your Uniform Is Your Résumé – Here’s How to Wear It with Accuracy and Pride
In the military, your uniform is more than fabric and thread—it’s your résumé. It tells your story without a single word. Every ribbon, every star, every device reflects your achievements, courage, missions, and dedication. That’s why understanding how to wear service stars and ribbon attachments correctly isn’t just about regulations, it’s about respecting your journey and everything you’ve earned.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- The difference between 3/16" stars and 5/16" gold/silver stars
- The proper way to attach and place devices
- Navy regulations on spacing and arrangement
- Why Pin-iT Magnetic Thin Ribbons are the go-to solution
Let’s make sure your résumé looks sharp.
What Is a Service Star?
- Size: 3/16 inch in diameter.
- Color/Meaning:
- Bronze Star: 1 additional award or campaign.
- Silver Star: Worn in place of 5 bronze stars.
- Orientation: Worn with one point facing up on both ribbon bars and suspension ribbons.
These stars are referred to in different ways depending on the service or award:
- Service Star
- Campaign Star
- Battle Star
Whether on your chest or in your record, these stars showcase your operational history, from deployments to campaign participation. They're a key part of your uniform résumé.
Important: Don’t confuse the 3/16” service star with the Bronze Star Medal or Silver Star Medal, which are valor awards.
While 3/16" stars are used to represent participation in campaigns, the Department of the Navy, Coast Guard, NOAA, and Public Health Service use 5/16" gold and silver stars to indicate additional personal awards—the kind that reflect personal courage and excellence.
- 5/16” Gold Star: 1 additional award.
- 5/16”
Silver Star: Replaces five gold stars.
- Worn with one point facing up and spaced equally across the ribbon.
Each one of these stars shows that you didn’t just show up—you excelled.
How Devices Are Attached: Individual vs. Single-Constructed Attachments
To maintain a sharp and accurate appearance, it’s important to understand how devices are mounted—especially because your uniform speaks volumes about your professional history.
There are two types of attachments for ribbons:
1. Individual Attachments
Each star or device is separately affixed, spaced equally across the ribbon. This gives flexibility but requires careful placement.
2. Single-Constructed Attachments
Two or more stars are manufactured together in a fixed position. These are centered on the ribbon and ensure perfect spacing.
Uniformity Rule (Per Navy Uniform Regs):
If you use a single-constructed
attachment on one ribbon, you must use them on all ribbons—unless
a specific combo (e.g., 1 silver + 1 bronze star) isn’t available as a
single piece.
Example:
For six awards on a ribbon:
- Use 1 silver star (centered) to represent 5 awards.
- Add 1 bronze star to the wearer's right with the points touching to mirror the appearance of a single-constructed device.
This level of precision reflects the discipline and pride you bring to your service—and reinforces why your uniform is your résumé.
Proper Ribbon Arrangement: What the Regulations Say
According to Navy Uniform Regulations, Section 5301(d):
“When wearing bronze/gold star or bronze oak leaf cluster
attachments, in addition to a silver star or silver oak leaf attachment,
arrange the bronze/gold stars symmetrically on the ribbon in relation to the
centered silver device; the first star to the wearer's right, the second to the
wearer's left, etc.”
Practical Example:
- Wear 1 silver star (centered) for the first five.
- Place the bronze star to the wearer’s right of the silver star.
Device Guidelines:
- Points always face up.
- Devices must be equidistant and not overlapping.
- Consistency and clarity are key—your rack should tell a clear, proud story.
This level of detail ensures that your ribbons are readable, respectful, and regulation-compliant—all while highlighting your legacy of service.
Magnetic Thin Ribbons: The Best Way to Build Your Rack
Your uniform represents your military résumé—every stripe and star a milestone. That’s why Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools created Magnetic Thin Ribbons, designed for service members who take pride in their rack.
Why Pin-iT?
- Magnetic backing = zero slouching or tilting.
- Precision spacing = uniform look every time.
- Easily updateable = no need to send your rack back.
- Compatible with both individual and single-constructed devices.
- Made for all 6 U.S. military branches: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
Whether you're prepping for inspection, retirement, or promotion photos, Pin-iT makes your résumé look sharp.
“When I walk into a room, my uniform does the talking. My Pin-iT rack shows I’ve served with honor—and it always looks squared away.” – Navy Senior Chief (Ret.)
Final Thoughts: Your Ribbons Tell Your Story
Your ribbons aren’t just decorations—they’re the summary of your service. They say:
- Where you've been.
- What you've done.
- How you've led.
- And how you’ve sacrificed.
Each star adds a chapter to your career. And how you wear them matters.
If your uniform is your résumé, then your ribbons are your bullet points—display them with accuracy, pride, and purpose. Whether you're headed to a ceremony, a promotion board, or just reporting for duty, make sure your story is told the right way.
Visit www.pinitcard.com to start building or updating your Magnetic Thin Ribbon rack today.
This guide is for informational purposes and based on
official Navy guidelines found in U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations Manual – Chapter 5, Section 5301(d).
Always consult your chain of command or administrative office for
award-specific questions.
