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Pin-iT Military, Police & Public Safety Uniform Tools
Ribbon Attachments & Devices
This is the authority hub for understanding ribbon devices, placement logic, and clean uniform presentation. Use the quick charts and diagrams below to choose the correct device, understand conversions, and verify placement basics. For branch-specific rules, always follow your current regulations and manuals.
Featured Devices
These are popular device options used to build clean ribbon displays. Use the placement guidance below and always verify your branch rules.
3/16 Bronze Star Ribbon Attachment (No Prongs)
A common service star size used on ribbons for additional awards or campaigns, depending on your service rules.
Prongless Double Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (Glue-On)
Oak leaf clusters indicate subsequent awards for many decorations in services that use them.
Prongless Triple Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (Glue-On)
A clean way to represent multiple subsequent awards while keeping the ribbon readable.
Gold Frame for Regular Ribbons (Glue-On Style)
A clean uniform upgrade option used for specific award presentations depending on your organization.
Service Stars (3/16 and 5/16)
Service stars are used to represent additional awards, campaigns, or operations depending on the ribbon and service. The two common sizes you will hear about are 3/16 inch and 5/16 inch.
Simple rule for conversions: One silver star replaces five same-type stars (five bronze for 3/16 systems, or five gold for 5/16 systems).
Placement logic that stays readable
Keep devices centered and symmetric. When combining a silver star with additional stars, the silver is typically centered and the next star goes to the wearer’s right, then left, alternating to keep balance.
Oak Leaf Clusters (Bronze and Silver)
Oak leaf clusters are used by many organizations to indicate second and subsequent awards for decorations that use the oak leaf system. The most important concept is the conversion: bronze counts up, silver consolidates.
Conversion rule: one silver oak leaf cluster replaces five bronze oak leaf clusters.
Keep devices evenly spaced and avoid overlap. When you hit the maximum readable device setup on a single ribbon, follow your service guidance for how to represent additional awards.
V Devices (Valor and Combat Devices)
V devices are used by certain services and organizations to indicate valor or combat-related distinction on specific awards. Device rules differ by service, ribbon, and award. The safest approach is to confirm the correct V device type and authorized wear for the specific decoration.
Best practice: If your award authorizes both a V device and stars or other devices, verify the authorized combination and arrangement in your current manual before final assembly.
Numerals
Numerals are used by certain awards to indicate multiple awards or counts where a star or cluster system is not the authorized method. If an award uses numerals, do not substitute stars or clusters unless your service guidance explicitly authorizes it.
USCG Service Stripes and Rating Badges
This section covers quick placement logic and a simple measurement diagram. For Coast Guard uniform items, COMDTINST M1020.6K is the controlling reference.
Police and Public Safety Ribbon Devices
Police and public safety ribbon systems vary by department policy and award program. The correct device depends on the ribbon and the issuing authority. If your organization uses stars, numerals, or specialty devices, confirm the authorized device type and placement in your policy guide before final installation.
Best practice for public safety uniforms: Use consistent spacing, keep devices centered and readable, and do not mix device types unless policy states the combination is authorized.
Charts and Placement Tools
These charts are built for fast clarity.
Star conversion chart
| System | Counts as 1 | Silver replaces | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/16 inch stars | 1 bronze star | 5 bronze stars | Campaign or additional award counts depending on ribbon and service |
| 5/16 inch stars | 1 gold star | 5 gold stars | Common in Navy and related services for additional personal awards |
Oak leaf cluster conversion chart
| Device | Counts as 1 | Silver replaces | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Leaf Cluster | 1 bronze cluster | 5 bronze clusters | Used by organizations that authorize oak leaf clusters for subsequent awards |
Device placement spacing chart
| Placement goal | Rule of thumb | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Center first | Start centered, then add right, then left, alternating | Keeps the ribbon readable and symmetric |
| Do not overlap | Even spacing across the ribbon bar | Overlapping devices look incorrect and reduce readability |
| Do not mix types | Use one device system per award type unless authorized | Mixing device types can create an incorrect representation |
| Maximum devices | Many systems limit to five devices on one ribbon | If more are needed, follow your service guidance for representation |
FAQ
How many bronze stars equal one silver star?
One silver star replaces five same-type stars (five bronze for 3/16 systems, or five gold for 5/16 systems). Always verify which star system your ribbon uses.
How do I arrange stars when I have a silver star plus more stars?
Keep the silver centered, then place the next star to the wearer’s right, then left, alternating to maintain symmetry and readability.
How many bronze oak leaf clusters equal one silver oak leaf cluster?
One silver oak leaf cluster replaces five bronze oak leaf clusters.
What is the simplest way to build a clean ribbon rack with devices?
Start with the Ribbon Rack Builder Hub, choose your rack style, then confirm device type and placement rules for your award before final assembly.
Do police ribbon devices follow the same rules as military devices?
Not always. Police and public safety programs vary by department policy. Confirm the authorized device and placement for your ribbon system before installing devices.