All Ribbons are given on a different basis, as described below for each individual ribbon. The ribbons are worn on the ribbon bar on the left breast of the NJROTC Uniform. Here is a link to a ribbon-checker, which will automatically place your ribbons in the correct order, just by clicking on the ones you have.

Ribbon	Ribbon Name	Criteria
	Meritorious Achievement	Awarded to any NJROTC cadet who distinguishes him/herself by outstanding meritorious achievement.
	Naval Honor Unit	Awarded yearly to cadets who were unit members during the academic year in which the school earned Naval Honor School status. Awarded only to 20 percent of the NJROTC Units in the program.
	Distinguished Cadet	Awarded yearly to one cadet in each year group with the highest combined average for overall scholastic standing and aptitude in NJROTC unit activities (includes academics, homework, physical fitness, community service, drill, etc.)
	Honor Cadet	Awarded yearly to one cadet in each year group with the highest overall academic achievement (GPA) in school, including naval science courses.
	CNET Unit Award	Awarded yearly to cadets who were unit members during the academic year in which the school earned CNET Unit Award status. Awarded only to 20 percent of the schools in the program.
	Military Aptitude Award	Awarded yearly to those outstanding cadets who demonstrate an exceptional military aptitude and dedication to the NJROTC program.
	Naval Science 4 Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to cadets in Naval Science 4 who are members of the platoon selected as Honor Platoon.
	Naval Science 3 Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to cadets in Naval Science 3 who are members of the platoon selected as Honor Platoon.
	Naval Science 2 Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to cadets in Naval Science 2 who are members of the platoon selected as Honor Platoon.
	Naval Science 1 Outstanding Cadet	Awarded yearly to cadets in Naval Science 1 who are members of the platoon selected as Honor Platoon.
	Exemplary Conduct	Awarded yearly to each cadet who demonstrates exemplary conduct for the year.
	Academic Award	Awarded yearly to all members of the Academic Team.
	Exemplary Personal Appearance	Awarded twice a year to each cadet who displays exemplary personal appearance and has worn his/her uniform on all occasions required.
	Physical Fitness	Awarded twice a year to any cadet who meets or exceeds the basic physical fitness requirements outlined in Chapter 3 of the NJROTC Field Manual.
	Participation	Awarded, when earned, to any cadet who has participated in at least five security activities.
	Unit Service	Awarded to any cadet who has demonstrated exemplary service and dedication to the unit.
	Community Service	Awarded, when earned, to any cadet who volunteers at least 50 hours to the community of Penn Hills.
	Drill Team	Awarded once a year to each member of a drill team in good standing, who has entered competition or performed at three or more official functions.
	Color Guard	Awarded once a year to each member of a color guard in good standing who has entered competition or performed at three or more official functions.
	Pistol/Rifle Team	Awarded once a year to any cadet in good standing who has entered any competition.
	Orienteering	Awarded once a year, to any cadet in good standing who meets the orienteering standards listed on pages 1-45 and 1-46 of the NJROTC Field Manual, and who has completed at least two orienteering competitions.
	Recruiting	Awarded, when earned, to a cadet who is instrumental in the enrollment of two students in the NJROTC program. Subsequent awards are given when two additional students are enrolled. Also awarded to cadets who visit middle schools on recruiting trips.
	Mini Boot Camp	Awarded to any cadet upon satisfactory completion of mini-boot camp, Leadership Academy, or similar training as approved by the area manager.
	Sea Cruise	Awarded to any cadet upon completion of an at-sea cruise (vessel must be cast off lines and be underway).