Rack Builder Updated

[baronet68]

It's been long overdue, but I finally put some effort into updating some details on my rack builder site:

http://www.mcchord.org/rack_builder/

Please feel free to test/break it and let me know what you like or dislike.



I know there is a pop-up window that occasionally makes an appearance (related to my page counter code) so getting an updated counter is on the to-do list.

[jb3]

Great work. I appreciate your dedication to keep this resource current.

[Eclipse]

This has always been the best!

[foo]

Excellent resource. Thank you!

[Shawn W.]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

This is by far one of the better CAP rack builders that I've seen.

Cheers!

[SarDragon]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

This is by far one of the better best CAP rack builders that I've seen.

Cheers!

FTFY. Show us a better one!

[Stonewall]

Thank you for updating, I've used this for a decade at least. Right?

Observation: on the leadership ribbon, when you have a silver star and bronze star clasp, why is the bronze star abnormally larger than the others?  Or is it that the silver star is abnormally small? I've wanted to ask this for years, but didn't want to be THAT guy (see my rack below).

[dwb]

Thanks, Michael! I've been waiting for that AFOEA ribbon to make an appearance. 

[baronet68]

Thank you for updating, I've used this for a decade at least. Right?

Longer than that... it's been online for almost 15 years, now.

Observation: on the leadership ribbon, when you have a silver star and bronze star clasp, why is the bronze star abnormally larger than the others?  Or is it that the silver star is abnormally small?

It's an optical illusion... you can see below that pixel-by-pixel the stars are exactly the same size but the black outline around the silver star seems to create a more contrast than the border on the bronze star, tricking the eye to see the silver star as smaller. 




I'll play a little with the graphics and see if maybe I can do something differently. On the back-end, there are more than 450 individual images that make up the rack builder so even a small change can be real labor of love.

[OldGuy]

One of the best resources here - used regularly and often - thank you!

[Holding Pattern]

It's been long overdue, but I finally put some effort into updating some details on my rack builder site:

http://www.mcchord.org/rack_builder/

Please feel free to test/break it and let me know what you like or dislike.



I know there is a pop-up window that occasionally makes an appearance (related to my page counter code) so getting an updated counter is on the to-do list.

Thank you for taking note of the pop-up. Keep in mind it serves up malware. I reported it to WAWG IT informally at the beginning of the year, and formally on April 18 2018. I'd strongly suggest just throwing google analytics at it and retiring the counter, but definitely retire that counter ASAP.

[Phoenix114]

Thank you for taking your time to update. Messing around with it, I've come across the following.

1. On some of your device updates it breaks after you use them. I was messing with the NCC Ribbon (Green one) after putting 4 silver stars it breaks and places a "unspecified error page. Likewise with IACE, Robb Wilson, and Find as a combination.

2. In reference to the Color guard competition ribbon. 
CAPP 39-3

c. National Color Guard Competition Ribbon.----Awarded for participation in the National Color Guard Competition. Senior Members who earned this ribbon as a cadet may continue to wear the ribbon.(1) The basic ribbon will be worn by cadets who are the winner of the wing competition and/or cadets selected to represent the wing at a region competition. A bronze star will be affixed for the winners of the region competition, and a silver star will be worn by the sweepstakes winner of the national competition. Repetitive awards may be recognized by wearing additional stars in the appropriate competition level.

[/i]

There is no specification or drop down to demonstrate/show those who have won multiple Wing/Region Competitions. The regulation mentions that Clasps are to be used to denote multiple awards. Yet, it doesn't specify on 39-3. In other words, multiple winners of wing may not be able to show how many they have won or participated in. Example, A cadet who has won two wing competitions and one Region competition, would have a bronze star, but cannot demonstrate they have been won or been to two WING competitions.

Would they wear a Bronze Clasp on the right of the star? (Similar to the Commander's commendation ribbon who use a similar format for stars and clasps?)

Again, thank you to you and any others who devised this powerful tool for all of us here in CAP.

[baronet68]

Thank you for taking your time to update. Messing around with it, I've come across the following.

1. On some of your device updates it breaks after you use them. I was messing with the NCC Ribbon (Green one) after putting 4 silver stars it breaks and places a "unspecified error page. Likewise with IACE, Robb Wilson, and Find as a combination.

Occasionally, when several people are using the page at the same time, the script locks up.  Using the browser's back arrow and resubmitting the form will usually show the images.  I was also hacking the tool this evening, adding some display options for miniature medals, and it's possible the page was momentarily off-line as I uploaded changes.

2. In reference to the Color guard competition ribbon. 
[snip]
Would they wear a Bronze Clasp on the right of the star? (Similar to the Commander's commendation ribbon who use a similar format for stars and clasps?)

CAPR 39-3 has very specific instructions for the placement of authorized attachments for each activity/participation ribbon and I've done my best to match those instructions exactly. 

One example of possible omission (which proves unpopular with some members) is the IACE ribbon.  CAPR 39-3 simply states is awarded for participation but has no provision for repeated participation. 

The instructions for the Cadet Competition and Color Guard Competition ribbons seem to indicate that repetitive winners at the Wing level would simply wear the basic ribbon and that the only way to gain any attachments is to win the competition at either the Region or National levels.

[Phoenix114]

Baronet68, thank you so much for the speedy response. 

[Shuman 14]

I know it's fast approaching obsolesces, but isn't the Wartime Service Medal/Ribbon still an authorized ribbon the CAP Uniform?

With that being said, there were also CAP members awarded Air Medals during WWII too, just wondering if these two awards were intentional left off the Rackbuilder or an oversight?

[Eclipse]

Nine members received the air medal, most are likely deceased, and I would hazard none of them are updating their
racks on a regular enough basis to need an online rack builder.

Same goes for the WTSM, considering that the youngest recipients would be ~92.

Edit: Pretty impressive, though, that there per the National WWII Museum, there are still ~310,000 US WWII vets still alive.
A hearty breed, for sure.

In 2016, the museum estimated that we lose ~372 WWII vets per day.

[SarDragon]

From a CAP historical archive:

Air Medal

The Air Medal has been presented in two actions to members of the Civil Air Patrol. In the first action, Captain Hugh R. Sharp, Jr. and Lieutenant Edmond I. Edwards where awarded the first Air Medals for their heroic actions in the challenging rescue and saving a life of a fellow pilot Lieutenant Henry T. Cross (Learn More). The presentation of the Air Medal was conducted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.


In a second action, a total of 824 Air Medals were awarded by Executive Order of the President for service in the Coastal Patrol. The airmen who served the Civil Air Patrol during the Coastal Patrol operation and having flown an excess of 300 hours were each awarded the Air Medal with a citation signed, as ordered, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Captain Hugh R. Sharp, Jr. and Lieutenant I. Edwards by this order received their second Air Medal which is denoted by a cluster on the medal or ribbon. Captain Sharp and Lieutenant Edwards are the only two members to receive the Air Medal twice.


The following list has been complied from the works of the 1984 Civil Air Patrol Historical Committee as published in Civil Air Patrol Historical Monograph No. 2: Air Medals and General Order No. 12, 14 April 1948 through General Order No. 17, 21 April 1948 from the Department of the Air Force.

[Shuman 14]

Major Bowles,

Good stuff, thanks for posting.

[baronet68]

I know it's fast approaching obsolesces, but isn't the Wartime Service Medal/Ribbon still an authorized ribbon the CAP Uniform?

With that being said, there were also CAP members awarded Air Medals during WWII too, just wondering if these two awards were intentional left off the Rackbuilder or an oversight?

In almost 15 years, nobody has ever asked for the Wartime Service Ribbon.  I've toyed with the idea of adding the Air Medal but figured it would just be an academic exercise... then again, I'm not against doing things "just because". 

[baronet68]

By popular demand...

I've added awards to cover our wartime-era members. 

[SarDragon]

 :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Mitchell 1969]

Great job on the rack builder!

I've got one suggestion. There are still a few people around who completed the achievements in the Cadet Program when the Eaker Award was announced, but who did not receive the award. Instead, they were authorized to wear the Earhart with a silver CLASP. In theory, the Earhart could have a silver clasp, and two stars (COS and Model Rocketry).

I don't know if the Rocketry and COS stars stays on the ribbon for seniors, but the clasp on the Earhart definitely does.


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[baronet68]

Great job on the rack builder!

I've got one suggestion. There are still a few people around who completed the achievements in the Cadet Program when the Eaker Award was announced, but who did not receive the award. Instead, they were authorized to wear the Earhart with a silver CLASP. In theory, the Earhart could have a silver clasp, and two stars (COS and Model Rocketry).

I don't know if the Rocketry and COS stars stays on the ribbon for seniors, but the clasp on the Earhart definitely does.

The Earhart silver clasp was rescinded long ago and no longer appears in CAPR 39-3.  Members who completed the appropriate cadet achievements before creation of the award can send documentation to NHQ and receive an unnumbered Eaker certificate.

The rocketry star on the Goddard ribbon was never transferable/movable so it has always stayed on the Goddard ribbon for cadet officers who had earned the Model Rocketry Badge. 

The Cadet Officer School star on the Mitchell ribbon is currently the only transferable/movable attachment.  Senior members can move the COS star to their highest cadet milestone ribbon.

[Mitchell 1969]

Great job on the rack builder!

I've got one suggestion. There are still a few people around who completed the achievements in the Cadet Program when the Eaker Award was announced, but who did not receive the award. Instead, they were authorized to wear the Earhart with a silver CLASP. In theory, the Earhart could have a silver clasp, and two stars (COS and Model Rocketry).

I don't know if the Rocketry and COS stars stays on the ribbon for seniors, but the clasp on the Earhart definitely does.

The Earhart silver clasp was rescinded long ago and no longer appears in CAPR 39-3.  Members who completed the appropriate cadet achievements before creation of the award can send documentation to NHQ and receive an unnumbered Eaker certificate.

The rocketry star on the Goddard ribbon was never transferable/movable so it has always stayed on the Goddard ribbon for cadet officers who had earned the Model Rocketry Badge. 

The Cadet Officer School star on the Mitchell ribbon is currently the only transferable/movable attachment.  Senior members can move the COS star to their highest cadet milestone ribbon.

Thanks for all of that.

I know a few people who are passionate about that Earhart clasp. It is what they earned and what they wore. Same train of thought as the people who earned the COP and still wear it.


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[Paul Creed III]

Firstly, great job on the rack builder - it is an awesome resource.

For the Commanders Commendation ribbon, could you with a check-box and number of award selection rather than a single drop-down? For example, I have earned 4 Commander's Commendations and 2 National Commander Commander's Commendations and I don't see a way of selecting that particular combo from the drop-down (perhaps my coffee has not yet settled in though, in case I am missing it).

[Eclipse]

Firstly, great job on the rack builder - it is an awesome resource.

For the Commanders Commendation ribbon, could you with a check-box and number of award selection rather than a single drop-down? For example, I have earned 4 Commander's Commendations and 2 National Commander Commander's Commendations and I don't see a way of selecting that particular combo from the drop-down (perhaps my coffee has not yet settled in though, in case I am missing it).

That's still only a single star, isn't it?  (and then the total number for attachments).

[Paul Creed III]

Firstly, great job on the rack builder - it is an awesome resource.

For the Commanders Commendation ribbon, could you with a check-box and number of award selection rather than a single drop-down? For example, I have earned 4 Commander's Commendations and 2 National Commander Commander's Commendations and I don't see a way of selecting that particular combo from the drop-down (perhaps my coffee has not yet settled in though, in case I am missing it).

That's still only a single star, isn't it?  (and then the total number for attachments).

Yes, sir, you are indeed correct.

"In the event of multiple awards, the bronze or silver star is placed on the ribbon to the wearer's right of any clasps for multiple awards at any level. Only one bronze or silver star (one star of each type) will be worn. "

Lack of caffeine absorption this morning.

[baronet68]

I know a few people who are passionate about that Earhart clasp. It is what they earned and what they wore. Same train of thought as the people who earned the COP and still wear it.

The COP is still listed in 39-3's order of precedence, but I'll cave-in and add the Earhart clasp.

But now the really big question... which is higher precedence on the ribbon, the clasp or the star?

[Fubar]

Have you ever been awarded a ribbon for all this work?

[Mitchell 1969]

I know a few people who are passionate about that Earhart clasp. It is what they earned and what they wore. Same train of thought as the people who earned the COP and still wear it.

The COP is still listed in 39-3's order of precedence, but I'll cave-in and add the Earhart clasp.

But now the really big question... which is higher precedence on the ribbon, the clasp or the star?

Logic says...silver clasp takes precedence, as it became part of the award. The star indicates an add-on for a single purpose.

Anyway, that's how I'd see it.


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[baronet68]

Have you ever been awarded a ribbon for all this work?

No... but if I were to award myself one, it would be the Distinguished Service Medal because the rack builder is conspicuous and reflects upon the accomplishments and prestige of CAP on a national scale.   


Here are some facts/observations about the rack builder:

• Confirmed active web links from various unit web pages across at least 38 Wings, two Region HQ domains, and National HQ
• Average of ~200 racks built per day for 15 years, with a noticeable up-tick during the summer encampment months
• More than 470 individual ribbon images were made by yours truly using my favorite image-creation software... MS Paint 
• An additional 400+ individual miniature medal images in the works to (hopefully) fully expand the rack builder to properly display mini medals
• Earlier (non-horizontally striped) ribbon artwork was used by NHQ to publish CAPR 39-3 - Note the Achievement Ribbon was newly created at the time and didn't exist on the rack builder so they had to use someone else's image in that spot 
• Later (horizontally striped) artwork has been used by others for their own web sites and also on the CAP Awards Wikipedia page
• Thousands of Cadets fantasize about their award-winning potential - I can see each rack that's built in the site logs and cadets just LOVE to see what a rack looks like when it contains EVERY SINGLE RIBBON AVAILABLE 
• Thousands of Senior Members now know which color goes on which side of their Membership and Leadership ribbons - From the site logs, these two are the most common SM racks built with only one ribbon
• Hosted entirely at personal expense as a gift to CAP
• The rack builder was built from scratch using nothing but Notepad 

[Luis R. Ramos]

Oh, a few Senior Members use it for "what-if" scenarios as well...

Great work!

[maholtzclaw]

Miniature medals are not authorized for community service ribbon or national cadet activities ribbon, but the rack builder creates them. Appreciate the updated builder as it is my go to resource for guidance.



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[Luis R. Ramos]

Sometimes I wonder if we could have the badges added to the rack on a size comparable to the ribbons. So far the only option I have known is to download each independently. But doing this ends with images that are not consistent with each other in one way or other.

[baronet68]

Miniature medals are not authorized for community service ribbon or national cadet activities ribbon... <snip>

"Not authorized" or "not currently available from Vanguard"?

[PHall]

Miniature medals are not authorized for community service ribbon or national cadet activities ribbon... <snip>

"Not authorized" or "not currently available from Vanguard"?

Considering that they're "Cadet" ribbons, there's probably very little demand for the mini medals and Vanguard won't make them unless there's a demand for them.
Or National tells them to live up to the contract and make them.

[SarDragon]

IIRC, cadets have no place to wear medals, mini or otherwise. Mini medals are only authorized on the Mess Dress and Corporate Semi-formal uniforms.

[Vegas1972]

Miniature medals are not authorized for community service ribbon or national cadet activities ribbon... <snip>

"Not authorized" or "not currently available from Vanguard"?

Considering that they're "Cadet" ribbons, there's probably very little demand for the mini medals and Vanguard won't make them unless there's a demand for them.
Or National tells them to live up to the contract and make them.

Not they need a mini-medal....but neither are cadet only awards are they?   Or just by tradition cadet only?

[PHall]

Miniature medals are not authorized for community service ribbon or national cadet activities ribbon... <snip>

"Not authorized" or "not currently available from Vanguard"?

Considering that they're "Cadet" ribbons, there's probably very little demand for the mini medals and Vanguard won't make them unless there's a demand for them.
Or National tells them to live up to the contract and make them.

Not they need a mini-medal....but neither are cadet only awards are they?   Or just by tradition cadet only?

Per the 39-3 the Community Service Ribbon can be awarded to both Cadets and Seniors and the National Cadet Special Activities Ribbon may be worn by a senior member if earned while a cadet.

[Spaceman3750]

... National Cadet Special Activities Ribbon may be worn by a senior member if earned while a cadet.

That's not what 20.d says. "Awarded to cadets and senior members who participate in national cadet special activities"

The way it's written, you can earn it as a SM, not just continue to wear it after dark-siding.

[Eclipse]

... National Cadet Special Activities Ribbon may be worn by a senior member if earned while a cadet.

That's not what 20.d says. "Awarded to cadets and senior members who participate in national cadet special activities"

The way it's written, you can earn it as a SM, not just continue to wear it after dark-siding.

+1, but I think what he meant was that you could wear it as a senior even if your last NCSA was as a cadet.
It should have a mini.

[PHall]

... National Cadet Special Activities Ribbon may be worn by a senior member if earned while a cadet.

That's not what 20.d says. "Awarded to cadets and senior members who participate in national cadet special activities"

The way it's written, you can earn it as a SM, not just continue to wear it after dark-siding.

Read the final sentence of the paragraph. "Cadets earning this ribbon may continue to wear the ribbon as a senior member."

[SarDragon]

Phil, Spaceman is agreeing with you.

Mike - thanks for your efforts in building what I think is the premier CAP rack builder. It's a shame that there always seems to be naysayers that want to find fault in other's efforts.

On that note, unless someone presents a compelling reason to continue, we are done here.