Clasps vs Stars

[GaryVC]

Generally stars on ribbons denote the level of the award while clasps are used for subsequent awards of the same ribbon. However, I have noticed that for the Cadet Specialty Activity Ribbon (which can be worn by both cadets and senior members) stars are worn for subsequent awards. This seem like an error in the regulation and clasps should be awarded instead.

[SarDragon]

It's been that way for a very long time, and there must have been some logic to do it that way.

I see this as a solution looking for a problem. What difference does it really make?

[Mitchell 1969]

It's been that way for a very long time, and there must have been some logic to do it that way.

I see this as a solution looking for a problem. What difference does it really make?

Probably no difference, other than to correct a nagging "Now why did they do THAT?" question. I've wondered the same thing. Clasps usually mean "earned it again" while stars usually mean "reached a higher level" or "did something in addition to earning it once."  It doesn't make any logical sense to use stars on that ribbon. More puzzling - the old "Special Acts" ribbon that was killed off in 1971 didn't use stars, it used clasps. So - why use stars now for the "earned it again" for the current ribbon?


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[MSG Mac]

Something for the National Uniform Committee to clarify or fix.