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Combat Readiness Medal

In 1964 the U.S. Air Force created a new military decoration to add to the pantheon of all the medals of America. The Air Force called these new US military medals Combat Readiness Medals. Although originally these military medals were superior to the Air Force Commendation Medal, in 1967 the criteria was changed and these Air Force ribbons and medals were designated a campaign service award. These Air Force medals and ribbons are now awarded to Active Duty and Reserve personnel who have sustained individual combat mission readiness, or who have achieved levels of preparedness for direct weapon-system employment that amount to 24 cumulative months of sustained duty performance.

The Air Force Major Headquarters awards the Combat Readiness Medal to Air Force personnel, and it is not uncommon for individuals receiving it to also be awarded the Air Medal and/or the Aerial Achievement Medal at the same time, since the qualifications are quite similar.

The Combat Readiness Medal is worn below the Prisoner of War Medal, and just above the Air Force Good Conduct Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals. Multiple awards of the Combat Readiness Medal are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters. If an Air Force member has transitioned into the Army, the Combat Readiness Medal must be worn as the last domestic medal/ribbon, but before any foreign awards.

The Combat Readiness Medal is generally available as Air Force medals, ribbons, and lapel pins to name a few common forms. These military decorations can be worn as traditional slide-on military medals or mini-medals and traditional slide-on military ribbons. While traditionalist may still prefer to purchase the traditional slide-on full size military medals, mini-medals, and slide-on military ribbons; the newer thin mini-medals, and ultra thin military ribbons commercial suppliers now provide have become extremely popular among up and coming military personnel who know how important it is to their career advancement to always maximize the neatness and smartness of their uniform appearance.