The Army Service Ribbon was established by a General Order of the Secretary of the Army in April of 1981.  Personnel serving in the Army National Guard and US Army Reserve in an active Reserve status are eligible for these military awards.  These military ribbons are presented to members of the Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard upon successful completion of initial entry training.  For Officers this training includes basic orientation and for enlisted soldiers this training includes completion of their initial MOS producing course.  For those service members who completed initial entry training prior to 1981, the Army Service Ribbon is retroactively awarded, provided the service member was still on active duty after 1981. For those service members who enlist in the Army after serving with another service (and who may not be required to complete initial entry training) the Army Service Ribbon is awarded after four months of active service.  The Army doesn’t have corresponding military medals for this award.

The Air Force Training Ribbon and the Marine Corps Eagle, Globe and Anchor are both equivalents of the Army Service Ribbon for their branches of service.  The Army Service Ribbon is presented as a one-time award only since it is not possible to earn it more than once.   These military ribbons are worn below the Army Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon and above the Army Overseas Service Ribbon in the order of precedence for all Army ribbons and medals.   These military awards are available as traditional slide-on ribbons and the newer custom thin ribbons that are becoming a favorite for their sleek appearance.