Navy Recruit Training Service Medal

The Navy Recruit Training Service Medal, known officially as the Navy Accession Training Service Ribbon (NATSR), was established through a SECNAV Memo on March 17, 1998, and was previously called the Navy Recruit Training Service Ribbon until July 5, 2016. This award is intended to recognize officers and enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy who have successfully completed a prescribed tour of duty at specific training commands. **Criteria and Eligibility:** To be eligible for the NATSR, personnel must meet the following criteria: 1. Successfully complete the prescribed tour of duty at one of the following commands: - Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) - Recruit Training Command - Officer Training Command - Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Units - U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) - U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School 2. The tour must be completed on or after October 1, 1995. 3. Personnel must maintain outstanding personal standards without any disciplinary incidents throughout the tour. **Award Elements:** The NATSR consists solely of a ribbon; no citation or certificate is issued. Subsequent awards are denoted by the wear of a 3/16-inch bronze star on the ribbon, and a 3/16-inch silver star is worn in lieu of five bronze stars. **Procedures for Award:** The commanding officers of the eligible commands have the authority to award the NATSR. They must ensure appropriate entries are made in the service records of awardees. Individuals who believe they meet eligibility criteria may submit a request for this award to their commanding officers or the directors of the respective military training commands, including the required supporting documentation. **Notable Points:** - The NATSR is a non-combat ribbon that acknowledges the professional and exemplary conduct of personnel during their training assignments. - Each subsequent award reflects continued distinguished service, with the use of bronze and silver stars to denote multiple awards. There are no widely recognized notable recipients of the NATSR reported, as it is typically given at the command level without public recognition. However, it serves as an important measure of professional accomplishment for service members in their early careers in the Navy. The ribbon serves as an official acknowledgment of the commitment and performance of personnel who participate in training roles, contributing to the overall readiness and effectiveness of Navy operations.