Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon

The Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon is awarded to members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps who achieve a qualifying score during prescribed marksmanship courses with a service pistol. This recognition serves to highlight proficiency and skill in pistol shooting. ### History The origins of marksmanship awards in the Navy date back to the early 20th century. The Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon, along with other marksmanship awards, has evolved from earlier forms of recognition that aimed to encourage firearm proficiency among service members. This ribbon reflects the importance placed on firearms training and proficiency within the military. ### Criteria and Eligibility To receive the Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon, the following criteria must be met: - Individuals must qualify as a marksman, sharpshooter, or expert, with specific scoring thresholds defined for each classification. - Qualifying scores are achieved through prescribed courses as outlined in official Navy or Marine Corps instructions. - Qualification and awarding procedures for Navy personnel are specified in OPNAVINST 3590.7 (series). ### Awarding Authority Commanding Officers (COs) who have the authority to award the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) are also authorized to award the Marksmanship Awards to personnel meeting the eligibility criteria. It is their responsibility to ensure that appropriate entries are made in individual service records. ### Subsequent Awards Each subsequent award of the Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon is denoted by a 3/16-inch bronze star on the ribbon. After earning five bronze stars, the next subsequent award is indicated by a 3/16-inch silver star, which replaces the bronze stars. ### Order of Precedence The Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon is to be worn after all other military awards and is not to be worn alongside marksmanship awards from other branches of the military. ### Authorized Devices Authorized devices for this award include the 3/16-inch bronze and silver stars used to denote subsequent awards. ### Notable Recipients While specific notable recipients of the Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon may not be documented in the same manner as higher decoration medals, many service members who have excelled in marksmanship competitions, classified training programs, or operational deployments involving firearms are eligible and likely recipients of the ribbon. In summary, the Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon serves as a notable recognition for service members proficient in pistol use, underlining the commitment to skill in weapon handling and safety standard adherence within the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.