Effective 1 August 1981, the Army Service Ribbon is awarded to all members of the Regular (Active) Army, and Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve in an active reserve status, for successful completion of initial-entry training, which for officers is considered to be successful completion of their basic/orientation or higher-level course. Enlisted soldiers will be awarded the ribbon upon successful completion of their initial military occupational specialty (MOS)-producing course. If a soldier is assigned an MOS based on skills acquired as a civilian or member of a sister-service (e.g., USAF), the ribbon will be awarded after completion of 4 months honorable active service
