Arctic Service Ribbon - Definition

The Arctic Service Ribbon is a decoration of the United States Navy which was established in May 1986. The ribbon is authorized to any member of the U.S. Navy or United States Marines who serve twenty eight or more consecutive days of duty in the Arctic Circle.

The ribbon was made retroactive to January 1982 and is also granted to members of other branches of the military, providing they are serving with a Navy or Marine Corps command when the Arctic duty was performed. The United States Coast Guard equivalent of the Arctic Service Ribbon is the Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal.

The ribbon is issued for one time service only and there are no devices authorized for additional periods of Arctic service. The Antarctic equivalent of the Arctic Service Ribbon is the Antarctica Service Medal.

See also: Awards and decorations of the United States military