: Frayed, dirty, or faded ribbons can negatively impact a soldier’s professional image during promotion boards or formal ceremonies.

Comes in a color pattern of blue (on the right) and red (on the left) on the ends of the ribbon, followed by yellow thick stripes, Medals of America

In the U.S. Army, while the first ribbon may be issued upon earning an award, the responsibility for maintaining the uniform often falls on the individual.

: Many career professionals choose to buy "thin" or "super-thin" ribbons. These are custom-made, non-standard versions that lie flatter against the uniform and look significantly more professional than the standard "chunky" issued versions.