Established in 1976, the Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbon honors military recruits whose performance in basic training puts them at their top of their classes. There are distinct awards for the Air Force, Coast Guard and Navy.
For the Air Force, awardees must achieve a minimum score of 90 percent on the final physical fitness test; an average of 90 percent or better on written tests; zero failed inspections; and no negative marks in written evaluations. A maximum of 10 percent of any given flight may receive the award.
The Coast Guard version, authorized on March 3, 1984, is presented to the Seaman or woman whose performance in basic training instruction results in a position at the top of the class.
For the Navy version, authorized on August 18, 2015, a maximum of 10 percent of any given training class may receive the award.
The Air Force ribbon is bisected by a thick vertical dark blue stripe flanked on either side by a yellow stripe, an aqua stripe, and white edging.
The Coast Guard ribbon is white and is bisected by a thin vertical yellow stripe flanked on either side by a thicker red stripe; a thin blue stripe appears toward each edge.
The Navy ribbon is blue with thin vertical stripes of gray, red, and yellow proceeding outward on each edge.