The Illinois National Guard Active Duty Ribbon honors Illinois National Guard members who carry out service in the event of a mobilization; training and ceremonial events do not warrant the award.
The Illinois Army National Guard and the Illinois Air National Guard make up the Illinois National Guard. With roots as far back as a 1712 colonial militia, the Army component makes its headquarters in Springfield and boasts a membership of nearly 10,000. The Air component, also based in Springfield, originated in 1927 with the 108th Observation Squadron in Chicago.
The ribbon is beige with one vertical dark blue stripe on each edge.