Ultimate Guide on How to Put Medals on a Ribbon Bar

Medal ribbons and ribbon bars play an important role in military and commemorative dress, allowing service personnel and veterans to display their honours in a practical and professional format. However, understanding how to put medals on a ribbon bar correctly can be confusing, particularly when multiple awards, clasps, and order of precedence rules are involved.

If you've ever wondered whether your medals are arranged correctly, where each ribbon should be positioned, or how medal ribbon bars differ from full-size medals, understanding the correct requirements is important. Even small errors in placement can affect the accuracy, presentation, and official order of wear of your awards.

This guide explains everything you need to know about wearing medal ribbon bars, including how ribbon bars are structured, how to arrange medal ribbons according to the Australian Order of Wearing, and the step-by-step process for mounting them correctly.

What Are Medal Ribbon Bars and How Are They Used?

A medal ribbon bar is a compact representation of a full-size medal, designed to be worn on military uniforms when displaying full medals is impractical. Each ribbon's colours correspond to a specific medal or award, allowing service personnel and veterans to display their honours while maintaining a neat and professional appearance.

In the Australian honours system, medal ribbons are worn according to the same order of precedence as the full-size medals they represent. This means the positioning of each ribbon is not a matter of personal preference but is governed by official regulations and established military tradition.

When worn correctly, medal ribbon bars provide an immediate visual record of an individual's service, operational deployments, long service awards, and other recognised honours.

Understanding the Australian Order of Wearing

Before arranging any medal ribbon bar, it is important to understand the Australian Order of Wearing. This official system determines the sequence in which honours and awards are displayed, ensuring consistency across the Australian Defence Force and veteran community. 

When wearing medal ribbon bars, the highest-ranking award is positioned first, followed by subsequent awards according to their official precedence. The arrangement is determined by the Australian honours system rather than the date a medal was received or personal preference. 

In general terms, medals are worn in the following order: 

• Gallantry and distinguished service decorations
• Campaign and operational service medals
• Long service and conduct medals
• National commemorative medals
• Approved foreign awards

When displayed on a ribbon bar, the most senior award is positioned on the wearer's right-hand side (appearing on the viewer's left). Additional ribbons are then arranged in descending order of precedence.

Correct placement is more than a matter of appearance. It ensures that military honours are displayed accurately and respectfully, preserving the integrity of Australia's honours and awards system.

How to Put Medals on a Ribbon Bar

Knowing the correct order of wear is only the first step when learning how to put medals on a ribbon bar. To ensure your medal ribbons are displayed accurately and professionally, they must be arranged and mounted correctly on the ribbon bar. The process is straightforward when approached methodically and helps ensure your awards comply with Australian honours and military dress conventions. 

Step 1: Identify All Awards Eligible for Wear 

Begin by creating a complete list of all medals and honours that you are authorised to wear. This should include Australian honours and awards, campaign medals, long service medals, and any approved foreign awards.  

Before proceeding, verify that each award is authorised for wear. Some commemorative items and unofficial medals may not be eligible for inclusion on a ribbon bar. 

Step 2: Determine the Correct Order of Precedence 

Once you have identified all eligible awards, arrange them according to the Australian Order of Wearing. This determines the sequence in which ribbons appear on the ribbon bar.  

The highest-ranking award is placed first, followed by each subsequent award in descending order of precedence. If you are unsure of the correct sequence, consult the Australian honours and awards guidelines before mounting the ribbons. 

Tip: Never arrange medal ribbons based on the date they were awarded or personal preference. The official order of precedence always takes priority. 

Step 3: Select the Appropriate Ribbon Bar Size

Ribbon bars are available in various configurations depending on the number of awards being displayed. Some may accommodate a single row of ribbons, while others allow multiple rows when a larger number of awards are involved. 

 When selecting a ribbon bar, consider: 

• The total number of medals being represented
• Uniform or dress requirements
• Whether multiple rows will be necessary
• Available space on the garment

Choosing the correct size helps ensure the finished ribbon bar remains balanced, secure, and easy to read.

Step 4: Arrange the Medal Ribbons

With the order established and the ribbon bar selected, begin positioning the ribbons from highest to lowest precedence. 

For a single-row ribbon bar, ribbons are placed side by side in sequence. For larger groups requiring multiple rows, ribbons should continue in the correct order while maintaining a neat and symmetrical appearance.

Take care to ensure: 

• Ribbon colours are facing the correct direction
• Ribbon widths are consistent
• Ribbons sit flush against one another
• The overall presentation is level and aligned

Accurate arrangement is one of the most important aspects of wearing medal ribbon bars correctly.

Step 5: Add Devices, Clasps, and Emblems if Required 

Some awards require additional devices to indicate specific operational service, repeated awards, or other distinctions. These may include clasps, rosettes, stars, numerals, or other authorised emblems.

Devices should only be added where officially authorised and must be positioned according to the regulations governing the specific medal.

If an award includes a device, ensure it is centred correctly on the ribbon and does not obstruct adjacent ribbons or devices.

Step 6: Secure and Inspect the Finished Ribbon Bar 

Before wearing the ribbon bar, conduct a final inspection to ensure everything is mounted correctly. 

Check that: 

• The ribbons follow the correct order of precedence
• All devices and emblems are correctly positioned
• The ribbon bar sits straight and level
• No ribbons are damaged, frayed, or misaligned
• Fastenings are secure

 A properly assembled ribbon bar should present a clear and accurate representation of your service and honours. Taking the time to inspect the finished result helps maintain the dignity and professionalism associated with Australia's military and commemorative traditions.