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Leading the Way XXII: What’s the deal with ribbons?

Major Matt Heusser, CAP

"Give me enough shiny pieces of cloth, and I can rule the world." - Napoleon Bonaparte

In CAP, it's been my experience that there are three different attitudes toward ribbons:

  1. Ribbons and Awards are nice bonuses for a job well done
  2. Ribbons and Awards are good motivators to get people to do a job well, and
  3. I need to earn Ribbons and Awards to get more respect?

It seems pretty obvious that #2 and #3 go hand in hand, and many of us have seen [been?] the sad individual who thinks ribbons will earn respect.

This reminds me of a story. Years Ago, I was at a CAP Activity when a Cadet NCO was discussing if he would take the Mitchell, or earn his Chief MSgt. (This was in the days when the Armstrong Achievement was being phased in, and he actually had a choice.) He was ticking off the reasons:

  1. I think it would be better for me to have more NCO time,
  2. You only get to be an NCO once,
  3. The extra time would make me a better officer later,
  4. I think I still have more to learn as an NCO...

Sitting nearby, I chimed in and jokingly said "AND you get the Armstrong Ribbon!" The Wing CAC Chair, also in the room, just looked at me funny and said "No, no, that's terrible. You never want to motivate people to do things just for the ribbon! I can't believe you!"

So, who was right?

Looking back on it, I think it would have depended on the individual. If a Cadet was trying to do something solely to get a ribbon, then that's a bad thing. However, if the Cadet had already made up his mind [which he had] to do something optional and hard, then why not mention the reward? Why not point out that hard work pays off in many ways, and ribbons are one of them? In this case, the ribbon was a reward for doing the right thing. What's wrong with that?

Over 200 years ago, Napoleon pointed out something I've mentioned in previous columns: People have the desire to be important, and ribbons and recognition fulfill some of that desire. Ribbons can be used to make individuals feel appreciated for doing a good job, but when they are used as the sole motivator to get something done, you're treading on thin ice.

Agree? Disagree? I'd love to hear your comments; email me at

Matthew Heusser, Capt, CAP
Leadership Officer, GLR-MI-265

Matt Heusser was a CAP cadet for most of the 1990's, spending most of his "cadet-hood" in the Maryland Wing before moving to Michigan just prior to his 21st birthday. As a senior member, Matt has served as leadership officer, Wing Special Activities Officer, CAC Advisor, and now advisor to the Michigan Wing Director of Cadet Programs. You can reach Major Heusser by email at mheusser@charter.net.

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