Introduction
Awards – An all-inclusive term covering any decoration, medal, badge, ribbon or attachments bestowed on an individual. Awards are issued for those who have either participated in designated wars, campaigns, expeditions, or have performed certain duties, acts or services that fulfill creditable, specific service requirements.

Types of Awards
Basically, there are two types of awards in Ghost Recon. The first being the top row awards which can be considered “personal awards”. These citations are awarded for an individual’s specific performance in each particular mission. Personnel who exhibit intense bravery and heroism in the face of perilous danger shall be recognized for their efforts. The next type of awards are those found in the bottom row. These citations can be considered “unit awards” and are distributed for participation in a particular mission or campaign. A description and the requirements for receiving each award is provided below. As stated in the Manual, repeated exposure to enemy fire is paramount for obtaining an award. After all, they don’t just give Medals away. Multiple awards are displayed in the space above the medals using a bronze pin. (For example, in the picture below – the soldier has received three bronze stars; the medal and the two pins above it.)

Awards: (As seen in the Ghost Recon Menu - Click on a ribbon for a description)

Top Row:

Medal of Honor
Ghost Recon - The Medal of Honor [1] is awarded for killing large numbers (30) of enemy soldiers and repeated exposure to enemy fire.

The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member of the Army, distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of the service will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this decoration will be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.

Distinguished Service Cross
Ghost Recon-This medal is awarded for killing large numbers (25) of enemy soldiers and repeated exposure to enemy fire.

The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguished himself or herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing or foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades.

Silver Star
Ghost Recon-This medal is awarded for killing large numbers (20) of enemy soldiers and repeated exposure to enemy fire.

The Silver Star is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the Distinguished Service Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction.

Bronze Star
Ghost Recon-This medal is awarded for killing large numbers (15) of enemy soldiers and repeated exposure to enemy fire.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy; or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Purple Heart
Ghost Recon-This is awarded if the soldier was wounded or killed on a mission. (Note: Still awarded even if wounded or killed by friendly fire.)

Awarded for wounds or death as result of an act of any opposing armed force, as a result of an international terrorist attack or as a result of military operations while serving as part of a peacekeeping force.

Bottom Row:

Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) - This is given after a soldier has participated in one combat mission. It is given posthumously if the soldier is killed in the line of duty.
Ghost Recon – Self-explanatory.

Campaign Ribbon 1 - This is awarded if a soldier has participated in any of the missions that make up the first part of the campaign.
Ghost Recon – Successful completion of a mission from M01 – M05.

Campaign Ribbon 2 - This is awarded if a soldier has participated in any of the missions that make up the second part of the campaign.
Ghost Recon – Successful completion of a mission from M06 – M10.

Campaign Ribbon 3 - This is awarded if a soldier has participated in any of the missions that make up the third part of the campaign.
Ghost Recon – Successful completion of mission from M11 – M15.

*Note: If a primary objective is not accomplished the mission is a failure. However, it is possible to not accomplish some secondary objectives and still obtain the campaign ribbon.

Conclusion
While awards may not improve the overall abilities of your team, awards provide visual recognition for the honor, courage and commitment they exhibit in combat when facing a hostile enemy. In the heat of battle, no one is thinking of receiving an award, only thinking of survival and accomplishing the mission. It’s rewarding to successfully insert your platoon of troops, complete the mission, and make it back to the extraction zone, only to learn that you’ve received the Medal of Honor for valor and bravery. And while a medal can’t repay the price a soldier pays, in some small way it justifies their actions under extreme conditions, signifies the sincere appreciation felt by teammates and superiors and says, “Thanks for a job well done!”

A great man once said, “We would not be the land of the free, if we were not also the home of the brave!”

[1] In the Ghost Recon Manual the Medal of Honor is incorrectly named the Congressional Medal of Honor

-Xian Saint