Putting together your first ribbon rack can feel like a lot to take in at once. So can updating one after a promotion or a new assignment. Please don’t rush it, and please don’t feel unsure. We’ll walk through the whole process together, one step at a time, the same way we’d want it explained to us.

This guide is for U.S. Air Force and Space Force members. It follows our own Build Your Rack tool from start to checkout, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before you begin.

Before You Start: Gather What You’ve Earned

Take a quiet moment to list the ribbons and medals you’ve earned. If you’re unsure where something belongs in the order, that’s completely normal. Our companion guide on the Air Force ribbon order of precedence walks through it gently. Our Air Force ribbons catalog already lists every ribbon in the correct official order, so you can simply follow along from top to bottom.

Step 1: Start the Rack Builder and Choose Your Branch

Head to our Build Your Rack tool and select Air Force from the service dropdown. The builder then shows you the full Air Force and Space Force ribbon and medal list, already arranged in precedence order. You won’t need to reorder anything yourself later.

Step 2: Select Each Ribbon You’ve Earned

Browse the list and check the box beside each ribbon you’ve earned. Take your time here. You can always come back and adjust before checkout.

Some ribbons carry devices: bronze or silver oak leaf clusters. These mark a second, third, or later award of the same ribbon. Here’s what each option costs:

  • 1 Bronze Oak Leaf: $1.25
  • 1 Silver Oak Leaf: $1.25
  • 2 Bronze Oak Leaves: $2.50
  • 2 Silver Oak Leaves: $2.50
  • 3 Bronze Oak Leaves: $3.75
  • 4 Bronze Oak Leaves: $4.00

If you earned a ribbon only once, you don’t need a device at all. Just leave it as “No Device” and move along.

Step 3: Add a Matching Medal (Only If You’d Like One)

Some ribbons have a full medal counterpart. For these, the builder offers you the option to add one alongside your ribbon:

  • Full-Size Medal: Airmen typically wear these for daytime ceremonies, parades, and service or dress uniforms.
  • Miniature Medal: Airmen typically wear these for mess dress and evening formal occasions.

You’re under no obligation to add either one. Many Airmen and Guardians order ribbons only for everyday wear, then add a medal later when a formal event calls for it. Our mini vs. full-size medals guide covers the difference in more detail, if you’d like a closer look.

Step 4: Choose How Your Rack Will Mount

Your ribbon rack mounts with standard pin-back hardware by default. If you’d rather avoid small pin holes in your uniform, we offer magnetic backing as a gentle upgrade for $7.50 per set. A quick note: we don’t recommend magnets for medals or for racks using Marine Corps spacing. If you’re unsure which is right for you, our team is always happy to help by phone or email before you order.

Step 5: Review Your Summary Before Moving On

Once you’ve selected your ribbons, devices, and any medals, you’ll reach the Review Summary step. Here you can:

  • Set the number of identical ribbon sets you need. This helps if you’re ordering more than one uniform’s worth.
  • Enter discount code STR2025 for 10% off at checkout.
  • Choose your shipping option: Standard (2 to 3 business days in transit), Overnight, Pickup in Store at our Wichita Falls, Texas location, or Ship With Another Order if you have a prior order on file.

One small but important note: shipping speed affects how quickly your order travels once we’ve built it, not how long it takes us to build it. If you have a firm deadline, like a ceremony, an inspection, or a report date, please reach out to us directly first. We want to make sure the timing works comfortably for you.

Step 6: Take One More Gentle Look, Then CheckOut

Before you check out, take a calm second pass through your rack. Compare it once more against your records or our precedence guide. This isn’t about catching a mistake. It’s simply the same quiet care you’d give to putting on your uniform each morning. When you’re ready, our secure checkout is powered by Authorize.Net, and you’ll receive a confirmation right away.

Ready When You Are

Build Your Air Force Ribbon Rack now →

We arrange every rack we build to exact military precedence, with correct ribbon dimensions and mounting. SuperThin Ribbons use Institute of Heraldry-approved materials, and we build each order with care at our facility in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a custom Air Force ribbon rack cost?
Most individual ribbons cost just over $2.00 each. Optional devices (oak leaf clusters) and medals cost extra, as shown above. Your final total depends on how many ribbons, devices, and medals you choose, and you’ll see it clearly before you check out.

Can I add oak leaf clusters for a ribbon I’ve earned more than once?
Yes. Simply select the appropriate device option (bronze or silver oak leaf) when you build that ribbon in Step 2.

Do you offer both miniature and full-size medals?
Yes. For ribbons with a medal counterpart, you can choose full-size ($55.00) or miniature ($21.00) in Step 3 of the builder.

What if I’m not fully sure of my correct order of precedence?
That’s completely alright. Our order of precedence guide and our precedence-sorted Air Force ribbons catalog can help you check gently, at your own pace. You’re also always welcome to contact us directly for a second set of eyes.

Can I update my rack later if I earn a new ribbon?
Yes. Many customers return to us after a promotion, a PCS, or a new award. Just reach out with your updated list, and we’ll help you add to what you already have.

To every Airman, Guardian, veteran, and retiree building or updating a rack today: thank you for your service. We’re glad to walk through this with you, one ribbon at a time.