RICHMOND, Va. –
The Virginia National Guard has updated its primary regulation governing state military awards to reflect procedural changes and introduce new recognitions. Virginia Army National Guard Regulation 600-8-22 and Virginia Air National Guard Instruction 36-2803, the State Military Awards Program, were published Sept. 11, 2025, and are effective immediately.
“Our state awards program empowers leaders to recognize the outstanding performance of our Soldiers and Airmen in support of both the Commonwealth and the nation,” said Lt. Col. Andrew J. Czaplicki, assistant deputy chief of staff for personnel. “While federal awards are highly valued, state awards offer a focused opportunity to acknowledge contributions that directly benefit our local communities and units.”
The last major revision to the regulation occurred in 2014, with subsequent updates made through rapid action revisions. This comprehensive update consolidates policies and procedures for submitting, approving, and awarding both existing and new state military awards.
Among the additions is the “Counterdrug Program Ribbon,” approved in 2024, which recognizes Virginia Army and Air National Guard members serving 365 consecutive days on active duty supporting the National Guard Counterdrug Program. The ribbon features a gold center (5/16 inch) flanked by red (1/4 inch), blue (1/4 inch), black (1/4 inch), and grey (3/16 inch) stripes on a 3/8-by-1-3/16-inch ribbon.
The revision also introduces the “Reenlistment Ribbon,” recognizing enlisted Soldiers and Airmen who reenlist for at least three years beyond their initial service obligation. This ribbon measures 3/8 inches by 1-3/16 inches and displays a blue center (5/16 inch) with white (1/4 inch) stripes and a red (3/16 inch) stripe.
Existing awards have also been updated. The State Partnership Program Ribbon now recognizes the Republic of Finland, and the regulation clarifies procedures for documenting awards from other National Guard states.
Additionally, the eligibility criteria and award procedures for the 29th Infantry Division Band Tab and the Governor’s Twenty Tab, previously managed through memorandums and policy letters, have been formally codified within this regulation.
The U.S. Army Regulation 600-8-22, Awards Program, was recently updated to authorize the wear of National Guard state awards, ribbons, and decorations for official photos. State awards were already authorized for wear in State Active Duty and Title 32 statuses, and may be included in official military personnel records.
“The revision gives leaders another powerful tool for building morale, fostering esprit de corps, and visibly demonstrating appreciation for our Soldiers’ and Airmen’s service,” Czaplicki said.