Awards

Awards ceremonies are held at least once each semester to recognize cadets’ accomplishments in the areas of scholastics, military studies, athleticism, as well as cadets’ other extracurricular activities and accomplishments.  Award ceremonies are formal events which family and friends are encouraged to attend to help celebrate our cadets’ hard work and accomplishments.

Active Duty Awards and Ribbons

Active duty awards are worn in accordance with AR 670-1.   Cadet awards (below) MAY NOT be mixed with active duty awards.  If individuals have received both active duty and cadet awards, they must choose which category to wear.

Cadet Awards

Cadet Awards are worn in accordance with CCR-672-5-1.  A complete listing of ribbons is displayed below in the correct precedence for wear with a brief description of each award.

Distinguished Military Graduate: Awarded to cadets who fulfill the following requirements IAW CCR-145-9:

• Is determined to be in the top 20% of the national OML
• Successfully completes the advanced course.
• Graduates with a baccalaureate degree

Distinguished Military Student:  Awarded to cadets who fulfill the following requirements IAW CCR-145-9:  

• Possess outstanding qualities of leadership and high moral character
• Exhibit a definite aptitude for and interest in military service
• Attain a military science standing in the upper third of his/her ROTC class and be ranked in the upper third by OML as established by the PMS
• Attain an overall academic standing in the upper half of his/her university or college class.

MSG Roy Benavidez Honor Award: In honor of SFC Roy Benavidez, a Medal of Honor recipient, the Benavidez Award is awarded to the cadet who best exemplifies the spirit of Duty, Honor, Country.

• Exemplary dedication to the U.S. Army.

Caissons Book Scholarship:  The University of Texas Army ROTC Caissons Alumni Association awards two book scholarships valued at $100.00/each to exemplary Longhorn cadets.

• MS I or MS II students.
• PT score of 250.
• University and ROTC Cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Top 1/3 of class.
• Financial need will be a consideration.

Caissons Endowed Award:  The University of Texas Army ROTC Caissons Alumni Association awards two scholarships valued at $750.00/each to the two most deserving Longhorn cadets.

• MS I or MS II students.
• PT score of 250.
• University and ROTC cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Top 1/3 of class.
• Financial need will be a consideration.

Colonel John Drolla Scholarship Award:  4 recipients ($100.00 each)

• MS I and II students.
• Announced at Spring Awards for upcoming fall semester.
• Awarded to students after last day of add/drop.
• Varsity athlete or Ranger Challenge.
• Non-scholarship cadet.

The Jack House Award Plaque:  In honor of the fallen UT alum 1LT Jack House, this award is given to the cadet who demonstrates the highest moral character and leadership abilities.

• MS III cadet.
• GPA above 2.2.

Landrum Award:  In honor of distinguished UT Alum and former Professor of Military Science at UT, COL John Landrum. The award consists of a saber inscribed with the cadet’s name.

• Awarded to the cadet who does the best at LDAC each year.

The Military Affairs Council of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Saber Award: 

• Awarded to an MS IV cadet who consistently excels in academics, physical fitness and leadership ability.

LT Roy L. Nelson Award:  In honor of fallen UT alum 1LT Roy Nelson, this award is given to the cadet who best embodies his loyalty and commitment to the unit, and the US Army (Presented a Saber at the May Commissioning ceremony by Mrs. Toni Serene, remarried widow of LT Nelson).

• Awarded to one of the top 5 MS IV cadets each year
• Awarded to cadet at commissioning upon graduation from UT.
• Must be a “steady, consistent performer” while a member of the Cadet Corps.
• GPA above a 2.0.

ROTC Class of 1996 Spirit Award:  Consists of an Army saber awarded by the Army ROTC Class of 1996 to an MS IV in the spring semester.  It is awarded to the cadet who best embodies the spirit of the UT ROTC class of 1996.

• Most improved, best all around, or most outstanding senior cadet.

Recondo Badge: Awarded to cadets with the highest levels of competence in military skills and abilities. Each cadet who meets criteria receives a badge and certificate from Regiment at Warrior Forge.  Criteria are as follows:

• Minimum of 90 points per event on APFT score
• Go on Confidence Course
• Go on Water Safety
• 80 percent on written, day, and night Land Navigation
• “S” for SQD STX
• Go for MG Assault Course
• Go, 80 points for HG
• Go for ITT Assault Course
• Go for BRM
• No dimensional “N”
• No non-medical waivers

Cadet Ribbons:  Cadet Ribbons can be worn on both the Class A and Class B uniforms. They signify the hard work and effort that cadets have put in to the UT Army ROTC program and their respective education. They are awarded for various accomplishments and achievements ranging from helping out with recruiting to maintaining a 4.0 grade average. To see the list of cadet ribbons shown in precedence for wear and with criteria for award, click on the link below.
Pictures of Cadet Ribbons (PDF, 381K)