Military Training Instructor Ribbon: A Comprehensive Guide

The Military Training Instructor Ribbon is an honour given by the U.S. Air Force. It symbolizes a token of appreciation toward members of the airmen who become MTIs, dedicating themselves to training and preparing new recruits. 

This ribbon is not just about the piece of cloth but about respect and appreciation toward those making tomorrow’s Air Force.

Being an MTI is no easy job-it requires skill, patience, and a commitment to guide recruits into a life of discipline, service, and sacrifice. MTIs introduce recruits to military life, teach them essential skills, and sponsor the development of qualities that would help them become good airmen.

Military Training Instructor Ribbon Background

The Air Force Military Training Instructor Ribbon was authorized on 7 December 1998 by Acting Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten Peters. It was established to recognize airmen completing an entire tour as instructors with the 737th Training Group at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, home of the Military Training Instructor School.

Since 1947, the Air Force has relied on volunteers, often Staff Sergeants (E-5), to serve as MTIs. However, in 2003, due to a shortage of volunteers, the Air Force began assigning MTIs without volunteers to meet demand, especially with many recruits joining the Global War on Terror.

In 2013, the Air Force decided to mainly select Technical Sergeants (E-6) and Master Sergeants (E-7) as MTIs after misconduct by a few instructors, many of whom were Staff Sergeants. After that, E-5 applicants were only accepted.

Before 1994, an MTI tour was three years, but when the MTI Ribbon was introduced, the tour requirement was reduced to 12 months. Airmen received the ribbon after graduating from MTI School, and they could keep it permanently after completing one full tour (12 months). The 737th Training Group commander could waive this requirement for valid reasons.

In 2014, the Air Force replaced the MTI Ribbon with the Air Force Special Duty Ribbon to recognize airmen in special duty roles like MTIs.

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Criteria for the MTI Ribbon

• Initial Award: The ribbon is first given when someone graduates from Military Training Instructor School.
• Permanent Award: MTIs can wear the ribbon permanently after completing at least 12 months of duty as an MTI. The 737th Training Group commander can allow exceptions if someone can’t complete the tour for valid reasons.
• Retroactive Eligibility: The ribbon can also be given to anyone who completed 12 months of MTI duty before December 7, 1998, if they were still on active duty or in the reserves.
• Discipline Rule: The 737th Training Group commander can remove the ribbon if an MTI is removed from the program for disciplinary reasons.
• Additional Service: For every three extra years of MTI duty, the MTI can add an oak leaf cluster to their ribbon, marking their extended service.

Ribbon Description

The Military Training Instructor Ribbon is distinctive in that the color represents a different aspect of the role of an MTI.

• Dark Blue Background: Symbolizing the colour matching the MTI’s campaign hat.
• Silver Outside Stripes: The MTIs should represent the badges of the MTIs who are in training at Officer Training School.
• Red Center Stripes: Indicates the MTIs that train at Basic Military Training School.
• Light Blue Inside Stripes: Indicate the “Blue Rope” Master MTIs, the top instructors.

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Related Topics

The Marine Corps Combat Instructor Ribbon: This award is given to Marines serving as combat instructors. These people train other Marines in various combat skills at various training schools.

Army Ribbons: The Army awards ribbons to soldiers who have performed tasks or served beyond the ordinary. This includes awards for combat, training, special services, and several others.

Army Drill Sergeant Ribbon: It is awarded to soldiers who have served their full tour as Drill Sergeants, training fresh recruits in basic combat training.

Air Force Special Duty Ribbon: This award goes to Air Force personnel who served in special duty roles, such as instructors and recruiters. Their contribution is generally highly valued.

Developmental Special Duty Ribbon: An award for airmen in special developmental positions- to recognise their efforts and work in mentoring and shaping the future leaders of the Air Force.

Pay for Military Training Instructors: The salary for MTIs is ranked according to rank and years of experience, and they also receive added benefits concerning special duties and responsibilities.

Military Training Instructor (MTI) in the Air Force: MTIs are instructors to new Air Force recruits, training them at Air Force Basic Military Training and aiding their development of discipline, skills, and knowledge needed for military service.

What Does the Ribbon Look Like?

The Military Training Instructor Ribbon looks very simple yet meaningful. It is blue with thin white and silver stripes in alternating order. The ribbon indicates professionalism, dedication, and honor, which are all qualities that an MTI brings into their role. With such a simple-looking ribbon, there’s a tremendous sense of respect and achievement associated with wearing it.

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How is the Ribbon Earned?

To qualify for the Military Training Instructor Ribbon, airmen must serve as an MTI for at least 12 months. The airmen must demonstrate satisfactory performance in their instructor duties and meet the standards expected of an MTI throughout their service.

But that is not where it stops. Any airman in service as an MTI for many years gets additional awards to be bestowed upon them for those extra years of service. And if they have served beyond three years of MTI duty past their time of basic service, the oak leaf clusters are their reward. These small add-ons can be pinned on the ribbon, indicating that these personnel stay in this demanding role.

Why is the Ribbon Important?

The Military Training Instructor Ribbon is important for several reasons:

• Recognition of Hard Work: MTIs work tirelessly, often in challenging situations, to train and mentor new recruits. This ribbon is a way of thanking them for their dedication.
• Building the Air Force Foundation: MTIs play a crucial role in the Air Force by preparing new airmen. Their guidance helps shape future Air Force members’ values, attitudes, and skills.
• Encouragement for Instructors: The ribbon can motivate instructors to continue their hard work and strive for excellence. Knowing their efforts are recognized encourages them to keep giving their best.
• Setting a Standard: Earning this ribbon sets an example for other airmen, showing that commitment and hard work in helping others succeed will be rewarded.

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Conclusion

The Military Training Instructor Ribbon may look simplistic, but one would realize how much it means. Wearing it is a badge of honor and symbolizes hard work in bringing new recruits up to being strong, disciplined, and committed airmen.

The ribbon is a symbol that exceeds the measures of an award; it’s a way of remembering the important role MTIs played in shaping the Air Force. EveryoneAn MTI has touched everyone who graduates from Basic Military Training, and this ribbon will show the hard work and influence a mentor meant to their student.

FAQs

Do drill instructors get a ribbon?

Yes, drill instructors do get a ribbon. The Army calls it the Army Drill Sergeant Ribbon, and the Marine Corps calls it the Marine Corps Combat Instructor Ribbon.

What is a military training instructor?

A Military Training Instructor (MTI) teaches new recruits the basics of military life, such as discipline, fitness, and teamwork, in preparation for life in the military.

What is the ribbon for basic training?

In the Air Force, recruits receive the Air Force Training Ribbon after basic military training. Each of the other branches has something similar.

How do I become an instructor in the Army?

To be considered for instructor duty in the Army, you need experience, a good service record, and have completed instructor training, which can be like Drill Sergeant School.