Maryland Defense Force



8/25/2010-Some of the most significant changes include:

The Maryland Medal for Valor has been replaced with the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross with valor device. Previous recipients may continue to wear or may request conversion to the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross.

The Maryland National Guard Honor Guard Ribbon and the Maryland National Guard Counter Drug Ribbon have been replaced with the Maryland Military Department Special Services Ribbon. The design of the new ribbon is identical to the previous honor guard ribbon. Personnel awarded the previous counter drug ribbon must switch to the new ribbon.

The Maryland Air National Guard First Sergeant Ribbon is no longer authorized for award. Previous recipients may continue to wear.

The Maryland State Active Duty Medal has been renamed the Maryland Military Department Emergency Service Medal and award criteria have been revised. Arabic numerals are now worn on the ribbon to indicate multiple awards instead of oak leaf clusters.

The Maryland National Guard State Service Medal has been renamed the State of Maryland State Service Medal and the criteria for wear of the various Botonee devices have been revised.

The Maryland Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon is now considered an individual award. Arabic numerals are worn on the ribbon to indicate multiple awards instead of oak leaf clusters.

The Maryland National Guard Adjutant General's Distinguished Unit Ribbon has been renamed as the Adjutant General's Special Recognition Ribbon and is no longer worn with a frame.

Arabic numerals are now worn on the Maryland Overseas Service Ribbon to indicate multiple awards instead of oak leaf clusters.