Medals
Most Army awards come with both a medal and a ribbon. Medals are designed to be worn with dress uniforms only, while the ribbons for the respective award are to be worn with standard uniforms. Medals are divided into two types, decorations and service medals. Decorations are for individual accomplishments, and come in various shapes. Service medals are for participation and service, and are always circular shaped (except for foreign service medals). Medals are to be worn in a specific order, ranging from the Medal of Honor to service medals from foreign nations. A variety of attachments can be added to medals and ribbons to denote multiple awards and other achievements.

Ribbon Only Awards
Certain awards come with ribbons only, and do not have accompanying medals. These are normally worn above the right chest pocket of the uniform, seperate from the ribbons or medals worn above the left chest pocket.

Badges and Insignia
Various badges and non-rank insignia exist to identify branch of service, special units, and skill accomplishments.

Rank Insignia
Officer rank insignia (metal pins) are worn on the shoulders, while enlisted rank insignia (cloth patches) are worn on the sleeves.

Unit Patches
Unit patches are generally worn on the left shoulder, although there are some instances were a second patch of a different unit can be worn on the right shoulder.