Shooting at Ft Detrick MD

[BobR]

I thought the National Defense ribbon was for surviving Basic Training.

No, most services have their own ribbon for that.  I think the Navy may have finally broken down and developed one.

National Defense was for serving during a certain period, I was given two of them, one for Vietnam era and another for PG 1 (Gulf War). The other periods are Korea conflict and the present War on Terror.

bob

[Hawkmoon]

I did Army Basic in 1966/67. I know we were awarded the NDSM upon graduation from Basic Training. Since the NDSM is only given out during times of conflict, I suppose the rules change from year to year.

[Devonai]

Yes, you need to complete basic, which as I said requires a pulse.  Not necessarily a brain.