Effective as of September 1, 2008, the Star of Merit will no longer be awarded for shooting activities (placing while in uniform, clean match, etc). These will now be used to qualify for the Marksmanship Award.
Effective as of September 1, 2008, the Star of Merit will no longer be awarded for service on a Color Guard. Serving on a color guard is considered an honor. However, those that want may wear the color guard bar on their GAF Medal. Details on where this may be purchased will be forthcoming.
Stars of Merit awarded previously for a shooting activity or for serving on a color guard are grandfathered in. They will not be withdrawn from those who earned them for any of these actions. Only shooting activities and color guards that take place after September 1, 2008 will be effected by this change.
US Scout
GAF, Commanding