Which element indicates a second or succeeding award?

• A. Arrowhead
• B. V device
• C. Numerals
• D. Service stars

Answer: (C)

The thing being tested is how repeated awards are shown on insignia. When the same decoration is earned more than once, the count is indicated with numerals on the ribbon. A numeral attached to the ribbon tells you at a glance that this is a second, third, or further awarding of that same decoration.

Other devices have different meanings and do not indicate how many times an award has been earned: an arrowhead shows participation in an airborne operation, a V device denotes valor in combat for certain decorations, and service stars represent campaign participation or unit service, not the total number of awards.

So, numerals are the element that signals a second or succeeding award.