appear again until the year 2002 (authorized on February 10, 2002). At that time, the United States Air Force declared that the "A" device, now known as the "Arctic Device", would be authorized for wear for those who had received the Air Force Overseas Ribbon - Short Tour, for tours of duty north of the Arctic Circle. As of February 8, 2007, only those airmen (Air Force active, Reserve, or Guard) who were assigned to Thule Air Base (north-east Greenland) qualify for the "A" (Arctic) device. Although portions of Alaska are within the Arctic Circle, there are no American military bases within that region. The "A" is worn on the center of the ribbon except when worn with oak leaf clusters. Whenever oak leaf clusters are authorized for wear on the ribbon, the "A" is placed to the wearer's right of the oak leaf clusters on the ribbon. Only one "A" device may be worn on the ribbon. See also Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal References Devices and accouterments of United States military awards Military in the Arctic Awards for polar exploration