United States Army combat uniforms are more than just clothing; they are a canvas displaying a soldier’s identity, achievements, and affiliations. Patches on the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) are not merely decorative; they are earned insignia that communicate vital information about the wearer. Understanding these patches is crucial for anyone interacting with or interested in the US Army. This guide provides an in-depth look at the various types of Army Combat Uniform Patches, their significance, and placement, ensuring you can confidently decode the visual language worn by soldiers.
Understanding Different Types of Army Combat Uniform Patches
Army combat uniform patches fall into several categories, each serving a distinct purpose. These include identification, rank, unit affiliation, and special skills or qualifications. Let’s explore the primary types you’ll encounter on the ACU.
Name Tapes and Service Tapes: Personal Identification
The most basic patches on the ACU are the name tape and service tape. These are mandatory and serve for personal identification.
- Name Tape: Typically worn centered on the right breast pocket flap, the name tape displays the soldier’s last name.
- Service Tape (U.S. Army Tape): Worn centered on the left breast pocket flap, this tape identifies the service branch as “U.S. Army.”
These tapes are usually fabric strips embroidered with black lettering on an Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) background to match the ACU. They are essential for quick and clear identification in the field and during official duties.
Rank Patches: Indicating Soldier’s Grade
Rank patches are critical for establishing the hierarchy within the Army. They immediately communicate a soldier’s pay grade and level of responsibility.
- Enlisted Rank Patches: Enlisted soldiers wear their rank insignia on both sleeves of the ACU. These patches vary significantly, from the simple chevron of a Private to the multiple chevrons and rockers of a Sergeant Major. They are typically sewn onto the upper portion of the sleeve, centered between the shoulder seam and elbow.
- Officer Rank Patches: Officers’ rank insignia differs from enlisted ranks and is worn on the shoulder epaulets of the ACU. These can range from the single gold bar of a Second Lieutenant to the five stars of a General of the Army. Officer ranks are smaller metal pin-on or Velcro-backed patches affixed to the epaulets.
Understanding army rank structure is fundamental to recognizing authority and chain of command. Rank patches are instantly recognizable and crucial for daily interactions within the military.
Unit Patches: Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) – Displaying Affiliation
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI), commonly referred to as unit patches, are worn on the left shoulder sleeve and denote the soldier’s current unit affiliation. These patches are rich in history and symbolism, often representing the lineage and achievements of a particular unit.
- Current Unit SSI: This patch is worn on the left shoulder and indicates the soldier’s present command. Each major Army unit, from brigades to divisions and corps, has a unique SSI. These patches can be full-color or subdued depending on the uniform type and operational environment.
- Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service (SSI-FWTS) – Combat Patch: Worn on the right shoulder sleeve, the SSI-FWTS, or combat patch, indicates that a soldier has served in combat with a particular unit. This patch is typically the SSI of the highest echelon unit the soldier served with during a designated wartime period. The combat patch is a powerful symbol of shared experience and battlefield camaraderie.
Alt text: Full color 101st Airborne Division SSI patch, Screaming Eagles unit patch.
Understanding unit patches allows for quick recognition of a soldier’s organizational background and potential combat experience. They foster unit pride and represent a soldier’s place within the larger Army structure.
Skill Badges: Demonstrating Expertise and Qualifications
Skill badges are smaller patches worn above the name tape or ribbons on the ACU and signify specialized skills and qualifications a soldier has earned. These badges represent completion of rigorous training and demonstrated proficiency in specific areas. While the original document lists badges broadly, in the context of ACU patches, we focus on those commonly worn as fabric patches.
-
Combat Badges: These badges denote direct engagement with the enemy in combat. The most well-known are the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), Combat Action Badge (CAB), and Combat Medical Badge (CMB).
- Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB): Awarded to infantrymen and Special Forces soldiers for personally engaging the enemy in active ground combat. The CIB features a musket, representing the infantry, on a blue bar within an oak wreath.
Alt text: Combat Infantryman Badge patch, signifying infantry combat experience.
- Combat Action Badge (CAB): Awarded to soldiers who personally engage the enemy in combat, but who are not infantrymen. The CAB displays a bayonet and grenade on an oak wreath.
Alt text: Combat Action Badge patch, awarded for combat engagement.
- Combat Medical Badge (CMB): Awarded to medical personnel for performing medical duties while under enemy fire in combat. The CMB features a stretcher and caduceus within an oak wreath, with a Greek cross above.
Alt text: Combat Medical Badge patch, recognizing medical service in combat.
-
Aviation Badges: These badges recognize soldiers who have completed aviation training and perform aviation-related duties. Examples include the Aviator Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Parachutist Badges.
- Aviator Badge: Awarded to soldiers who have completed flight training and are designated as Army aviators. The Aviator Badge features the US coat of arms on wings. Senior and Master Aviator Badges exist, denoted by a star and star with wreath respectively above the badge.
Alt text: Army Aviator Badge patch, indicating qualification as an Army pilot.
- Air Assault Badge: Awarded to soldiers who successfully complete the Air Assault School, demonstrating proficiency in helicopter assault operations, rappelling, and sling-load operations. The Air Assault Badge depicts a helicopter superimposed on wings.
Alt text: Air Assault Badge patch, signifying completion of Air Assault training.
- Parachutist Badges: These badges signify airborne qualification. The basic Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge (with a star above the parachute), and Master Parachutist Badge (with a star and wreath) recognize increasing levels of jump experience and expertise.
Alt text: Basic Parachutist Badge patch, indicating airborne qualification.
-
Special Skill Badges: A wide array of badges denote other special skills. Examples include:
- Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB): Awarded to infantry and Special Forces soldiers who demonstrate expert proficiency in infantry skills through rigorous testing. The EIB depicts a musket on a blue bar.
Alt text: Expert Infantryman Badge patch, recognizing expert infantry skills.
- Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB): Awarded to medical personnel who demonstrate exceptional medical and combat medical skills under simulated combat conditions. The EFMB features a stretcher, caduceus and Greek cross.
Alt text: Expert Field Medical Badge patch, recognizing expert field medical skills.
- Drill Sergeant Identification Badge: Awarded to soldiers who have successfully completed Drill Sergeant School and served as drill sergeants, training new recruits. This badge is unique, featuring a flaming torch, breastplate, and rattlesnake. It is worn on the right breast pocket, unlike most skill badges worn on the left.
Alt text: Drill Sergeant Identification Badge patch, worn by Drill Sergeants.
- Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab: These are not badges but permanent qualification tabs worn above the SSI on the left shoulder. The Ranger Tab signifies graduation from Ranger School, and the Special Forces Tab indicates qualification as a Special Forces soldier.
Alt text: Ranger Tab patch, qualification for Ranger School graduates.
Alt text: Special Forces Tab patch, qualification for Special Forces personnel.
Skill badges are a point of pride for soldiers, representing dedication, hard work, and specialized capabilities. They contribute to a soldier’s professional identity and are a visual resume of their military expertise.
Other Patches and Tabs
Beyond the major categories, several other patches and tabs can be seen on the ACU, though some may be less common.
- U.S. Flag Patch: Worn on the right shoulder of the ACU, the U.S. Flag patch is mandatory and symbolizes national identity. On OCP ACUs, the flag is typically subdued in full-color or reverse-color depending on the operational context (reverse color for camouflage in certain environments).
- Physical Fitness Badge: Awarded for exceptional performance on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), this badge is authorized for wear only on the physical fitness uniform, not the ACU.
- Identification Badges: Certain badges, like the Army Staff Identification Badge or the Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge, recognize service in specific prestigious assignments. These are typically metal badges and less commonly seen as fabric patches on the ACU in field environments but might be worn on dress variations of the combat uniform.
- Weapons Qualification Badges: While qualification badges for marksmanship exist (Expert, Sharpshooter, Marksman), they are typically worn as metal badges on dress uniforms or ribbons, not as patches on the ACU itself. However, fabric versions might be encountered in some training scenarios.
- Diver Badges, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Badges, Flight Surgeon Badges: These are examples of specialized skill badges which, like Aviation badges, have fabric patch versions and are worn to denote specific professional qualifications within the Army.
Placement and Regulations for Army Combat Uniform Patches
The placement of patches on the ACU is strictly regulated by Army Regulation 670-1, “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia.” Adherence to these regulations ensures uniformity and professionalism. Key placement rules include:
- Left Shoulder: Current unit SSI, and qualification tabs (Ranger, Special Forces) above the SSI.
- Right Shoulder: SSI-FWTS (Combat Patch), and U.S. Flag patch.
- Left Breast: Service tape (U.S. Army), skill badges above the tape or ribbons.
- Right Breast: Name tape, and Drill Sergeant Identification Badge (if applicable).
- Sleeves: Enlisted rank patches (both sleeves, centered).
- Shoulder Epaulets: Officer rank insignia.
Subdued patches are typically worn on the ACU in field or tactical environments to minimize visibility. Full-color patches may be authorized in garrison or non-tactical settings, depending on command policy. Velcro backing on many ACU patch locations allows for easy removal and adjustment of patches as needed.
The Significance of Army Combat Uniform Patches
Army combat uniform patches are far more than just decorations; they are a visual language that speaks volumes about a soldier’s service, qualifications, and experiences. They serve multiple important functions:
- Identification and Rank Recognition: Patches instantly identify soldiers and their rank, crucial for command and control, especially in dynamic environments.
- Unit Cohesion and Pride: Unit patches foster a sense of belonging and shared identity within a unit. The combat patch, in particular, strengthens bonds among those who have served together in war.
- Recognition of Skills and Achievements: Skill badges publicly acknowledge a soldier’s specialized training and expertise, boosting morale and demonstrating capability.
- Tradition and Heritage: Many unit patches are steeped in history, representing the lineage and accomplishments of generations of soldiers. Wearing these patches connects current soldiers to this proud heritage.
- Professionalism and Discipline: The precise wear and regulation of patches reinforce military discipline and attention to detail.
For soldiers, patches are a source of pride and a visual representation of their military journey. For civilians, understanding these patches offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Army service and the individuals who dedicate their lives to it.
Conclusion: Reading the Story on the Uniform
Army combat uniform patches are a complex and meaningful system of military insignia. From simple name tapes to prestigious skill badges and unit patches rich in history, each element on the ACU tells a part of a soldier’s story. By understanding the different types of patches, their placement, and significance, we gain a deeper appreciation for the professionalism, dedication, and heritage of the United States Army. These patches are not just sewn onto fabric; they are woven into the very fabric of military service.
For those seeking to learn more about or acquire authentic army combat uniform patches, resources like online military uniform suppliers and historical references can provide further insights and access to these important symbols of service.
