Army Uniform Badges are more than mere decorations; they are potent symbols of honor, skill, and service. These emblems, worn with pride on the uniforms of army personnel, narrate stories of achievements, qualifications, and commitments. For those unfamiliar with military protocols, these badges might seem like an intricate puzzle. This guide aims to decode the world of army uniform badges, offering a comprehensive understanding of their significance and the distinctions they represent.
AIR ASSAULT BADGE
ALT Text: The US Army Air Assault Badge, featuring a helicopter and stylized wings in oxidized silver, symbolizing air assault qualifications.
Description: The Air Assault Badge, rendered in oxidized silver, measures 3/4 inch in height and 1 17/32 inches in width. It features a frontal view of a helicopter superimposed on a pair of stylized wings that are displayed and curve inward.
Symbolism: The wings on the Air Assault Badge are representative of flight, and when coupled with the helicopter, they symbolize the specialized skills and qualifications of individuals in air assault landings using helicopters.
Award Eligibility: Commanders of divisions and separate brigades award the Air Assault Badge to individuals who successfully complete an air assault training course, adhering to the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command’s Standardized Air Assault Core Program of Instruction. Eligibility is also extended to anyone who completed the Standard Air Assault Course while assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) since April 1, 1974.
Date Approved: The Air Assault Badge received approval from the Chief of Staff, Army, on January 18, 1978. This authorized Army-wide wear for those who completed Air Assault training after April 1, 1974. It evolved from the Airmobile Badge, which was initially approved for local wear by the 101st Airborne Division Commander from April 1, 1974.
Subdued Badge: Subdued versions of the Air Assault Badge are authorized in both metal and cloth. The metal subdued badge is black, while the cloth version features an olive drab base with design elements embroidered in black.
Miniature Badge: A miniature Air Assault Badge is authorized, measuring 7/16 inch in height and 7/8 inch in width.
ARMY ASTRONAUT DEVICE AND BADGES
ALT Text: The Army Astronaut Device, a gold shooting star with contrails on aviation badges, signifying space mission completion.
Description: The Army Astronaut Device features a gold-colored stylized shooting star with three contrails, intersecting an elyse saltirewise. This device is added to existing aviation badges.
Symbolism: The design mirrors Army Aviation badges, incorporating a shooting star and elliptical orbit over the shield. The shooting star crossing the elliptical orbit represents space and the astronaut’s operational environment.
Award Eligibility: The Astronaut Badge is awarded to individuals who have already received an Army Aviation Badge as per AR 600-8-22 and have completed at least one operational space mission (50 miles above Earth). Astronauts without prior aviation badges will receive the crewmember badge.
Date Approved: The Army Astronaut Device was approved on May 17, 1983.
Subdued Badge: Subdued Astronaut Badges are authorized in metal and cloth. The metal badge is black with a brown device, and the cloth badge has an olive green base with black embroidered elements and a brown astronaut device.
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature versions are authorized for all Astronaut Badges.
ARMY AVIATOR BADGES
ALT Text: Army Aviator Badges: Basic, Senior with star, and Master with star and wreath, representing different levels of aviator qualification.
Description: Army Aviator Badges are oxidized silver, measuring 3/4 inch in height and 2 1/2 inches in width. They display the shield of the United States coat of arms on displayed wings. A star above the shield denotes a Senior Army Aviator, and a star surrounded by a laurel wreath signifies a Master Army Aviator.
Symbolism: The wings symbolize flight and the skills of aerial flight. The shield of the U.S. coat of arms represents loyalty and devotion to duty.
Award Eligibility:
- Army Aviator Badge: Requires completion of prescribed training and proficiency tests and official designation as an aviator.
- Senior Aviator Badge: Available to medically and instrument-qualified aviators with seven years of rated aviation service, 84 months in operational flying duty, and 1,000 flight hours.
- Master Aviator Badge: Open to Senior Aviators who are medically and instrument-qualified, with fifteen years of rated aviation service, 120 months in operational flying duty, and 2,000 flight hours.
Date Approved: The Aviator and Senior Aviator Badges were approved on July 27, 1950, and the Master Aviator Badge on February 12, 1957.
Subdued Badge: Subdued Aviator Badges are authorized in metal (black) and cloth (olive green base with black embroidery).
Miniature Badge: Miniature Aviator Badges come in dress miniature sizes and standard miniature sizes for Aviator, Senior Aviator, and Master Aviator.
ARMY STAFF IDENTIFICATION BADGE
ALT Text: The Army Staff Identification Badge, featuring the US Coat of Arms on a black star with laurel leaves, for Army General Staff service.
Description: The Army Staff Identification Badge features the gold Coat of Arms of the United States with enameled white and red stripes and a blue chief. It is superimposed on a five-pointed black enameled star with green laurel leaves in each reentrant angle. The star is 3 inches in diameter for Chiefs of Staff and 2 inches for other personnel.
Symbolism: The badge design is based on the General Staff insignia, replacing the Silver Star with a black star. Laurel leaves symbolize achievement.
Award Eligibility: Awarded for one year of service while assigned to the Army General Staff to officers and E-9s in authorized Headquarters, Department of the Army positions as per Chief of Staff Regulation 672-5. Civilian personnel (GS-11 and above) may receive a lapel button after one year of service.
Date Approved: Proposed in 1931 by General MacArthur, designed by the Office of the Quartermaster General, and approved on July 28, 1933. Retroactive to June 4, 1920. Sergeants Major were authorized in 1978, Warrant Officers in 1979, and civilian lapel buttons in 1982. The badge name changed from Army General Staff Identification Badge to Army Staff Identification Badge.
Subdued Badge: The Army Staff Identification Badge does not have a subdued version.
Miniature Badge: A miniature badge with 7 stripes and 1 ½ inches in diameter was authorized in 1989.
Aviation Badges (Crewmember)
ALT Text: Army Aviation Crewmember Badges: Basic, Senior with star, and Master with star and wreath, for qualified aviation crewmembers.
Description: Aviation Badges are oxidized silver, 3/4 inch in height and 2 1/2 inches in width, featuring a shield with horizontal lines and the U.S. coat of arms on displayed wings. Degrees are indicated by a star (Senior Aviation Badge) and a star with a laurel wreath (Master Aviation Badge) above the shield.
Symbolism: Similar to Aviator Badges, the wings symbolize flight skills, and the U.S. coat of arms on the shield signifies loyalty and duty.
Special Policy:
- Retroactive to January 1, 1947.
- Master and Senior Aviation Badges are for permanent wear; Basic Aviation Badge can be temporary or permanent.
- Permanent awards are announced in Permanent Orders.
Award Eligibility: Awarded in degrees based on requirements:
- Basic Aviation Badge – Permanent Award: Crewmembers on flying status, aerial observers, personnel in Joint Service Airborne Command Posts, those incapacitated due to enemy action or aircraft accidents (not their fault), participants in combat missions, and soldiers completing AIT in specified MOSs.
- Basic Aviation Badge – Temporary Award: Authorized for personnel performing in-flight duties by Army unit commanders with assigned aircraft.
- Senior Aviation Badge: Requires 7 years on flight status or 10 years of experience in specific CMFs/MOSs, demonstrated competence, and unit commander recommendation. Retroactive to April 7, 1983 for specified roles.
- Master Aviation Badge: Requires 15 years on flight status or 17 years of experience in specified CMFs/MOSs, demonstrated competence, grade of E-6 or higher, and recommendations from unit and higher commanders. Retroactive to January 1, 1976, and April 7, 1983 for specified roles.
Date Approved: Originally approved as the Aircraft Crew Member Badge in 1962, changed to Aviation Badges in 2000, retroactive to 1947.
Subdued Badge: Subdued Aviation Badges are metal (black) and cloth (olive green with black embroidery).
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature and standard miniature sizes are authorized for Basic, Senior, and Master Aviation Badges.
CAREER COUNSELOR BADGE
ALT Text: The Career Counselor Badge: eagle, spear, musket, and scroll, symbolizing Army career counseling expertise and service.
Description: The Career Counselor Badge is oxidized silver, 1 7/8 inches in height, featuring an eagle with outstretched wings on a spear and musket, enclosed by an oval frame with a scroll reading “CAREER COUNSELOR” and olive branches.
Symbolism: The spear and musket from the Department of the Army seal represent the Army’s role and the counselor’s diverse responsibilities. The eagle is a national emblem, and olive branches signify service in peace and war.
Award Eligibility:
- Wearable by enlisted personnel in PMOS 79S (Career Counselor) positions. Officers can wear it if they held a retention PMOS as enlisted personnel.
- Retroactive to January 1, 1972, for those holding or previously holding relevant PMOSs.
- Temporary wear authorized for soldiers with less than 12 months as a Career Counselor or AGR Career Counselor, and Army Reserve Reenlistment NCOs.
- Permanent wear requires 12 months as PMOS 79S Career Counselor after training, or 12 months in a retention-coded position for USAR/ARNG.
- Commanders (Colonel or higher) can authorize permanent wear. DA Form 7347 (Certificate) is awarded. Badge withdrawal upon relief from duties.
- Commanding Generals can authorize temporary wear for Army Reserve Reenlistment NCOs.
Date Approved: Established in October 1971.
Subdued Badge: Subdued cloth badge only, with olive green base, black embroidery for eagle, weapons, letters, and scroll border, and olive drab for laurel wreath and scroll background.
Miniature Badge: Miniature badge is 1 3/8 inches in height.
Combat Action Badges
ALT Text: The Combat Action Badge: oak wreath, bayonet, and grenade, recognizing soldiers who engage or are engaged by the enemy in combat.
Description: The Combat Action Badge is a silver badge, 2 inches wide, featuring an oak wreath supporting a rectangle with a bayonet over a grenade, all in silver. Stars at the top indicate subsequent awards.
Symbolism: In line with the Warrior Ethos, the CAB recognizes soldiers who personally engage or are engaged by the enemy in combat. The bayonet and grenade represent active combat, and the oak wreath symbolizes strength and loyalty.
Award Eligibility: Refer to Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards.
Date Approved: Approved on May 2, 2005, by the Chief of Staff, Army, and announced on June 3, 2005. Approval authority changes in 2008.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badges are authorized in flat black metal finishes.
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature (13/16 inch wide) and miniature (1 3/16 inches wide) badges are authorized.
COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGES
ALT Text: Combat Infantryman Badge: musket, blue bar, and oak wreath, awarded to infantry personnel in active ground combat. Stars indicate multiple awards.
Description: The Combat Infantryman Badge is silver and enamel, 1 inch in height and 3 inches in width. It features an infantry musket on a light blue bar with a silver border, over an elliptical oak wreath. Stars above the wreath denote subsequent awards.
Symbolism: The blue bar represents the Infantry branch. The musket is from the Infantry insignia, the 1795 Springfield Arsenal musket, adopted in 1924. Oak symbolizes steadfastness, strength, and loyalty.
Award Eligibility: Awarded to Colonels and below with infantry or special forces MOS who performed duty in an infantry/special forces unit (brigade or smaller) during active ground combat since December 6, 1941. Expanded to Command Sergeants Major of infantry battalions/brigades in 1967. One award per conflict area (Vietnam, Korea, etc.). Criteria in AR 600-8-22.
Date Approved: Approved on October 7, 1943, and announced on October 27, 1943. Stars for multiple awards approved in 1952, removing the one-time award limit.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badges in metal (black finish) and cloth (olive green with black embroidery).
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature (1 1/4 inches long) and miniature (1 3/4 inches long) badges authorized.
Combat Medical Badges
ALT Text: Combat Medical Badge: stretcher, caduceus, Greek cross, and oak wreath, for medical personnel in combat. Stars indicate multiple awards.
Description: The Combat Medical Badge is oxidized silver, 1 inch in height and 1 ½ inches in width. It features a stretcher crossed by a caduceus, surmounted by a Greek cross, all on an elliptical oak wreath. Stars indicate subsequent awards.
Symbolism: The Medical Corps insignia with a Greek cross signifies medical skills and the Geneva Convention. The stretcher represents medical field service. Oak symbolizes steadfastness, strength, and loyalty.
Award Eligibility: Awarded to Army, Navy, Air Force Medical Department members, or Special Forces Medical Sergeants (Colonel or below) assigned to medical units organic to infantry/special forces units in active ground combat since December 6, 1941. One award per conflict area. Eligibility criteria in AR 600-8-22.
Date Approved: Approved on January 29, 1945. One-time award rescinded, and subsequent awards with stars approved in 1951.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badges in metal (black) and cloth (olive green with black embroidery).
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature badge (19/32 inch in height) authorized.
DISTINGUISHED PISTOL SHOT AND RIFLEMAN BADGES
ALT Text: Distinguished Pistol Shot and Rifleman Badges: gold with target and “U.S. ARMY”, awarded for preeminent marksmanship.
Description:
- PISTOL SHOT: Gold badge, 2 43/64 inches in height, with a bar and pendant. The bar features a shield of stars and stripes with “U.S. ARMY”. The pendant has a target between “DISTINGUISHED” and “PISTOL SHOT.”
- RIFLEMAN: Gold badge, 2 3/16 inches in height, with a bar and pendant. The bar features a shield of stars and stripes with “U.S. ARMY”. The pendant has a target between “DISTINGUISHED” and “RIFLEMAN.”
Award Eligibility: Awarded for exceptional achievement in target practice with service rifles or pistols. Requires 30 credit points in authorized excellence in competition matches. Criteria in AR 350-6.
Date Approved: Distinguished Rifleman Badge approved in 1887, Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge in 1903.
Subdued Badge: Subdued versions are not authorized.
Miniature Badge: Miniature badges are not authorized.
DIVER BADGES
ALT Text: Army Diver Badges: Scuba, Salvage, Second Class, First Class, and Master, representing different levels of diving qualification.
Description:
- Scuba: Silver, 1 inch high, scuba diver’s hood.
- Salvage: Silver, 1 inch high, diving helmet with “S”.
- Second Class: Silver, 1 inch high, diving helmet.
- First Class: Silver, 15/16 inch high, diving helmet between dolphins.
- Master: Silver, 7/8 inch high, diving helmet in front of trident between dolphins.
Symbolism:
- Scuba: Scuba gear represents basic diver skills.
- Salvage: Helmet and “S” for salvage operations.
- Second Class: Diving helmet for basic operations.
- First Class: Helmet and dolphins for diving function.
- Master: Trident added to First Class design for valor and strength.
Award Eligibility: Requirements for each badge level in AR 611-75, with progressive requirements for each qualification.
Date Approved: Second Class, Salvage, First Class, and Master Diver Badges approved in 1944. Scuba approved in 1969.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badges in metal (black) and cloth (olive green with black outlines, olive drab background).
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature badges authorized for all Diver Badges.
DRILL SERGEANT IDENTIFICATION BADGE
ALT Text: Drill Sergeant Identification Badge: torch, breastplate, rattlesnake, and “THIS WE’LL DEFEND”, for Drill Sergeants.
Description:
- METAL: Gold plated, 2 inches wide, 1 51/64 inches high, featuring a flaming torch, breast plate, rattlesnake on green, scroll “THIS WE’LL DEFEND”, and 13 black stars.
- EMBROIDERED: Subdued colors, 2 3/4 inches wide, 2 1/2 inches high, on olive drab square background.
Symbolism: Elements from the U.S. Army Flag and Department of the Army Seal, torch of liberty, and 13 stars.
Award Eligibility:
- Awarded by Drill Sergeant Course Commandant upon course completion and assignment to training command. Permanent wear authorized by memorandum. Officers can wear if permanently awarded as enlisted.
- Revocable if removed from Drill Sergeant position for cause. Revocation authority delegated to training center commanders and drill sergeant school commandants.
Wear: Nonsubdued metal badge on right side, subdued embroidered cloth badge on utility uniforms on right breast pocket. Drill Sergeant Badge worn to the right of Career Counselor Badge when both worn.
Background: Metal badge approved in 1958 for trainers, authorized for Drill Sergeants in 1964. Embroidered version in full and subdued color. Subdued mandatory on field clothing from 1969.
DRIVER AND MECHANIC BADGE
ALT Text: Driver and Mechanic Badge: cross patee with disk wheel, awarded with qualification bars for driving and mechanical skills.
Description: White metal (silver, nickel, rhodium), 1 inch high and wide, cross patee with disk wheel and tire in center.
Qualification Bars: OPERATOR – S, MECHANIC, DRIVER – A, DRIVER – M, DRIVER – T, DRIVER – W.
Background: Authorized in 1942 for drivers, mechanics, and operators with high skill in vehicle operation and maintenance. Requirements in AR 600-8-22.
EXPERT FIELD MEDICAL BADGE
ALT Text: Expert Field Medical Badge: stretcher, caduceus, Greek cross, recognizing high technical skill in field medical functions.
Description: Oxidized silver, 15/16 inch high, 1 7/16 inches wide, stretcher crossed by caduceus, surmounted by Greek cross.
Symbolism: Medical Corps insignia with Greek cross signifies medical expertise and Geneva Convention. Stretcher represents field medical service.
Award Eligibility: Recognizes Army medical personnel for high technical skill in field medical functions. Awarded based on proven skill and successful completion of prescribed tests.
Date Approved: Approved on June 18, 1965.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badges in metal (black) and cloth (olive green with black embroidery).
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature badge (9/16-inch high) authorized.
EXPERT INFANTRYMAN BADGE
ALT Text: Expert Infantryman Badge: musket and blue bar, awarded for meeting expert infantry testing requirements.
Description: Silver and enamel, 7/16 inch high, 3 inches wide, Infantry musket on a light blue bar with silver border.
Symbolism: Blue bar for Infantry branch. Musket from Infantry insignia, the 1795 Springfield musket, adopted in 1924.
Award Eligibility: Requires meeting Department of the Army testing requirements and MOS within CMF 11 (Infantry) or 18 (Special Forces), except 18D.
Date Approved: Approved on October 7, 1943, and announced on October 27, 1943.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badges in metal (black) and cloth (olive green with black embroidery).
Miniature Badge: Miniature (1 3/4 inches long, 3/8 inch high) and dress miniature (1 1/4 inches long, 3/16 inch high) badges authorized.
EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL BADGES
ALT Text: EOD Badges: Basic, Senior with star, and Master with star and wreath, for Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists.
Description: Silver, 1 3/4 inches high, shield with drop bomb and lightning flashes, within laurel wreath. Senior badge has star on bomb; Master badge has star and wreath above shield.
Symbolism: Shield and bomb from Bomb Disposal School insignia (1942). Bomb (point down) indicates live ordnance, shield reflects safe disposal function.
Award Eligibility: Criteria in AR 600-8-22. Requires EOD position assignment and commander recommendation.
- EOD Badge: MOS 55D/91E, prescribed instruction, 18 months satisfactory performance for permanent award.
- Senior EOD Badge: Basic EOD Badge, 36 cumulative months in EOD position after basic badge (effective 1989).
- Master EOD Badge: Senior EOD Badge, 60 months in EOD position since senior badge.
Date Approved: EOD Specialist and Supervisor Badges approved in 1957. Master EOD Badge authorized in 1969. Supervisor changed to Senior, Specialist to EOD Badge in 1969.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badges in metal (black) and cloth (olive green with black embroidery, olive drab star).
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature badge (7/8 inch wide) authorized.
FLIGHT SURGEON BADGES
ALT Text: Flight Surgeon Badges: Basic, Senior with star, and Master with star and wreath, for Army Medical Corps Officers qualified as flight surgeons.
Description: Oxidized silver, 23/32 inch high, 2 1/2 inches wide, shield with horizontal lines, Staff of Aesculapius on displayed wings. Star for Senior Flight Surgeon, star and wreath for Master Flight Surgeon.
Symbolism: Wings symbolize flight skills. Staff of Aesculapius represents healing and medical skills.
Award Eligibility: Awarded to medically qualified Army Medical Corps Officers who complete training and requirements in AR 600-105.
Date Approved: Flight Surgeon Badge (originally Aviation Medical Officer Badge) approved in 1956. Senior and Master Flight Surgeon Badges approved in 1963. Designations changed in 1973.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badges in metal (black) and cloth (olive green with black embroidery).
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature badges authorized for Flight Surgeon, Senior Flight Surgeon, and Master Flight Surgeon.
Glider Badge
ALT Text: Glider Badge: glider and stylized wings, for personnel qualified in glider operations, no longer awarded.
Description: Oxidized silver, 11/16 inch high, 1 1/2 inches wide, frontal view glider on stylized wings.
Symbolism: Wings symbolize flight, glider symbolizes glider flight skills and qualifications.
Award Eligibility: No longer awarded. Previously for personnel in glider/airborne units or Airborne Department, completed instruction, or combat glider landing in enemy territory.
Date Approved: Approved in 1944.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badge in black metal authorized.
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature badge (13/32 inch high, 7/8 inch wide) authorized.
GUARD, TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER IDENTIFICATION BADGE
ALT Text: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge: laurel wreath, Tomb representation, and “HONOR GUARD”, for Tomb Guards.
Description: Silver color metal, 2 inches wide, 1 15/32 inches high, inverted laurel wreath, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier front elevation, “HONOR GUARD”.
Eligibility:
- Authorized by Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion (Reinforced), 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), for Guard members during assignment.
- Permanent wear authorized after 9 months honorable service as Tomb Guard, recommended by Commanding Officer, Honor Guard Company, from 1963.
- Criteria in AR 600-8-22.
Date Approved: Established in 1957.
Subdued Badge: Subdued cloth badge authorized, olive green with black and olive green embroidery.
JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF IDENTIFICATION BADGE
ALT Text: Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge: laurel wreath, US shield, swords, and “JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF”, for JCS service.
Description:
- Regular Size: 2 1/4 inches high, 2 inches wide, silver laurel wreath, US shield on four gold swords, scroll “JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF”.
- Miniature Size: 1 1/2 inches high, 1 3/8 inches wide, same design, 9 shield stripes.
- Lapel Button: 9/16 inch high, 1/2 inch wide, same design, 5 shield stripes.
Symbolism: Laurel for achievement, courage, victory. Four swords for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps armed might and readiness.
Award Eligibility: Criteria in JCS Memorandum of Policy (MOP) 142.
Date Approved: Approved in 1963, established by JCS MOP.
NUCLEAR REACTOR OPERATOR BADGES
ALT Text: Nuclear Reactor Operator Badges: Basic, Second Class, First Class, and Shift Supervisor, for nuclear reactor personnel, no longer awarded.
Description:
- Basic: Silver, 7/8 inch square, two bars, Uranus symbol.
- Second Class: Silver, Basic badge on laurel wreath.
- First Class: Silver, Basic badge in closed laurel wreath.
- Shift Supervisor: Gold, First Class Operator Badge design.
Symbolism: Square (cube) for reactor, bars for control rods, disc for knowledge, Uranus symbol for nuclear energy. Laurel wreaths signify achievement. Gold for highest qualification.
Award Eligibility: No longer awarded since 1990. Previously required Nuclear Power Plant Operators Course and reactor operation skills. Progressive requirements for each level.
Date Approved: Approved in 1965. Awarding terminated in 1990.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badges in metal (black, brown enamel for Shift Supervisor) and cloth (olive green with olive drab and black/brown embroidery).
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature badges authorized for all levels.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE IDENTIFICATION BADGE
ALT Text: Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge: eagle, arrows, shield, stars, wreath, and sunburst, for OSD service.
Description:
- Regular Size: 2 inches diameter, gold eagle, arrows, shield, annulet with stars, laurel and olive wreath, on silver sunburst.
- Miniature Badge: 1 1/2 inches diameter, same design, 9 shield stripes.
- Lapel Button: 37/64 inch diameter, same design, 5 shield stripes.
Symbolism: Elements from the Department of Defense seal.
Award Eligibility: Criteria in DOD Directive 1348.13.
Date Approved: Originally National Military Establishment Identification Badge in 1949, redesignated Department of Defense Identification Badge in 1950, reestablished as OSD Identification Badge in 1962.
PARACHUTE RIGGER BADGE
ALT Text: Parachute Rigger Badge: winged parachute canopy and “RIGGER” band, for qualified parachute riggers.
Description: Silver winged hemispherical canopy, 1 3/4 inches wide, with “RIGGER” band.
Symbolism: Winged parachute represents rigging supplies for airdrop, packing and repairing parachutes.
Award Eligibility: Awarded to soldiers completing Parachute Rigger course at U.S. Army Quartermaster School, MOS 43E/401A. Officers upon course completion (AR 600-8-22).
Date Approved: Approved in 1986, retroactive to personnel completing course after 1951.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badges in metal (black) and cloth (olive green with black and olive drab embroidery).
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature badge (7/8 inch wide) authorized.
PARACHUTISTS BADGES
ALT Text: Parachutist Badges: Basic, Senior with star, Master with star and wreath, with stars indicating combat jumps.
Description: Oxidized silver, 1 13/64 inches high, 1 1/2 inches wide, open parachute on stylized wings. Star (Senior), star and wreath (Master) above canopy. Stars for combat jumps.
Symbolism: Wings and parachute symbolize parachute qualifications and proficiency.
Award Eligibility:
- MASTER Parachutist: 65 jumps, Jumpmaster Course, 36 months jump status.
- SENIOR Parachutist: 30 jumps, Jumpmaster Course, 24 months jump status.
- PARACHUTIST: Completed proficiency tests in airborne unit or Airborne Department, or one combat parachute jump.
Date Approved: Parachutist Badge approved in 1941. Senior and Master authorized in 1949.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badges in metal (black) and cloth (olive green with black embroidery).
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature badges authorized for Master, Senior, and Parachutist.
PATHFINDER BADGE
ALT Text: Pathfinder Badge: wing and torch, for personnel qualified as Pathfinders.
Description: Gold color metal and enamel, 1 3/16 inches high, 1 1/2 inches wide, gold sinister wing on gold torch with red and gray flames.
Symbolism: Wing for flight and airborne capabilities, torch for leadership and pathfinder skills.
Award Eligibility: Awarded by Commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School, to those completing Pathfinder Course.
Date Approved: Originally felt badge in 1964, metal and enamel in 1968.
Subdued Badge: Subdued badge in black metal authorized.
Miniature Badge: Dress miniature badge (11/16 inch high, 7/8 inch wide) authorized.
PHYSICAL FITNESS BADGE
ALT Text: Physical Fitness Badge: stylized figure, US coat of arms, and “PHYSICAL FITNESS EXCELLENCE”, for high APFT scores.
Description: Cloth badge, dark blue disc, yellow figure, US coat of arms, “PHYSICAL FITNESS EXCELLENCE” band.
Symbolism: US coat of arms, stylized figure emphasizes personnel fitness in the Army.
Award Eligibility: 290+ APFT score, weight control compliance (AR 600-9). Retained with minimum passing APFT scores and weight compliance.
Date Approved: Established in 1986, effective October 1, 1986.
Wear Policy: Cloth badge only, on physical fitness uniform, left side above breast.
Ranger Tab
ALT Text: Ranger Tab: “RANGER” in yellow on black, qualification tab for Ranger School graduates and WWII/Korean War Rangers.
Description: Cloth tab, 2 3/8 inches wide, black with yellow border and “RANGER”. Subdued version in olive drab and black. Metal replica for dress mess uniforms.
Symbolism: Colors from previous Ranger shoulder sleeve insignia.
Award Eligibility:
- Commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School, for Ranger Course completion.
- Commander, U.S. Total Army Human Resources Command (HRC) and AR-HRC for WWII/Korean War Rangers and Ranger Training Command graduates.
Date Approved: Cloth tab approved in 1950. Metal replica approved in 1984.
Subdued Tab: Olive drab background and border with black letters. No subdued metal tab.
Miniature Badge: Metal badge (1 5/32 inches wide, black and gold) for Army blue/white uniform and green shirt. Dress miniature (13/16 inch wide) for mess/dress uniforms.
SPECIAL FORCES TAB
ALT Text: Special Forces Tab: “SPECIAL FORCES” in yellow on teal blue, qualification tab for Special Forces Qualification Course graduates.
Description: Cloth tab, 3 1/4 inches wide, teal blue with yellow border and “SPECIAL FORCES”. Subdued version in olive drab and black. Metal Special Forces Badge for dress/mess uniforms and green shirt.
Symbolism: Colors same as Special Forces Groups shoulder sleeve insignia.
Award Eligibility:
- Commander, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center (USAJFKSWC), for Special Forces Qualification Course or Officer Course completion.
- Awardable to active duty, reserve, retired, or honorably discharged personnel meeting AR 600-8-22 criteria.
Date Approved: Cloth tab approved in 1983. Metal replica approved in 1984.
Subdued Tab: Olive drab background and border with black letters. No subdued metal tab.
Miniature Badge: Metal badge (1 9/16 inches wide, teal blue and gold) for Army blue/white uniform and green shirt. Dress miniature (1 inch wide) for mess/dress uniforms.
U.S. ARMY RECRUITER BADGE
ALT Text: Army Recruiter Badge: eagle, torch, and “U.S. ARMY RECRUITER”, awarded in silver and gold with achievement stars.
Description: Silver or gold metal, 2 1/8 inches high, circular band “U.S. ARMY RECRUITER”, eagle, flaming torch. Achievement stars (gold or sapphire) attachable.
Symbolism: Circular band for continuous Army need. Eagle for federal authority. Torch for advancement opportunities in Army.
Background: Approved in 1966, modified in 1974 and 1975 (detachable stars), reduced size and sapphire stars for gold badge in 1981.
Award Eligibility:
- Basic Recruiter Badge (Silver): USAREC personnel designated by CG, USAREC. Temporary/permanent wear authorized by CG, USAREC and Recruiting and Retention School Commandant. Gold achievement stars for criteria met.
- U.S. Army Gold Recruiter Badge: Criteria by CG, USAREC. Sapphire achievement stars attachable. Permanent wear authorized by recruiting battalion commanders.
- CG, USAREC can revoke either badge.
Subdued Badge:
- Silver: Olive green cloth, olive drab band, black embroidery.
- Gold: Black cloth, black band and letters, olive drab and spruce green embroidery.
U.S. ARMY RESERVE RECRUITER (OBSOLETE)
ALT Text: Obsolete US Army Reserve Recruiter Badge: circular bands and US Army Reserve emblem, no longer in use.
Description: Metal, 2 1/4 inches high, two circular bands “UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVE” and “RESERVE”, U.S. Army Reserve emblem.
Background: Obsolete. Replaced by U.S. Army Recruiter Identification Badge for all recruiters.
WEAPONS QUALIFICATION BADGES
ALT Text: Weapons Qualification Badges: Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman, with various qualification bars for different weapons.
Description: White metal (silver, nickel, rhodium).
- EXPERT: 1.17 inches high, cross patee, target, wreath.
- SHARPSHOOTER: 1 inch high, cross patee, target.
- MARKSMAN: 1 inch high, cross patee.
Qualification Bars: Rifle, Machinegun, Submachine Gun, Rocket Launcher, Small Bore Pistol, Pistol, Field Artillery Grenade, Mortar, Missile, AA Artillery, Tank Weapons, Carbine, Bayonet, Aeroweapons, Auto Rifle, Flamethrower, Recoilless Rifle, Small Bore Rifle.
Background: Motor vehicle driver and mechanic award was originally authorized by War Department Circular 248 dated 28 July 1942. The badge is awarded to drivers, mechanics, and special equipment operators to denote the attainment of a high degree of skill in the operation and maintenance of motor vehicles. Specific requirements for award of the badge are contained in AR 600-8-22.
This guide offers a detailed overview of various army uniform badges. Each badge is a testament to the rigorous training, specialized skills, and honorable service of Army personnel. Understanding these badges allows for a greater appreciation of the accomplishments and dedication within the United States Army.
