When you see a U.S. Navy Sailor in their dress uniform, the crisp lines and polished appearance command respect. But beyond the impeccable tailoring, there’s a system of symbols and badges that tell a story of service and achievement. Among these, identification badges hold a place of significance, denoting special assignments and qualifications. While the iconic image of a Navy Seal In Dress Uniform might come to mind, understanding the specific badges and how they are worn is key to appreciating the depth of naval tradition and regulation.
This guide delves into the regulations surrounding identification badges in the U.S. Navy, drawing from official sources to provide a clear picture of what these badges represent and how they are worn on Service, Service Dress, Full Dress, and Dinner/Formal Dress uniforms.
Understanding Navy Identification Badges: Regulations and Wear
The U.S. Navy allows for the wear of up to two identification badges at any given time on formal uniforms. These badges are not mere decorations; they signify specific duties, assignments, and qualifications attained by the wearer. It’s important to note that these regulations apply across the Navy, and while Navy SEALs in dress uniform adhere to these guidelines, there isn’t a badge specifically designating SEAL status within this category of identification badges.
Authorized Identification Badges in the U.S. Navy
The Navy recognizes a set list of authorized identification badges, each with its own criteria for eligibility, design, and wear. These include:
- Presidential Service Badge: Awarded to personnel detailed to the White House who receive a Presidential Service Certificate.
- Vice Presidential Service Badge: For those serving in the Office of the Vice President and awarded a Vice Presidential Service Certificate.
- Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge: Authorized for personnel who have received a certificate from the Secretary of Defense.
- Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge: For personnel designated according to CJCSI 1100.01 series.
- Navy Fleet/Force/Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) Identification Badges: Worn by personnel in senior enlisted leadership roles such as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON), Fleet Master Chief (FLTCM), Force Master Chief (FORCM), and Command Master Chief (CMC).
- Recruiting Command Identification Badge: For personnel assigned to the Navy Recruiting Command.
- Career Counselor Identification Badge: Worn by Navy Counselors and other personnel in career counseling roles.
- Recruit Division Commander Badge: For personnel assigned as Recruit Division Commanders at Recruit Training Commands.
- Merchant Marine Service Emblem: Issued to merchant seamen for service during World War II and the immediate post-war period.
- Navy Security Force Identification Badges: For personnel in Navy Security Forces, Corrections Specialists, and Chief Master-At-Arms roles.
- Joint/Unified Command Identification Badges: Authorized for Sailors assigned to Joint/Unified commands, including NATO.
- Navy War College (NWC) Alumni Badge: For graduates of in-residence or distance education JPME-granting courses at the Navy War College.
It’s important to remember that while a Navy SEAL in dress uniform might wear some of these badges based on their assignments, there is no “Navy SEAL Identification Badge” within this list. SEALs are primarily recognized by their warfare insignia (SEAL Trident), which is a breast insignia and follows different regulations.
Eligibility and Description of Badges: A Closer Look
Each identification badge has specific eligibility requirements and a distinct design. Let’s examine a few examples to understand the details:
Presidential Service Badge
Eligibility: Awarded to personnel detailed to duty in the White House who have received a Presidential Service Certificate.
Description: The badge features a gold replica of the coat of arms of the President of the United States, surrounded by 50 silver stars on a blue enamel disk. Gold rays radiate from the center, and the badge is 1-3/4 inches in diameter.
Figure 5101.3a-1 Presidential Service Badge
Correct Wear: This badge can be worn on all uniforms except working uniforms, both during and after the period of White House detail.
- Men: Worn on the right side. On pockets with flaps, it’s centered between the lower point of the flap and the bottom of the pocket, midway between the sides. On uniforms without a right breast pocket, it’s placed on the right side corresponding to other badges worn on the left. On full dress uniforms, the placement is also on the right side, mirroring badges on the left.
- Women: Centered 1/4 inch above the left coat/jumper/shirt pocket or 1/4 inch above authorized ribbons/large medals/breast insignia. Optionally, it can be worn on the right side, 1/4 inch above the name tag or pocket.
- Formal and Dinner Dress Uniforms: For both men and women, the badge is centered on the right lapel, with the top aligned with the top of the upper row of miniature medals.
Vice Presidential Service Badge
Eligibility: Awarded to personnel detailed to duty in the Office of the Vice President who have received a Vice Presidential Service Certificate.
Description: This badge features a white enameled disc surrounded by 27 gold rays, 1-15/16 inches in diameter. A gold device from the seal of the Vice President of the United States is centered on the white disc.
Figure 5101.3b-1 Vice Presidential Service Badge
Correct Wear: Similar to the Presidential Service Badge, it’s worn on all uniforms except working uniforms, during and after the period of detail. The wear guidelines for men, women, and formal uniforms are also largely the same as the Presidential Service Badge, worn on the right side in corresponding positions.
Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge
Eligibility: Authorized for personnel who have received a certificate of eligibility from the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Description: This badge is intricate, featuring a gold spread eagle grasping three gold crossed arrows on an enamel shield with red and white stripes and a blue chief. A gold amulet with 13 gold stars is above the eagle, and a wreath of laurel and green olive is below. The entire design is superimposed on a silver sunburst of 33 rays, approximately 2 inches in diameter (miniature badges are 1-1/2 inches).
Figure 5101.3c-1 Office of the Secretary of Defense Badge
Correct Wear: Worn on all uniforms except working uniforms, during and after the period of detail.
- Men: Worn on the left side. On pockets with flaps, it’s centered between the lower point of the flap and the bottom of the left pocket, midway between the sides. On pockets without flaps, it’s centered on the pocket. On full dress uniforms, it’s centered on the left pocket 1/4 inch below the lowest row of medals or below the second breast insignia.
- Women: Centered 1/4 inch above the left coat/jumper/shirt pocket or 1/4 inch above authorized ribbons/large medals/breast insignia. Optionally, it can be worn on the right side, 1/4 inch above the name tag or pocket.
- Formal and Dinner Dress Uniforms: For both men and women, the badge is centered 1/4 inch below the lowest row of miniature medals or secondary breast insignia.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
Eligibility: For personnel designated in CJCSI 1100.01 (series).
Description: This badge is approximately 2-1/4 inches by 2 inches and features an oval silver wreath of laurel with the United States shield on four gold unsheathed swords. A gold scroll surrounds the shield with “JOINT” at the top and “CHIEFS OF STAFF” at the bottom in blue enamel letters. Miniature badges are about 1-1/2 inches in diameter.
Figure 5101.3d-1 Joint Chiefs of Staff Badge
Correct Wear: Similar to the Office of the Secretary of Defense Badge, it’s worn on all uniforms except working uniforms, during and after the period of detail, with largely the same placement guidelines for men, women, and formal uniforms, but on the left side.
Navy, Fleet, Force and Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) Identification Badges
Eligibility: Worn by senior enlisted leaders in various command roles.
Description: These badges are oval with a gold chain border and feature the appropriate rate device and identifying silver plate with raised silver lettering indicating the level of command (“Navy,” “Fleet,” “Force,” or “Command”) on a brushed gold background. Regular size is about 1-3/4 inches by 1-3/8 inches; miniature size is approximately half that. Embroidered versions exist for Navy Working Uniforms.
| Figure 5101.3e-1 Regular Size CSEL Identification Badges |
| Figure 5101.3e-2 Miniature Size CSEL Identification Badges |
| Figure 5101.3e-3 NWU Type III CSEL Identification Badges |
Correct Wear: Only one CSEL badge may be worn at a time, and it’s worn during and after the period of detail (except for collateral duty CSELs). Metal badges are for all uniforms except NWUs, which use embroidered badges.
- Incumbents: Regular size badge on all uniforms except Dinner Dress (miniature size).
- Men: Left pocket, centered on pocket or flap. Full dress: left pocket 1/4 inch below medals or breast insignia. NWU: centered on left shirt pocket flap.
- Women: 1/4 inch above the right breast pocket, or same relative position as ribbons/medals if no pocket. Optional wear on left breast pocket as per men’s guidelines. NWU: centered on left shirt pocket flap.
- Dinner Dress Uniforms: Miniature size, 1/4 inch below miniature medals or breast insignia for both men and women.
- Post-tour: Miniature CSEL badge in the same position as incumbent badge, but post-tour wear is not authorized on dinner dress and working uniforms.
Recruiting Command Identification Badge
Eligibility: For personnel assigned to the Navy Recruiting Command.
Description: Metal or embroidered badge with “United States Navy,” “Recruiting Command,” and two stars around the outer area. The center has an eagle design similar to the Bureau of Naval Personnel seal, about 2 inches in diameter. Excellent performance is recognized with a gold wreath and stars. Embroidered badges are for NWU Type III.
| Figure 5101.3f-1 Recruiting Command Badge | Figure 5101.3f-2 Recruiting Command Badge (with Gold Wreath) | Figure 5101.3f-3 Recruiting Command Badge (NWU type III) | Figure 5101.3f-4 Post Tour Recruiting Command Badge |
Correct Wear: Metal badge on uniforms requiring large medals or ribbons, during and after assignment. Regular size metal badge and embroidered badge on NWU Type III only during assignment.
- Men & Women: Left pocket, centered on pocket or flap. Full dress: left pocket 1/4 inch below medals or breast insignia. Women can optionally wear on the right side, 1/4 inch above the name tag.
- Post Tour Wear: Regular size badge until Dec 31, 2024, then miniature size post-tour badge starting Jan 1, 2025, worn in the same position as the regular badge, but only on uniforms requiring large medals or ribbons.
Career Counselor Identification Badge
Eligibility: For Navy Counselors (NC), personnel with NEC 806R or 807R in career counseling roles, and certain officers involved in retention.
Description: Metal or embroidered badge with “United States Navy,” “Career Counselor,” and two stars. Metal badge has gold lettering on a blue background. Center eagle design similar to the Bureau of Naval Personnel seal, about 2 inches in diameter. Embroidered badge for NWU Type III.
| Figure 5101.3g-1 Career Counselor Badge | Figure 5101.3g-2 Career Counselor Badge (NWU Type III) | Figure 5101.3g-3 Post Tour Career Counselor Badge |
Correct Wear: Metal badge on uniforms requiring large medals or ribbons, during and after assignment. Embroidered badge on NWU Type III only during assignment.
- Men & Women: Left pocket, centered on pocket or flap. Full dress: left pocket 1/4 inch below medals or breast insignia. Women can optionally wear on the right side, 1/4 inch above the name tag. NWU: centered on left shirt pocket flap.
- Post Tour Wear: Regular size badge until Dec 31, 2024, then miniature size post-tour badge starting Jan 1, 2025, worn in the same position as the regular badge, but only on uniforms requiring large medals or ribbons (not on NWU Type III).
Recruit Division Commander Badge and Gold Wreath Award
Eligibility: For personnel with NEC 8RDC assigned as Recruit Division Commanders. The Gold Wreath of Excellence is for RDCs with sustained excellent performance.
Description: Metal badge with a gold rope border, a black band with “Division Commander” in gold, and a center eagle design on a white background. The Gold Wreath Award adds a gold wreath border and “Excellence” scroll. Embroidered badge for NWU Type III.
| Figure 5101.3h-1 Recruit Division Commander Badge | Figure 5101.3h-2 Gold Wreath of Excellence | Figure 5101.3h-3 Recruit Division Commander Badge (NWU Type III) | Figure 5101.3h-4 Post Tour Recruit Division Commander Badge |
Correct Wear: Metal badge on uniforms requiring large medals or ribbons, during and after assignment. Embroidered badge on NWU Type III only during assignment.
- Men & Women: Left pocket, centered on pocket or flap. Full dress: left pocket 1/4 inch below medals or breast insignia. NWU: centered on left pocket flap. Women can optionally wear on the right side, 1/4 inch above the name tag.
- Post Tour Wear: Regular size badge until Dec 31, 2024, then miniature size post-tour badge starting Jan 1, 2025, worn in the same position as the regular badge, but only on uniforms requiring large medals or ribbons (not on NWU Type III).
Merchant Marine Service Emblem
Eligibility: Issued to active merchant seamen for service from December 7, 1941, to July 25, 1947.
Description: A circular, gold metal emblem, 1 inch in diameter, with a gold anchor superimposed in the center of a silver federal shield. “UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE” is inscribed around the device.
Figure 5101.3i-1 Merchant Marine Service Emblem
Correct Wear: Worn on all uniforms except working uniforms. Post-tour wear is authorized.
- Men & Women: Left pocket, centered on pocket or flap. Full dress: left pocket 1/4 inch below medals or breast insignia. Women can optionally wear on the right side, 1/4 inch above the name tag.
- Formal and Dinner Dress Uniforms: Centered 1/4 inch below the lowest row of miniature medals.
Navy Security Force Identification Badges
Description: Standardized metal badges or embroidered patches in gold with black lettering, about 2 1/2 inch in height by 1 3/4 inch in width. Features a right-facing eagle perched atop a wreathed shield. Three types:
- Navy Security Forces (NSF): “U.S. Navy,” “security,” “forces” scrolls, MA insignia centerpiece, and a four-digit number (metal) or black star (embroidered).
- Corrections Specialist: “U.S. Navy,” “corrections,” “specialist” scrolls, fouled anchor centerpiece, and a black star.
- Chief Master-At-Arms (CMAA): “U.S. Navy,” “CMAA” scrolls, blank third scroll, fouled anchor centerpiece, and a black star.
Figure 5101.3j-1 Metal Navy Security Force Badges
Figure 5101.3j-2 Embroidered Navy Security Force Badges
Occasion for wear: NSF badge for security LDO/CWO and rated Master-At-Arms within the security career path. Corrections Specialist badge for personnel assigned NECs P08A, 826A, or 810A. CMAA badge for personnel PCS’d to CMAA duties.
Correct wear: Metal badges on all uniforms (including NWU), 1/4 inch above the right breast pocket or name tag. On NWU Type III, metal badges are 1/4 inch above the nametape, embroidered patches are flush with the nametape.
Figure 5101.3j-3 Placement of Navy Security Force Badges (Uniforms with Pocket Flaps)
Figure 5101.3j-4 Placement of Navy Security Force Badges (Uniforms without pocket Flaps)
Figure 5101.3j-5 Placement of Navy Security Force Badges (Uniforms without Pockets)
Joint/Unified Command Identification Badges
Eligibility: Sailors assigned to Joint/Unified commands (including NATO) during the period of assignment only.
Correct wear: Worn like the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff badges.
Navy War College (NWC) Badge
Eligibility: Graduates of in-residence or distance education JPME-granting courses at NWC.
Description: Metal, circular, 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch badge with the NWC trident and shield in blue, white, and gold.
Figure 5101.3k-1 Navy War College Badge
Occasion of wear: Formal and informal NWC alumni events and partnership engagements. Not authorized for dinner dress uniforms.
Manner of wear: On Service Dress and Full Dress Uniforms, like the Office of the Secretary of Defense or Joint Chiefs of Staff ID badges.
Dual Identification Badge Wear
When authorized to wear two identification badges, the placement varies slightly to accommodate both.
- Men:
- Pocket Flaps: One badge on each pocket, centered between the lower point of the flap and the bottom of the pocket.
- No Pocket Flaps: One badge on each pocket, centered.
- Full Dress Uniforms: One on each side, at corresponding levels.
- Dinner/Formal Dress Uniforms: Both badges horizontally centered on the right breast area, bottom aligned with the top of the lowest row of miniature medals, with a 1/8 to 1/4 inch gap between them.
Figure 5101.4a-1 Male Uniform with Pocket Flaps Dual ID Badge
Figure 5101.4a-2 Male Full Dress Dual ID Badge
Figure 5101.4a-3 Male Dinner Dress Blue Dual ID Badge
Figure 5101.4a-4 Male Dinner Dress Blue and White Jacket Dual ID Badge
Figure 5101.4a-5 Male/Female Dinner Dress Jumper
- Women:
- Both badges worn on the right side.
- Pocket Flaps: Horizontally 1/4 inch above the right pocket or 1/4 inch above the name tag or ribbons (for Full Dress).
- No Pockets/Flaps: Same relative location as with pocket flaps.
- Optional Placement: 1/4 inch below the top of the pocket or corresponding area.
- Dinner/Formal Dress Uniforms: Both badges horizontally centered on the right breast area, bottom aligned with the top of the lowest row of miniature medals, with a 1/8 to 1/4 inch gap.
Figure 5101.4b-1 Female Uniform with Pocket Flaps Dual ID Badge (Optional wear)
Figure 5101.4b-2 Female Uniform with Pocket Flaps Dual ID Badge (Optional wear)
Figure 5101.4b-3 Female Uniform without Pocket Flaps Dual ID Badge (Optional wear)
Figure 5101.4b-4 Female Uniform without Pocket Flaps Dual ID Badge (Optional wear)
Figure 5101.4b-5 Female Full Dress Dual ID Badge (Optional wear)
Figure 5101.4b-6 Female Full Dress Dual ID Badge (Optional wear)
Figure 5101.4b-7 Female Dinner Dress Blue and White Jacket Dual ID Badge
Figure 5101.4b-8 Female Dinner Dress Blue Dual ID Badge (Optional wear)
Figure 5101.4b-9 Female Dinner Dress Jumper Dual ID Badge (Optional wear)
Conclusion
Understanding the identification badges worn on U.S. Navy uniforms, especially dress uniforms, provides valuable insight into the service and accomplishments of Navy personnel. While there isn’t a specific “Navy SEAL in dress uniform” identification badge, SEALs, like all Navy personnel, adhere to these regulations and may wear badges based on their assignments and qualifications. This detailed guide serves as a helpful resource for anyone seeking to decipher the symbols of naval service and appreciate the rich traditions embodied in the U.S. Navy uniform.
