Insignia & Accoutrements
Rank, branch insignia, unit patches, shoulder sleeve insignia, and accoutrements.
64 guides in this topic
AR 670-1: 21-1. General
This regulation, DA Pam 670-1, CTA 50-900, and special authorizations by HQDA specify the only items of insignia that personnel may wear on any U.S. Army uniform.
AR 670-1: 21-10. Branch insignia-other
Regimental collar insignia is branch insignia with the regiment's numerical designation, worn by Soldiers affiliated with infantry, armor, field artillery, air defense artillery, cavalry, special forces, or aviation regiments. Soldiers not affiliated with these regiments wear their assigned basic branch insignia, with optional unit numerals when approved by ACOM/ASCC/DRU.
AR 670-1: 21-11. Insignia for aides
Aide insignia varies by position: aides to the President wear a blue shield with 13 white stars and gold eagle; aides to the Vice President wear a white shield with 13 blue stars. Insignia is also prescribed for aides to the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Army, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and general officers of various ranks.
AR 670-1: 21-12. Branch insignia-how worn, Army service uniform
On the ASU coat, male officers wear branch insignia centered on both lapels approximately 1-1/4 inches below the U.S. insignia, with the centerline bisecting the U.S. insignia and parallel to the inside edge of the lapel. Enlisted Soldiers and warrant officers wear branch insignia on the left collar. Placement differs for male and female uniforms.
AR 670-1: 21-13. Branch insignia-how worn, Army green service uniform
On the AGSU coat, officers wear branch insignia centered on both lapels approximately 1-1/4 inches below the U.S. insignia, parallel to the inside edge of the lapel. Enlisted Soldiers wear branch insignia centered on the left collar. Placement rules differ for male and female uniforms and for subdued versus nonsubdued insignia.
AR 670-1: 21-14. Insignia for United States Military Academy staff
The USMA nonsubdued insignia is the USMA coat of arms (1 inch in height), consisting of the U.S. shield bearing a Greek sword surmounted by the helmet of Pallas, with an eagle displayed and the USMA motto in gold-colored metal. Permanent professors, registrars, and civilian instructors wear it in the same manner as other branch insignia.
AR 670-1: 21-15. Branch insignia-officer candidates
Officer candidate insignia consists of the block letters "O.C.S." in gold-colored metal, 7/16 inch in height. The subdued version is the same design in black. Candidates wear it centered on both collars of the ASU and AGSU coats, approximately 1 inch above the notch for males and 5/8 inch for females.
AR 670-1: 21-16. Insignia for warrant officer candidates
Warrant officer candidate insignia consists of the block letters "W.O.C." in gold-colored metal, 7/16 inch in height. The subdued version is the same design in black. Candidates wear it on both collars of the ASU and AGSU coats in the same manner as officer candidate insignia. Headgear insignia is the same as for enlisted personnel.
AR 670-1: 21-17. Shoulder sleeve insignia-current organization
The SSI is worn on the left sleeve to identify a Soldier's current organization. SSI are authorized for ACOM/ASCC/DRU, armies, corps, divisions, separate brigades/BCTs, separate regiments, and organizations with at least 250-500 military personnel. Soldiers wear the SSI of the unit to which assigned; those in units without SSI wear the SSI of the higher command.
AR 670-1: 21-18. Shoulder sleeve insignia-military operations in hostile conditions
The SSI-MOHC (formerly SSI-FWTS) identifies service during military operations in hostile conditions. Authorization requires active participation in or support of hostile operations, eligibility for combat zone tax exclusion and Hostile Fire Pay/IDP, and DCS, G-1 approval requested through the chain of command.
AR 670-1: 21-19. Wear of U.S. flag embroidered insignia
All Soldiers wear the full-color U.S. flag embroidered insignia on utility and organizational uniforms. The subdued tactical flag insignia is worn while deployed or in a field environment. See DA Pam 670-1 for placement instructions.
AR 670-1: 21-2. General description
Insignia will meet the approved military specifications and conform to proper color designation (gold, silver, or sub- dued). See DA Pam 670–1 for additional guidance on authorized material and attachment procedures.
AR 670-1: 21-20. Branch colors
Branch colors include scarlet for Artillery, yellow for Armor and Cavalry, ultramarine blue and golden orange for Aviation, orange for Signal, cobalt blue and golden yellow for Chemical, maroon and white for Medical Corps and Nurse Corps, dark blue and scarlet for Adjutant General, and green for Military Police, among others. See DA Pam 670-1 for the complete list.
AR 670-1: 21-21. Branch scarves
Personnel may wear branch scarves with service and utility uniforms, only when issued and prescribed by the local commander for ceremonial occasions. See DA Pam 670–1.
AR 670-1: 21-22. Distinctive unit insignia
DUI of a design approved by TIOH are authorized for echelons from ACOM level down to battalions and hospitals. All personnel assigned to an authorized organization wear the DUI, with exceptions for general officers, chaplains, the SMA, and the SEAC. See DA Pam 670-1 for how worn.
AR 670-1: 21-23. Regimental distinctive insignia
Regimental distinctive insignia (RDI) of a design approved by TIOH are authorized and prescribed for all Soldiers affiliated with a regiment or whole-corps regiment, based on the Soldier's branch, corps, or special branch as determined by PMOS or specialty. See DA Pam 670-1 for placement and wear instructions.
AR 670-1: 21-24. Insignia representing regimental affiliation
Regimental affiliation insignia consists of either the RDI or DUI approved by TIOH. A Soldier's RDI affiliation is based on branch, corps, or special branch. Soldiers may alternatively wear the DUI of a unit in which they are currently serving or have previously served successfully, based on assignment history in their official personnel record.
AR 670-1: 21-25. Insignia, distinguishing, U.S. Army nametape and nameplate
The "U.S. Army" tape is a 5-inch hook-and-loop pad with black block letters (3/4 inch high) on camouflage-matching tape, worn on the left breast pocket of the combat uniform. The nametape uses the same format with the Soldier's last name. The nameplate is a black laminated plastic plate, 1 by 3 inches, with white block letters, worn on the service uniform.
AR 670-1: 21-26. Aiguillette, service
The service aiguillette is a one-piece braided gold or gold-colored nylon cord, 3/16 inch in diameter and 30-1/2 inches long. The military aide to the President and White House social aides wear it on the right side. All other aides wear it on the left side. It is worn with the service and dress uniforms.
AR 670-1: 21-27. Aiguillette, dress
The dress aiguillette is worn only when performing duties as aides. Army attaches, assistant attaches, and aides wear it with the Army service/dress uniforms when prescribed. It may be worn with mess or evening mess uniforms only at formal occasions when a bow tie is worn. See DA Pam 670-1 for placement details.
AR 670-1: 21-28. Service stripes
Enlisted personnel are authorized to wear service stripes on the left sleeve of the ASU and AGSU. Each stripe represents 3 years of honorable active Federal service, Reserve service creditable for retirement, or a combination of both. See DA Pam 670-1 for wear details.
AR 670-1: 21-29. Overseas service bars
Soldiers are authorized to wear one overseas service bar for each 6-month period of active Federal service during specific designated operations and time periods (e.g., WWII, Korea, Vietnam, OEF, OIF, OIR, OFS). Periods of less than 6 months may be combined. See DA Pam 670-1 for how worn.
AR 670-1: 21-3. Headgear insignia
Officers wear the gold-colored U.S. coat of arms (2-3/8 inches) on the service cap. Enlisted personnel wear a gold disk (1-1/2 inches) with the coat of arms. The SMA wears a coat of arms within a wreath. Beret flash placement and pin-on insignia vary by grade. See DA Pam 670-1 for specific insignia by headgear type.
AR 670-1: 21-30. Brassards
Brassards are worn as identification to designate personnel who are required to perform a special task or to deal with the public. Brassards are authorized for wear only while actively engaged in the duty associated with the brassard and identification of personnel is required, such as field operations and event response.
AR 670-1: 21-31. Distinctive items authorized for infantry personnel
Infantry personnel meeting specific qualifications are authorized two distinctive items: the shoulder cord and the insignia disk for the service cap/hat. Authorization requires holding an infantry PMOS and having earned the CIB, EIB, or completed appropriate training. See DA Pam 670-1 for descriptions.
AR 670-1: 21-32. Distinctive items authorized for other than infantry personnel
Non-infantry distinctive items include the organizational flash (worn on berets by personnel authorized maroon, tan, or green berets), Airborne/Air Assault background trimming (worn with corresponding Parachutist or Air Assault badge), and the marksmanship shoulder cord (authorized only while assigned to the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit or subordinate marksmanship training units).
AR 670-1: 21-4. U.S. Insignia
The U.S. insignia consists of gold-colored block letters "U.S." 7/16 inch high. Officers wear U.S. insignia on both collars of the ASU coat. Enlisted personnel and basic trainees also wear U.S. insignia as prescribed. CID special agents wear U.S. insignia on utility uniforms. See DA Pam 670-1 for specific placement guidance.
AR 670-1: 21-5. Grade insignia for general officers
General officer grade insignia uses silver-colored five-pointed stars: four stars for General, three for Lieutenant General, two for Major General, and one for Brigadier General. Stars are 1 inch in diameter (nonsubdued) or 3/4 inch (subdued). For the AGSU, oxidized silver insignia is worn. See DA Pam 670-1 for placement details.
AR 670-1: 21-6. Grade insignia for other officers
Officer grade insignia includes the silver spread eagle (Colonel), silver oak leaf (LTC), gold oak leaf (MAJ), double silver bars (CPT), single silver bar (1LT), single gold bar (2LT), and specific warrant officer insignia. For the AGSU, oxidized silver or gold insignia is worn. See DA Pam 670-1 for detailed descriptions and placement.
AR 670-1: 21-7. Grade insignia for enlisted personnel
Enlisted grade insignia uses chevrons above arcs: PV2 (one chevron) through Sergeant Major of the Army (three chevrons, three arcs with eagle and stars). Insignia is available in sew-on (golden-light on blue), pin-on (polished brass), and subdued versions. See DA Pam 670-1 for specific descriptions and placement of each grade.
AR 670-1: 21-8. Other grade insignia
Other grade insignia includes shoulder marks (worn on shirt loops), shoulder straps (worn on mess and evening mess jackets), and subdued rank insignia tabs (optional for ECWCS wear). Officers' shoulder marks are black with a yellow stripe (ASU) or heritage green with a silver stripe (AGSU). Enlisted shoulder marks display embroidered grade insignia.
AR 670-1: 21-9. Branch insignia
Officers wear the branch insignia of their basic branch; when detailed to another branch, they wear that branch's insignia. Enlisted personnel wear branch insignia of their PMOS. Basic trainees wear U.S. insignia instead. Nominative CSMs and SGMs wear nominative senior enlisted leader collar insignia. General officers may optionally wear branch insignia for their appointed position.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-1. General
AR 670-1, DA Pam 670-1, CTA 50-900, and special HQDA authorizations specify the only insignia items authorized on Army uniforms. Insignia designates grade, branch, organization, duty assignments, skill qualifications, and prior Army service.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-10. Branch insignia, other
Branch insignia includes over 40 designs for all Army branches. Officer insignia is typically a unique symbol in gold or silver metal, 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches high. Enlisted versions place the same design on a 1-inch gold disk. Regimental numbers may be affixed (1/4 inch for officers, 3/16 inch for enlisted). Mess uniform lapels use branch-colored satin facing.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-11. Insignia for aides
Aide insignia is a shield with a gold eagle, unique per position. Aides to the President wear a blue shield with 13 white stars; Vice President aides wear a white shield with 13 blue stars. Aides to the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Army, Chairman of the JCS, Chief of Staff, and general officers each have distinctive shield designs reflecting the grade of the official served.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-12. Branch insignia—how worn, Army service uniform
On the ASU coat, officers wear branch insignia centered on both lapels approximately 1-1/4 inches below the U.S. insignia. Male enlisted Soldiers wear branch insignia centered on the left collar approximately 1 inch above the notch. Chaplains and chaplain candidates wear branch insignia centered over the left breast pocket and on the pullover sweater in lieu of the DUI.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-13. Branch insignia—how worn, Army green service uniform
On the AGSU coat, officers wear branch insignia centered on both lapels approximately 1-1/4 inches below the U.S. insignia, with the centerline bisecting the U.S. insignia and parallel to the inside edge of the lapel. Enlisted personnel wear branch insignia centered on the left collar approximately 1 inch above the notch.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-14. Insignia for U.S. Military Academy staff
The USMA nonsubdued insignia is the USMA coat of arms, 1 inch in height, consisting of the shield of the United States bearing a Greek sword surmounted by the helmet of Pallas, with an eagle and USMA motto in gold-colored metal. Permanent professors, registrars, and civilian instructors wear this insignia the same way as branch insignia.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-15. Insignia for officer candidates
The OCS insignia consists of the block letters "O.C.S." in gold-colored metal, 7/16 inch in height. Male candidates wear it centered on both collars of the ASU and AGSU coats approximately 1 inch above the notch. Female candidates wear it approximately 5/8 inch up from the collar and lapel seam. Senior candidates may wear the cloth O.C.S. design on the ascot.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-16. Insignia for warrant officer candidates
The WOC insignia consists of the block letters "W.O.C." in gold-colored metal, 7/16 inch in height (subdued version is black). It is worn on both collars of the ASU and AGSU coats. Regular Army personnel wear it from date of entry into the warrant officer course; Reserve Component personnel from date of board selection. Wear continues until appointment or elimination from WOC status.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-17. Shoulder sleeve insignia, current organization
SSI is worn centered on the left sleeve pocket flap of the ACU. On service uniforms, it is worn 1/2 inch below the shoulder seam. The SSI identifies current unit assignment.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-18. Shoulder sleeve insignia—military operations in hostile conditions
The SSI-MOHC (formerly SSI-FWTS) is worn on the right sleeve. Specific operations and time periods are listed in AR 670-1. The patch may be worn permanently after qualifying service.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-19. Wear of U.S. flag embroidered insignia
The full-color U.S. flag insignia is approximately 2 by 3 inches in red, white, and blue; the tactical flag is subdued green and black. The flag is worn on the right shoulder pocket flap of utility uniforms with the star field facing forward (reverse side flag). Soldiers will not sew the flag on the uniform.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-2. General description
Officers may wear embroidered insignia in lieu of metal on mess uniforms. On utility uniforms, personnel may wear subdued embroidered cloth OR subdued metal insignia but may not mix them. If badges are sewn on, nametape, U.S. Army tape, and grade insignia must also be sewn on.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-20. Branch colors
Lists the designated branch colors for all Army branches and corps, from Adjutant General (dark blue and scarlet) to Veterinary Corps (maroon and white), including cable numbers for each.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-21. Branch scarves
Lists authorized branch scarf colors, from black (Chaplain Corps) to yellow (Armor and Cavalry). Scarves are a bib-type design provided without cost when prescribed for wear.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-22. Distinctive unit insignia
All personnel assigned to an organization with an approved DUI wear it on the service uniform, except general officers (who wear RDI), the SEAC, and the SMA. DUI is centered on shoulder loops, berets (on the flash), and pullover sweaters.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-23. Regimental distinctive insignia
Soldiers wear the RDI when affiliated with a regiment or whole-branch regiment based on PMOS or specialty. On the ASU coat, male Soldiers wear the RDI centered 1/8 inch above the right pocket flap. On mess uniforms, the RDI is centered on the right lapel 1/2 inch below the notch. The RDI and DUI will be the same for Soldiers assigned to and affiliated with the same unit.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-24. Insignia representing regimental affiliation
Regimental affiliation insignia may be either the RDI (based on branch, corps, or PMOS) or DUI (based on a unit in which the Soldier is serving or previously served). Soldiers may choose which to wear. The RDI or DUI worn for regimental affiliation follows the same placement rules as the DUI on the pullover sweater, beret, and service uniform.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-25. Insignia, distinguishing, U.S. Army tape, nametape, and nameplate
The U.S. Army tape is a 5-inch hook-and-loop pad with "U.S. Army" in 3/4-inch black block letters on matching camouflage, worn above the left breast pocket. The nametape has the Soldier's last name in the same format, worn above the right breast pocket. The nameplate is a black laminated plastic plate, 1 by 3 inches, with white block letters. If badges are sewn on, nametape, U.S. Army tape, and grade insignia must also be sewn on.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-26. Aiguillette, service
The service aiguillette is a one-piece braided gold cord, 3/16 inch in diameter and 30-1/2 inches long. Military aides to the President and White House social aides wear it on the right side; all other aides wear it on the left. It is worn on the ASU and AGSU for informal occasions, only while performing aide duties. Attachés and assistant attachés are also authorized wearers.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-27. Aiguillette, dress
The dress aiguillette has a braided front piece 25 inches long with 15 inches of braiding, and a back cord 30-1/2 inches long with a 34-inch braided attachment. Military aides to the President wear it on the right side; all others on the left. It is worn with mess uniforms when prescribed and with the ASU or AGSU only at formal occasions when the bow tie is worn.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-28. Service stripes
Service stripes are golden-lite rayon-embroidered diagonal stripes on a blue (ASU) or heritage green 564 (AGSU) background. Male large stripes are 3/16 inch wide and 1-5/16 inches long; female small stripes are 5/32 inch wide and 1-1/4 inches long. The first stripe is sewn at a 45-degree angle (ASU) or 30-degree angle (AGSU), 4 inches from the bottom of the left sleeve, with additional stripes spaced above.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-29. Overseas service bars
Overseas service bars are golden-lite rayon-embroidered bars on a blue (ASU) or heritage green 564 (AGSU) background. They are worn centered on the outside bottom half of the right sleeve. The first bar is sewn parallel to the bottom, 1/4 inch above the sleeve braid for officers or 4 inches above the bottom for enlisted. Additional bars are spaced 1/16 inch above the first.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-3. Headgear insignia
Officers wear the coat of arms of the United States (gold-colored metal) on service caps and berets. Enlisted personnel wear a gold-colored disk with the coat of arms. On berets, officers wear grade insignia on the flash; enlisted wear their DUI. On patrol caps and boonie hats, all personnel wear subdued grade insignia centered on the front. Only subdued grade insignia is authorized on helmet covers.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-30. Brassards
Brassards are worn as identification for personnel performing special tasks or interacting with the public, only while actively engaged in that duty. Nonsubdued brassards are cloth, 17-20 inches long and 4 inches wide, worn on the left sleeve about 2 inches above the elbow. Authorized brassards include MP, EOD, CID, CBRN, medical Geneva Convention, staff duty, officer of the day, and others.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-31. Distinctive items authorized for infantry personnel
Infantry personnel are authorized three distinctive items: the infantry blue shoulder cord (worn on the right shoulder of ASU and AGSU coats, passed under the arm and secured to the shoulder loop button), the infantry blue branch and U.S. insignia disk (1-1/14 inches, worn beneath branch insignia with 1/8-inch border), and the infantry blue service cap disk (1-3/4 inches, worn beneath the cap insignia).
DA PAM 670-1: 21-32. Distinctive items authorized for other than infantry personnel
Non-infantry distinctive items include: the organizational flash (shield-shaped embroidered patch, approximately 2-1/4 by 1-7/8 inches, sewn centered on the beret stiffener), airborne background trimming (oval-shaped, 1-3/8 by 2-1/4 inches, worn beneath parachutist or air assault badges), and the marksmanship shoulder cord (blue with red and white serrated markings, worn on the right shoulder of ASU and AGSU coats).
DA PAM 670-1: 21-4. U.S. insignia
The U.S. insignia is the block letters "U.S." in gold-colored metal, 7/16 inch in height. Officers wear it on both collars of the ASU and AGSU coats, 5/8 inch above the notch. Enlisted personnel wear it on a 1-inch gold disk on the right collar, 1 inch above the notch. CID special agents (MOS 31D/311A) may wear subdued U.S. insignia in lieu of rank on utility uniforms.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-5. Grade insignia for general officers
General officer grade insignia consists of silver five-pointed stars: four stars for General, three for Lieutenant General, two for Major General, and one for Brigadier General. Stars come in 1-inch, 3/4-inch (medium), and 5/8-inch (miniature) sizes. They are worn point-to-V on shoulder loops, centered on the beret flash, and as subdued black stars on utility uniforms. For the AGSU, oxidized silver stars are worn.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-6. Grade insignia for other officers
Officer grade insignia: Colonel is a silver spread eagle (3/4 inch high); LTC is a silver oak leaf; Major is a gold oak leaf; Captain is two silver bars; 1LT is one silver bar; 2LT is one gold bar. Warrant officer insignia (CW5 through WO1) are silver bars with black enamel squares indicating grade. For the AGSU, oxidized silver or gold insignia is worn. Insignia is placed on shoulder loops 5/8 inch from the seam.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-7. Grade insignia for enlisted personnel
Enlisted grade insignia ranges from the SEAC (three chevrons, three arcs, gold eagle with four stars) down to PFC (one chevron and one arc). Privates wear no grade insignia. Nonsubdued sew-on insignia is golden-lite on blue (ASU) or heritage tan 566 on heritage green 564 (AGSU). Male large insignia is 3 inches wide; female small is 2-1/2 inches wide. Insignia is worn centered between the shoulder seam and elbow.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-8. Other grade insignia
Other grade insignia includes shoulder marks (black with yellow stripe for ASU, heritage green 564 with silver stripe for AGSU), shoulder straps (officers only, ASU, with branch-colored background and gold border), shoulder boards (female officers on old white mess jacket), and rank insignia tabs (subdued cloth, 1-1/2 by 2 inches, optional for ECWCS parka). Shoulder marks come in large and small sizes.
DA PAM 670-1: 21-9. Branch insignia
General officers may optionally wear branch insignia for their position or duty assignment. All other officers wear the insignia of their basic branch (or detailed branch). Enlisted personnel wear the branch insignia of their PMOS. Exceptions include basic trainees (U.S. insignia only), Inspector General NCOs, and nominative CSMs/SGMs who wear senior enlisted leader collar insignia. See AR 670-1 for full authorization details.