The Navy uses patches to indicate not only the rank of a sailor but the job they do, which is called a “rate.” Typical Navy rates fall under various categories, including medical, construction, aviation, and others. A handful rates have been disbanded, combined with other rates, or simply dissolved throughout the years, but those sailors […]
Category: Military Patches
Well-Grounded: 5 Air Force Occupational Badges and Insignia
The Air Force has many enlisted members who perform duties unrelated to flying. These duties, or occupations, are part of what keeps the pilots flying and missions on target. Occupational badges, first introduced in the 1950s, recognize the qualifications, training and education that airmen receive in a field. They are broken up into different Career […]
Iconic Morale Patches and Their Meanings
Morale patches have been present in the U.S. military since WWI and WWII with the development of division and insignia patches, spearheaded by the 81st Division, the Wildcats. Besides rank, there was no other way to determine U.S. soldiers apart by division or unit. After the creation of rank, unit, and division patches, came along […]
Vietnam Military Patches and Their Meanings
Military patches are sewn on military uniforms and are regarded as Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Every patch is unique to units, divisions, brigades, and every aspect of the U.S. Military. Many of the patches are designed by the Institute of Heraldry and every color and design has an intent and purpose. During the Vietnam War, there […]
Medal of Honor Recipient Returns to the Frontline
The Medal of Honor is the highest honor that a soldier can receive from the United States. Soldiers can earn the Medal of Honor for ‘conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.’ The President of the United States personally awards each soldier this honor. The Army […]