[Edited on Apr. 13, 2017 to add: U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Regimental Insignia] U.S. Army branch insignia were among the first designs I
made at the time when I started this project over 2 years ago. The earlier
versions of them can still be found in my Zazzle’s Military Insignia 3Dgalleries. As time went by, I have significantly improved my methods and
techniques, and as with many of my earlier works, I felt a strong urge for the
second edition… This coincided with me opening a brand-new Military Insignia 3Dgallery on CafePress, so the timing was perfect to introduce my “U.S. Army
Branches: Insignia and Plaques” 2nd edition. This time, it will debut on
CafePress, and later will be gradually introduced in my “Military Insignia 3Z”on Zazzle. These designs can be recognized by sleeker and more polished 3D
feel, cleaner and lighter look with less invasive shading, and modern
sophisticated textures. Also, whenever I came across regimental insignia, DUIs
or SSI, my goal was as much as possible to reflect real-life materials used to
manufacture such items. So, without further ado, behold the “U.S. Army
Branches: Insignia and Plaques” 2nd edition…
The United States
Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for
land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch
of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services. The U.S.
Army was officially founded on 14 June 1775, when the Continental Congress
authorized enlistment of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year.
Each branch of the army has a different branch insignia.
The purpose of the Acquisition Corps is to create a pool of
highly qualified AT&L personnel to fill Critical Acquisition Positions
(CAPs) and Key Leadership Positions (KLPs). The Acquisition Corps is a cadre of
professionals who have earned recognition as experts in the field of
acquisition and are pre-approved to fill Critical Acquisition Positions (CAPs).
It is a subset of the acquisition workforce, composed of military and civilian
personnel who meet statutory education, training, and experience requirements.
The Defense Acquisition Corps was formerly referred to as the Acquisition
Professional Community (APC). DoDD 5000.52 consolidated the separate DOD
component acquisition corps into a single Defense Acquisition Corps,
“Acquisition Corps”. All APC members, including those who were waived into the
APC, are members of the Defense Acquisition Corps. Acquisition Corps is
composed of those persons who have met the standards prescribed by Chapter 87
of title 10, United States Code, and who have been granted admission to the
Acquisition Corps by the USD(AT&L) or by a CAE to whom this authority has been
delegated. The Defense Acquisition Corps was established pursuant to DAWIA.
Prospective members must meet [Intermediate (Level II) or Advanced (Level III)]
certification requirements, have a Bachelor's degree and 24 semester-hours
business related courses, and must be selected by their DoD component for
membership. An individual may decline membership, but only Corps members can
fill Critical Acquisition Positions (CAPs).
The G-1 approved the development of a collar and regimental
insignia for Career Management Field 51 on 15 October 2007. The insignia was
authorized on 8 January 2008. The collar insignia is worn by enlisted personnel
only. The regimental insignia may be worn by soldiers awarded Military
Occupational Specialty (MOS) 51C. A gold color metal and black enameled device
1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) overall consisting of a black disc bearing the Alpha and
Omega interlaced, overall between two laurel branches crossed in base with a
sword superimposed on each all entwined by a riband, an eagle’s head erased,
all gold. Attached across the bottom is a black scroll doubled and inscribed
with “PACTUM EXCELLO” in gold. Black and gold are the dominate colors of the
U.S. Army Acquisition Corps emblem. The Greek “Alpha” and “Omega” are adapted
from the organization’s emblem and symbolize the intricate continuous
acquisition process and mission. The eagle, our National symbol, represents
vigilance and military preparedness. Black alludes to dependability and
solidarity, while gold signifies excellence and high ideals. Laurel symbolizes
honor and high achievement and the swords represent protection, service and
support to mission accomplishment. “Pactum Excello” is Latin for “Contracting
Excellence” and refers to Acquisition soldiers performing contracting
operations and functions in support of the soldier.
The Adjutant General's Corps is a Combat Service Support
branch of the Army. The Adjutant General Corps, or "AG Corps" as most
soldiers call it, provides personnel and administration support to Army field
commanders. AG soldiers' tasks include tracking awards and promotions,
maintaining personnel records, providing secretarial and clerk support, and
handling mail. Their mission is to help build and sustain combat readiness
through planning, operating, and managing all military personnel activities,
which include the following functions: Personnel Services, Personnel Strength
Management, Personnel Management, Automation, Band Operations, and Postal
Operations. Since World War II, the Adjutant General's Corps has been combat
tested on several far-flung battlefields such as Korea, Vietnam, Grenada,
Panama, and, most recently, in the Persian Gulf War (Operations Desert Shield
and Desert Storm). AG soldiers mobilized 139,207 reserve component soldiers
(equating to 1,045 Reserve and National Guard units of all types), recalled
1,386 retirees to active duty, deployed 1,600 Army civilians to Southwest Asia,
processed over 10,000 individual and unit replacements, and delivered more than
27,000 tons of mail to deployed Army forces.
Branch insignia: A silver metal and enamel shield 1 inch in
height on which are thirteen vertical stripes, 7 silver and 6 red; on a blue
chief 1 large and 12 small silver stars. The basic design--the shield from the
Coat of Arms of the United States-- was adopted in 1872 as a solid shield of
silver, bearing thirteen stars. In 1924, this design was authorized to be made
in gold metal with the colors red, white, and blue in enamel. In December 1964,
the insignia was changed to silver base metal with silver stars and silver and
red enamel stripes. Branch Plaque The plaque design has the branch insignia in
proper colors on a white background and the branch designation in silver
letters. The rim is gold.
Regimental insignia: A silver color metal and enamel device
1 1/8 inches in height consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure (dark blue)
within a border Gules, an inescutcheon paly of thirteen Argent and Gules, on a
chief Azure a mullet Argent between a pattern of twelve of the like (as on The
Adjutant General's insignia of branch), and enclosed in base by two laurel
branches Or. Attached above the shield a silver scroll inscribed with the
numerals "1775" in red and attached below the shield a silver
triparted scroll inscribed "DEFEND AND SERVE" in dark blue. The
Regimental Insignia was approved on 23 December 1986.
17 November 1775. The Continental Congress unanimously
elected Henry Knox "Colonel of the Regiment of Artillery" on 17
November 1775. The regiment formally entered service on 1 January 1776.
Although Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery are separate branches, both
inherit the traditions of the Artillery branch. Air Defense Artillery refers to
a combat arm that specializes in anti-aircraft weapons (such as surface to air
missiles). In the US Army, these groups are composed of mainly air defense
systems such as the Patriot Missile System, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense
(THAAD), and the Avenger Air Defense system which fires the FIM-92 Stinger
missile. The Air Defense Artillery branch descended from the Anti-Aircraft
Artillery (part of the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps) into a separate branch
on 20 June 1968. On 1 December 1968, the ADA branch was authorized to wear
modified Artillery insignia, crossed field guns with missile. According to the
Army's Field Manual 44-100, the mission of Air Defense Artillery is "to
protect the force and selected geopolitical assets from aerial attack, missile
attack, and surveillance. On 10 October 1917 an Antiaircraft Service in the
American Expeditionary Force (AEF) was created at Arnouville-Les-Gonesse where
an antiaircraft school was established. The antiaircraft units were organized
as serially numbered battalions during the war. The National Defense Act of
1920 formally assigned the air defense mission to the Coast Artillery Corps,
and 4 battalions were organized in 1921. In 1924 under a major reorganization
of the Coast Artillery the battalions were reorganized as regiments. In 1938
there were only 5 Regular Army and thirteen National Guard regiments, but by
1941 this had been expanded to 37 total regiments. In November 1942, 781
battalions were authorized. However, this number was pared down to 331
battalions by the end of the war. On 9 March 1942 Antiaircraft Command was
established in Washington D.C. and in 1944 the AAA school was moved to Fort
Bliss. Army Anti-Aircraft Command (ARAACOM) was created July 1950, and in 1957,
ARAACOM was renamed to US Army Air Defense Command (USARADCOM). In 1957 the
Combat Arms Regimental System organized the battalions under regiments again.
In 1968 the Air Defense Artillery Branch was created. In 2010 the United States
Army Air Defense Artillery School was moved from Fort Bliss to Fort Sill.
Branch Insignia consists of a missile surmounting two
crossed field guns, all of gold colored metal,1 1/8 inches in height. Crossed
cannons (field guns) for Artillery has been in continuous use since 1834, when
they were played on regimental colors, knapsacks, and as part of the cap
insignia for Artillery officers. An Act of Congress, 2 February 1901, divided
the Artillery arm into Coast and Field Artillery and the insignia was modified
by the addition of a plain scarlet oval at the intersection of the crossed
cannons. On 17 July 1902, the Coast Artillery insignia was created by the
addition of a gold projectile on the red oval. Concurrently, the Field
Artillery insignia was created by the addition of a gold wheel on the red oval;
this insignia was replaced by two crossed field guns (a lighter form of
cannon), the design of which was approved on 4 April 1907. The Army
Organization Act of 1950 consolidated Coast and Field Artillery to form the
Artillery Arm, and the crossed field guns was redesignated as the Artillery
branch insignia on 19 December 1950. This insignia was superseded on 2 January
1957 by a new insignia consisting of crossed field guns surmounted by a
missile, all gold. On 20 June 1968, Air Defense Artillery was established as a
basic branch of the Army and on 1 December 1968, the ADA branch was authorized
to retain the former Artillery insignia, crossed field guns with missile. The
plaque design has the branch insignia, letters and border in gold. The
background is scarlet.
The Armor Branch of the United States Army is an active combat
arms branch created in 1776. The Armor branch traces its origin to the Cavalry.
A regiment of cavalry was authorized to be raised by the Continental Congress
Resolve of 12 December 1775. Although mounted units were raised at various
times after the Revolution, the first unit in continuous service was the United
States Regiment of Dragoons, organized in 1833. The Tank Service was formed 5
March 1918. The Armored Force was formed on 10 July 1940. Armor became a
permanent branch of the Army in 1950. The United States Army Armor School is
now located at Fort Benning.
The Armor insignia, approved in 1950, consists of the
traditional crossed sabers (originally adopted for the cavalry in 1851) on
which the M-26 tank is superimposed. The design symbolizes the traditional and
current roles of armor. The front view of an M-26 tank, gun slightly raised,
superimposed on two crossed cavalry sabers in scabbards, cutting edge up, 13/16
inch in height overall, of gold color metal. The plaque design has the branch
insignia, letters and border in gold. The background is green.
The Aviation Branch of the United States Army is the
administrative organization within the Army responsible for doctrine, manning
and configuration for all aviation units. After the United States Army Air
Corps grew into the Army Air Forces and split into the new service, the United
States Air Force, the Army was left with its sole fixed-wing aviation units
flying L-2 observation planes for artillery units. The Army would develop a new
concept of aviation using the helicopter, that would show promise during the
Korean War and would truly revolutionize warfare during the Vietnam War. After
the creation of the Army Air Forces, the Army Ground Forces retained the use of
light aircraft for artillery forward observation and reconnaissance in June
1942. When the United States Air Force was established as a separate service in
1947, the Army developed its light planes and rotary wing aircraft to support
its ground operations. The Korean War and Vietnam War proved the growing
capabilities of these aviation assets to perform a variety of missions not
covered by the Air Force. In recognition of the demonstrated increasing
importance of aviation in Army doctrine and operations, Aviation became a separate
branch on 12 April 1983.
The mission of Army Aviation is to find, fix, and destroy
the enemy through fire and maneuver; and to provide combat, combat support and
combat service support in coordinated operations as an integral member of the
combined arms team. On the modern battlefield, Army Aviation, unlike the other
members of the combined arms team, has the organic flexibility, versatility,
and assets to fulfill a variety of maneuver, CS, CSS, roles and functions.
These cover the spectrum of combined arms operations. Aviation can accomplish
each of these roles—within the limits of finite assets and capabilities—during
offensive or defensive operations and also for joint, combined, contingency, or
special operations. Originally aircraft and pilots were assigned directly to
artillery or other units requiring light aircraft. In 1957 the Army decided to
create individual company sized units in the numbered Divisions. These
companies were soon expanded to Battalion size during the Vietnam war and
further expanded in the late 1980s to Regimental-sized support elements under a
Brigade headquarters.
Branch Insignia: A silver propeller in a vertical position
between two gold wings in a horizontal position, 1 1/8 inches in width. The
wings are modified and differ from designs currently used on Army and Air Force
aviator badges. The insignia draws upon the original insignia for historical
and symbolic purposes, but was deliberately modified to signify a new chapter
in Army aviation history.
The United States Cavalry, or U.S. Cavalry, was the
designation of the mounted force of the United States Army from the late 18th
to the early 20th century. The Cavalry branch was absorbed into the Armor
branch in 1950, but the term "Cavalry" remains in use in the U.S.
Army for certain armor and aviation units historically derived from cavalry
units. Originally designated as United States Dragoons, the forces were
patterned after cavalry units employed during the Revolutionary War. The
traditions of the U.S. Cavalry originated with the horse-mounted force which
played an important role in extending United States governance into the Western
United States after the American Civil War.
Immediately preceding World War II, the U.S. Cavalry began
transitioning to a mechanized, mounted force. During World War II, the Army's
cavalry units operated as horse-mounted, mechanized, or dismounted forces
(infantry). The last horse-mounted cavalry charge by a U.S. Cavalry unit took
place on the Bataan Peninsula, in the Philippines. The 26th Cavalry Regiment of
the Philippine Scouts executed the charge against Japanese forces near the
village of Morong on 16 January 1942. The U.S. Cavalry branch was absorbed into
the Armor branch as part of the Army Reorganization Act of 1950. The Vietnam
War saw the introduction of helicopters and operations as an airborne force
with the designation of Air Cavalry, while mechanized cavalry received the
designation of Armored Cavalry. Today, cavalry designations and traditions
continue with regiments of both armor and aviation units that perform the
cavalry mission. The 1st Cavalry Division is the only active division in the
United States Army with a cavalry designation. The division maintains a
detachment of horse-mounted cavalry for ceremonial purposes.
Branch Insignia: Two crossed sabers in scabbards, cutting
edge up, 11/16 inch in height, of gold color metal. The cavalry insignia was
adopted in 1851. Officers and enlisted personnel assigned to cavalry regiments,
cavalry squadrons or separate cavalry troops are authorized to wear the cavalry
collar insignia in lieu of their insignia of branch when approved by the MACOM
commander. Some of the armor and aviation units are designated cavalry units.
The Chaplain Corps of the United States Army consists of ordained clergy who are commissioned Army officers as well as enlisted soldiers who serve as assistants. Their purpose is to offer religious services, counseling, and moral support to the armed forces, whether in peacetime or at war.
The Chemical Corps is the branch of the United States Army
tasked with defending against Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear
(CBRN) weapons. The corps was founded as the Chemical Warfare Service during
World War I. Its name was changed to the Chemical Corps in 1946. By 1982 in an
effort to hasten chemical defense capabilities the corps restructured its
doctrine, modernized its equipment, and altered its force structure. This shift
led to every unit in the army having chemical specialists in-house by the
mid-1980s. Between 1979 and 1989 the Army established 28 active duty chemical
defense companies.
The Chemical Corps, like all branches of the U.S. Army, uses
specific insignia to indicate a soldier's affiliation with the corps. The
Chemical Corps branch insignia consists of a cobalt blue, enamel benzene ring
superimposed over two crossed gold retorts. The branch insignia, which was
adopted in 1918 by the fledgling Chemical Service, measures .5 inches in height
by 1.81 inches in width. Crossed shells with a dragon head was also commonly
used in France for the Chemical service. The Chemical Warfare Service approved
the insignia in 1921 and in 1924 the ring adopted the cobalt blue enamel. When
the Chemical Warfare Service changed designations to the Chemical Corps in 1946
the symbol was retained.
The Chemical Corps regimental insignia was approved on 2 May
1986. The insignia consists of a 1.2 inch shield of gold and blue emblazoned
with a dragon and a tree. The shield is enclosed on three sides by a blue
ribbon with Elementis Regamus Proelium written around it in gold lettering. The
phrase translates to: "Let us (or may we) rule the battle by means of the
elements". The regimental insignia incorporates specific symbolism in its
design. The colors, gold and blue, are the colors of the Chemical Corps, while
the tree's trunk is battle scarred, a reference to the historical beginnings of
U.S. chemical warfare, battered tree trunks were often the only reference
points that chemical mortar teams had across no man's land during World War I.
The tree design was taken from the coat of arms of the First Gas Regiment. The
dragon symbolizes the fire and destruction of chemical warfare. Individual
Chemical Corps soldiers are often referred to as "Dragon Soldiers."
In 1955, The Civil Affairs and Military Government Branch,
USAR, was established. During wartime, the primary mission of Civil Affairs is
to conduct civil-military operations. Civil Affairs Soldiers are responsible
for identifying non-governmental and international organizations operating in
the battlespace, handling refugees, civilians on the battlefield, and
determining protected targets such as schools, churches/temples/mosques,
hospitals, etc. Civil Affairs units are the field commander's link to the civil
authorities in that commander's area of operations. The Soldiers make up teams
which interface and provide expertise to the host nation government. CA
Soldiers are particularly suited for this mission since they are Army Reserve
Soldiers with civilian occupations such as law enforcement, engineering,
medicine, law, banking, public administration, etc. Civil Affairs Soldiers have
been integral to U.S. peacekeeping operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of
Africa, Bosnia and Kosovo, among others. Tactical Civil Affairs teams go out
and meet with local officials, conduct assessments and determine the need for
critical infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, power plants, clinics,
sewer lines, etc., and check up on the status of the project after construction
by a local company has begun.
Branch Insignia: On a globe 5/8 inch in diameter, a torch of
liberty 1-inch in height surmounted by a scroll and a sword crossed in saltire,
all of gold color. On 30 April 1956, the Office of Civil Affairs and Military
Government gave concurrence in the design (gold global background with gold
torch, sword and scroll superimposed thereon). The Department of the Army
General Staff approved the design on 1 June 1956. The branch was redesignated
to Civil Affairs USAR on 2 October 1959. The globe indicates the worldwide
areas of Civil Affairs operations. The torch is from the Statue of Liberty, a
symbol associated with the spirit of the United States. It also represents the
enlightened performance of duty. The scroll and sword depict the civil and
military aspects of the organization's mission. The insignia was authorized for
wear by all personnel assigned to Regular Army Civil Affairs TOE units on 13
October 1961.
Regimental Insignia: A silver and gold color metal and
enamel device 1 3/16 inches in height consisting of a shield, crest and motto.
The Regimental Insignia was approved on 14 April 1989. Purple and white are the
colors traditionally associated with Civil Affairs. Gold is emblematic of honor
and achievement. The scroll, sword and torch are adapted from the Civil Affairs
branch insignia and denote the branch-wide scope and application of the design.
The scroll and sword depict the civil and military aspects of the organization.
The torch refers to the Statue of Liberty, a symbol associated with the spirit
of democracy of the United States. The border emphasizes unity, continuity and
the whole regimental concept. Crest: The scales represent balance and
normality; the gauntlet denotes the military's role in establishing,
administering and protecting the equilibrium. The globe signifies the extensive
scope of the mission of the Civil Affairs Regiment.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE, also
sometimes shortened to CoE) is a U.S. federal agency under the Department of
Defense and a major Army command made up of some 38,000 civilian and military
personnel, making it the world's largest public engineering, design, and
construction management agency. Although generally associated with dams, canals
and flood protection in the United States, USACE is involved in a wide range of
public works throughout the world. The Corps of Engineers provides outdoor
recreation opportunities to the public, and provides 24% of U.S. hydropower
capacity. The Corps' mission is to provide vital public engineering services in
peace and war to strengthen the nation's security, energize the economy, and
reduce risks from disasters. USACE provides support directly and indirectly to
the warfighting effort. They build and help maintain much of the infrastructure
that the Army and the Air Force use to train, house, and deploy troops. USACE
built and maintained navigation systems and ports provide the means to deploy
vital equipment and other material. Corps Research and Development (R&D)
facilities help develop new methods and measures for deployment, force protection,
terrain analysis, mapping, and other support. USACE directly supports the
military in the battlezone, making expertise available to commanders to help
solve and avoid engineering and other problems. Forward Engineer Support Teams,
FEST-A's or FEST-M's, may accompany combat engineers to provide immediate
support, or to reach back electronically into the rest of the Corps for the
necessary expertise. A FEST-A team is an 8 person detachment while a FEST-M is
approximately 36 individuals. These teams are designed to provide immediate
technical engineering support to the warfighter or in a disaster area. Corps
professionals use the knowledge and skills honed on both military and civil
projects to support the U.S. and local communities in the areas of real estate,
contracting, mapping, construction, logistics, engineering, and management
experience. This work currently includes support for rebuilding Iraq,
establishing Afghanistan infrastructure, and supporting international and
interagency services.
Branch Insignia: A gold color triple turreted castle
eleven-sixteenth inch in height. The triple turreted castle has been in use by
the Corps of Engineers since it was adopted in 1840. Prior to that time an
insignia of a similar design was worn on the uniforms of the Corps of Cadets of
the United States Military Academy since the Academy was under the supervision
and direction of the Chief of Engineers. Selection of the turreted castle as
the Engineer insignia followed the first major construction undertaken by the
Corps of Engineers--the building of a system of castle-like fortifications for
the protection of harbors along the Atlantic Coast. These fortifications, many
of which are still standing, were in fact called "castles". By 1924,
the insignia had involved into its current design and color (gold).
Regimental Insignia: A silver color metal and enamel device
1 1/16 inches in height consisting of a scarlet shield with silver border and
gold castle at center and attached below a scarlet scroll inscribed
"ESSAYONS" in silver. The regimental insignia was approved on 11
April 1986. Symbolism of Regimental Insignia: Scarlet and white are the colors
of the Corps of Engineers. The castle and the motto "ESSAYONS"
traditionally have been associated with the Corps.
The Field Artillery branch was founded on 17 November 1775
by the Continental Congress. The Field Artillery is one of the Army's combat
arms, traditionally one of the three major branches (with Infantry and Armor).
It refers to those units that use artillery weapons systems to deliver
surface-to-surface long range indirect fire. Indirect fire means that the
projectile does not follow the line of sight to the target. Mortars are not
field artillery weapons; they are organic to infantry units and are manned by
infantry personnel. The mission of the Field Artillery is to integrate and
deliver lethal and non-lethal fires to enable joint and maneuver commanders to
dominate their operational environment across the spectrum of operations.
Branch Insignia: Two crossed field guns, gold color metal,
thirteen-sixteenth inch in height. Crossed cannons (field guns) for Artillery
have been in continuous use since 1834, when they were placed on regimental
colors, knapsacks, and as part of the cap insignia for Artillery officers. In
1901, the Artillery was divided into Coast and Field Artillery and the branch
insignia was modified by the addition of a plain scarlet oval at the
intersection of the cannons. The Field Artillery insignia approved on 17 July
1902 had a gold wheel on the red oval and the Coast Artillery had a gold
projectile on the red oval. This red oval and wheel was replaced on 4 April
1907 by two field guns. It was superseded in 1957 by the consolidated Artillery
insignia consisting of the crossed field guns surmounted by a missile. In 1968
when the Air Defense Artillery and the Field Artillery were authorized to have
separate insignia, the former Field Artillery insignia was reinstated.
The United States Army Finance Corps is a combat service
support (CSS) branch of the United States Army. The Finance Corps is the
successor to the old Pay Department, which was created in June 1775. The
Finance Department was created by law on 1 July 1920. It became the Finance
Corps in 1950. It is responsible for financial operations, most notably payroll
and contracting. It is the smallest branch of the army.
In 1896, the diamond
design (embroidered in silver or made of silver metal) was approved at the
insignia of the Pay Department. In 1912, when the offices of The Quartermaster
General, The Commissary General, and The Paymaster General of the Army were
consolidated into the Quartermaster Corps, the use of this design was
discontinued. The design came into use again when the Finance Department was
established in 1920. The design was retained when the Finance Department became
the Finance Corps in 1950. Regimental Insignia is a gold color metal and enamel
device 1 1/8 inch in height consisting of the shield adapted from the coat of
arms and blazoned: Argent (Silver Gray), a globe Azure gridlined Or, overall in
saltire a sword with point to sinister base Argent hilted Or and a quill
Argent, superimposed at fess point a representation of the Finance Corps branch
insignia Proper. Attached below a gold scroll inscribed with the words "TO
SUPPORT AND SERVE" in blue letters. The insignia was originally approved
on 8 September 1986 but the design was changed on 1 June 1988 to change the
diamond from yellow enamel to a separate device in gold.
In U.S. Army Infantry, as well as in all other infantries around the world, infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for
the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face. Infantrymen are
distinguished from soldiers trained to fight on horseback (cavalry), in tanks,
or in technical roles such as armourers or signallers, but basic infantry
skills are fundamental to the training of any soldier, and soldiers of any
branch of an army are expected to serve as auxiliary infantry (e.g., patrolling
and security) when necessary. Infantry can access and maneuver in terrain
inaccessible to vehicles and tanks, and employ infantry support weapons that
can provide firepower in the absence of artillery. A new system, the U.S. Army
Combat Arms Regimental System, or CARS, was adopted in 1957 to replace the old
regimental system. CARS uses the Army's traditional regiments as parent
organizations for historical purposes, but the primary building blocks are
divisions, and brigade became battalions. Each battalion carries an association
with a parent regiment, even though the regimental organization no longer
exists. In some brigades several numbered battalions carrying the same
regimental association may still serve together, and tend to consider
themselves part of the traditional regiment when in fact they are independent
battalions serving a brigade, rather than a regimental, headquarters. The CARS
was replaced by the U.S. Army Regimental System (USARS) in 1981. There are
exceptions to USARS regimental titles, including the Armored Cavalry Regiments
and the 75th Ranger Regiment created in 1986. On 1 October 2005, the word
"regiment" was formally appended to the name of all active and
inactive CARS and USARS regiments. So, for example, the 1st Cavalry officially
became titled the 1st Cavalry Regiment.
Branch insignia: Two gold color crossed muskets, vintage
1795 Springfield musket (Model 1795 Musket), 3/4 inch in height. Crossed
muskets were first introduced into the Army as the insignia of officers and
enlisted men of the Infantry on 19 November 1875 (War Department General Order
No. 96 dtd 19 Nov 1875) to take effect on or before 1 June 1876. Numerous
attempts in the earlier years were made to keep the insignia current with the
ever changing styles of rifles being introduced into the Army. However, in 1924
the branch insignia was standardized by the adoption of crossed muskets and the
1795 model Springfield Arsenal musket was adopted as the standard musket to be
used. This was the first official United States shoulder arm, made in a
government arsenal, with interchangeable parts, flint lock, smooth bore, muzzle
loader. The standardized musket now in use was first suggested by Major General
Charles S. Farnsworth, U.S. Army, while he was the first Chief of Infantry, in
July 1921, and approved by General Pershing, Chief of Staff, in 1922. The
device adopted in 1922 has been in continual use since 1924. There have been
slight modifications in the size of the insignia over the years; however, the
basic design has remained unchanged.
The Inspector General’s office routinely investigates allegations of misconduct by Army officials at the rank of colonel or below. Complaints can be filed by soldiers, their family members, retirees, former soldiers or civilians employed by the Army. The office also can be directed to investigate allegations against senior officers at the rank of general, as it was in the 2004 Abu Ghraib prisoner-abuse scandal. The position of inspector general was created by George Washington to improve the training, drills, discipline and organization. The office still fulfills that role by monitoring compliance; for example, it inspects the chemical- and nuclear-materials systems. Its self-described mission is “to inquire into, and periodically report on, the discipline, efficiency, economy, morale, training and readiness.”
The agency has reviewed cases involving soldiers injured or killed by friendly fire. It has handled sexual-harassment complaints. And it has produced reports on alleged abuses against detainees by U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It does not handle criminal investigations, which it leaves to the Criminal Investigations Command.
The Judge Advocate General's Corps of the United States Army
is composed of Army officers who are also lawyers and who provide legal
services to the Army at all levels of command. The Judge Advocate General's
Legal Service includes judge advocates, warrant officers, paralegal
noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted personnel, and civilian employees.
The Judge Advocate General is a lieutenant general. All military officers are
appointed by the U.S. President subject to the advice and consent of the
Senate, but the Judge Advocate General is one of the few positions in the Army
explicitly provided for by law in Title 10 of the United States Code, and which
requires a distinct appointment. Officers who have already been appointed to
another branch of the Army are administratively dismissed and simultaneously
recommissioned anew as Judge Advocates, rather than merely transferring
branches. udge Advocates occupying the position of Staff Judge Advocate serve
on the special and personal staff of general officers in command who are
general court-martial convening authorities (in other words, who have the
authority to convene a general court-martial). Staff Judge Advocates advise
commanders on the full range of legal matters encountered in Government legal
practice and provide advice on courts-martial as required by the Uniform Code
of Military Justice. Subordinate judge advocates prosecute courts-martial, and
others, assigned to the independent United States Army Trial Defense Service
and United States Army Trial Judiciary, serve as defense counsel and judges. The
almost 2,000 full-time judge advocates and civilian attorneys who serve The
Judge Advocate General's Corps comprise the largest group of attorneys who
serve the U.S. Army. Several hundred other attorneys practice under the Chief
Counsel of the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Command Counsel of
the United States Army Materiel Command.
Judge advocates are deployed throughout the United States
and around the world, including Japan, South Korea, Germany, Kosovo, Iraq,
Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Qatar. They provide legal assistance to soldiers,
adjudicate claims against the Army, advise commands on targeting decisions and
other aspects of operational law, and assist the command in administering
military justice by preparing non-judicial punishment actions, administrative
separation actions, and trying criminal cases at court-martial.
In addition to the active component judge advocates, there
are approximately 5,000 attorneys who serve in the US Army Reserve and the Army
National Guard. Several hundred Reserve and National Guard attorneys were
called to active duty to serve in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom.
The branch insignia consists of a gold pen crossed above a
gold sword, superimposed over a laurel wreath. The pen signifies the recording
of testimony, the sword represents the military character of the JAG Corps, and
the wreath indicates honor. The insignia was created in May 1890 in silver and
changed to gold in 1899.
The regimental distinctive insignia (commonly but
erroneously referred to as a "crest") contains the branch insignia on
a shield of azure (dark blue), bordered argent (silver), the regimental colors.
The "1775" on the ribbon below the shields refers to the year of the
Corps' establishment.
Department of the Army General Orders No. 6, dated 27
November 2007, established Logistics as a basic branch of the Army effective 1
January 2008. This changed what was previously known as the functional area 90
(multifunctional logistician) program into a branch of the Army. All Ordnance,
Quartermaster and Transportation Corps basic branch officers of all components
(Active, Reserve and National Guard), in the rank of Captain or above, who have
graduated from the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course (or its earlier
equivalent called the Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course) or any
Ordnance, Quartermaster or Transportation Corps Reserve Component Captains
Career Course will wear the Logistics branch insignia.
A diagonally crossed cannon, muzzle up and key, ward down
and pointing in, surmounted by a ship’s steering wheel, all in gold colored
metal; bearing on the hub a stylized star and inscribed on the ship’s wheel in
Latin, above “SUSTINENDUM” and below “VICTORIAM” all in soldier red. Overall
dimension is 1 inch (2.54 cm) in height.
Soldier red is the Logistics branch color. The logistics
mission of planning, integrating, and executing sustainment activities is
represented by elements from the Quartermaster (key) and Transportation (ship’s
wheel) branch insignia, Ordnance regimental insignia (cannon), and Combined
Arms Support Command distinctive unit insignia (stylized star). The key
represents the Quartermaster Corps’ mission to provide supplies and services;
the ship’s wheel denotes the Transportation Corps’ responsibilities for the
movement of troops, supplies, and equipment; the cannon represents the Ordnance
Corps’ responsibilities of maintenance and munitions; the stylized star
represents the unity and integration of logistics functions. The motto
translates to “Sustaining Victory.”
The Army Medical Department of the U.S. Army (abbreviated as
the AMEDD) comprises the Army's six medical Special Branches (or
"Corps") of officers and enlisted medical soldiers. It was
established as the "Army Hospital" in July 1775 to coordinate the
medical care required by the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The
AMEDD is led by the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, a Lieutenant general.
The AMEDD is the U.S. Army's healthcare organization, not a
U.S. Army command. The AMEDD is found in all three branches of the Army: the
Active Army, the U.S. Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard. Its
headquarters are in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, which hosts the AMEDD
Center and School. Equal numbers of AMEDD senior leaders can also be found in
Washington D.C., divided between the Pentagon and the Walter Reed Army Medical
Center (WRAMC).
Regimental Insignia: A silver color metal and enamel device
1 inch in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned as follows: Per pale:
to dexter, paly of thirteen Gules and Argent, on a chief Azure 20 mullets in
four rows of five each of the Second; to sinister, Argent, a staff entwined
with a serpent Vert; attached below the shield a blue scroll inscribed "TO
CONSERVE FIGHTING STRENGTH" in silver. The insignia was originally approved
on 17 April 1986 but the size was changed from 1 1/4 inch to 1 inch on 28
August 1986. The design of the shield is based on the shield of a historical
heraldic device probably first used in 1818 by the Army Medical Department. The
white stars on a blue background and the red and white stripes represents the
United States flag of 1818. The green staff entwined with the serpent,
originating in mythology, is symbolic of medicine and healing. Green was the
color associated with the Corps during the last half of the nineteenth century.
Symbology of the crest of the coat of arms: The colors Argent and Gules are
those associated with the Army Medical Department. The cross and the wreath are
adapted from devices authorized for hospital stewards and other enlisted men
when the Hospital Corps was established in 1887. The seven stars emphasize the
elements of the organization: Medical Corps, Army Nurse Corps, Dental Corps,
Veterinary Corps, Medical Service Corps, Army Specialist Corps, and the
Enlisted Medical Specialist. The motto "TO CONSERVE FIGHTING
STRENGTH" reflects the medical mission.
The Medical Corps (MC) of the U.S. Army is a staff corps
(non-combat specialty branch) of the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD)
consisting of commissioned medical officers – physicians with either an MD or a
DO degree, at least one year of post-graduate clinical training, and a state
medical license. The MC traces its earliest origins to the first physicians
recruited by the Medical Department of the Army, created by the Continental
Congress in 1775. The US Congress made official the designation "Medical
Corps" in 1908, although the term had long been in use informally among
the Medical Department's regular physicians. Currently, the MC consists of over
4,400 active duty physicians representing all the specialties and
subspecialties of civilian medicine. They may be assigned to fixed military
medical facilities, to deployable combat units or to military medical research
and development duties. They are considered fully deployable soldiers. The
Chief of the Medical Corps Branch (under the Army's Human Resources Command) is
a colonel and the senior-most Medical Corps officer in the Army is the U.S.
Army Surgeon General, a lieutenant general.
The Medical Service Corps consists entirely of commissioned
and warrant officers. Members are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree
before receiving a commission. The MS is the most diverse branch of the Army,
with members performing the greatest range of duties. Members perform
administrative and support duties such as healthcare administrators, health
services officers in operational units, healthcare comptrollers, healthcare
informatics officers, patient administrators, health service human resource
managers, health physicists, toxicologists, sanitary engineers, medical
operations and plans officers, medical logisticians, health services
maintenance technicians, and medical evacuation pilots. MS officers serve in
clinical support roles as clinical laboratory science officers, environmental
science officers, pharmacists and preventive medicine officers. Medical Service
Corps officers serve as commanders of field medical units in garrison and
combat environments. MS officers provide healthcare to patients as
psychologists (PhD, PsyD), social workers (MSW with state license),
optometrists, pharmacist, podiatrists, and audiologists. The Medical Service
Corps also functions as a transitional branch, encompassing commissioned
medical, dental, and veterinary students who have not completed their training
through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) or the
Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).
Medical Service Corp officers are accessioned from the
various Army commissioning sources (USMA, ROTC, and the federal and state
Office Candidate Schools) following a branch-immaterial curriculum. Since a
primary function of the Medical Service Corps is to manage combat health
support activities, its officers hold general command authority and can compete
for company and field grade command of medical support formations and
detachments, similar to officers of the "competitive category"
branches (infantry, ordnance, quartermaster, etc.). In contrast, Medical Corps
and Dental Corps officers are limited to command billets specific to their
respective corps (e.g. hospitals, MEDDACs, clinics for doctors; dental clinics,
DENTACs for dentists).
The Army Medical Specialist Corps consists entirely of commissioned
officers. Members hold professional degrees and serve as clinical dietitians,
physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physician assistants. Members
of the SP serve all around the world and at all echelons of the Army.
The Dental Corps (DC) consists of commissioned officers
holding the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree or Doctor of Dental Medicine
degree. Enlisted soldiers may be assigned as dental assistants.
The Army Nurse Corps became a permanent corps of the Medical
Department under the Army Reorganization Act (31 STat. 753) passed by Congress
on 2 February 1901. Its motto is "EMBRACE THE PAST – ENGAGE THE PRESENT –
ENVISION THE FUTURE" and its mission statement declares that "All
actions and tasks must lead and work toward promoting the wellness of Warriors
and their families, supporting the delivery of Warrior and family healthcare,
and all those entrusted to our care and ultimately, positioning the Army Nurse
Corps as a force multiplier for the future of military medicine."
The U.S. Army Veterinary Corps was established by an Act of
Congress on 3 June 1916. Recognition of the need for veterinary expertise had
been evolving since 1776 when General Washington directed that a "regiment
of horse with a farrier" be raised. It has evolved to include sanitary
food inspectors and animal healthcare specialists.
The Veterinary Corps consists of commissioned doctors of
veterinary medicine. Warrant officers are the core of its food inspection
service. Enlisted personnel can serve as food inspection specialists and
veterinary technicians; enlisted collar insignia lacks the 'V' and is the same
as that worn by medics.
In the United States Armed Forces, Military Intelligence
(sometimes referred to as MI) refers specifically to the intelligence
components of the United States Army. Other branches of the service have their
own military intelligence components, referred to by other names. The primary
mission of military intelligence in the United States Army is to provide
timely, relevant, accurate, and synchronized intelligence and electronic warfare
support to tactical, operational and strategic-level commanders. The Army’s
intelligence components produce intelligence both for Army use and for sharing
across the national intelligence community.
The Military Intelligence Corps is one of the basic branches
of the United States Army. In 1971, the United States Army Intelligence Center
was established at Fort Huachuca, Arizona as the home of the military
intelligence branch. On July 1, 1987 the Military Intelligence Corps was
activated as a regiment under the U.S. Army Regimental System. All United
States Army Military Intelligence personnel are members of the Military
Intelligence Corps.
The Branch insignia was originally approved in 1962 for the
Army Intelligence and Security Branch and redesignated to the Military
Intelligence Branch on 1 July 1967. The sun, composed of four straight and four
wavy alternating rays, is the symbol of Helios who, as God of the Sun, could
see and hear everything. The four straight rays of the sun symbol also allude
to the four points of the compass and the worldwide mission of the Military
Intelligence Branch. The placement of the sun symbol beneath the rose (an
ancient symbol of secrecy) refers to the operations and activities being
conducted under circumstances forbidding disclosure. The partially concealed
unsheathed dagger alludes to the aggressive and protective requirements and the
element of physical danger inherent in the mission. The color gold signifies
successful accomplishment and the dark blue signifies vigilance and loyalty.
Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1
1/8 inches in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned as follows: Azure
(oriental blue) a lightning flash and a key ward up, saltirewise, superimposed
by a sphinx Or; attached below the shield a gold scroll inscribed "ALWAYS
OUT FRONT" in black letters. The regimental insignia was originally
approved on 28 July 1986 but was revised on 24 March 1987 to change the sphinx
from enamel to recessed and gold plated. Oriental blue and silver gray is the
colors associated with the Military Intelligence Corps. The key, flash and
sphinx symbolize the three basic categories of intelligence: human, signal, and
tactical. The flaming torch between the crossed swords of the crest suggests the
illumination as provided by Intelligence upon the field of battle. The motto
"ALWAYS OUT FRONT" reflects the forward location in gathering
intelligence information.
The Military Police Corps is the uniformed law enforcement
branch of the United States Army. Investigations are conducted by Military
Police Investigators or the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command
(USACIDC), both of which report to the Provost Marshal General. Some U.S. Army
MP units, usually at the division or brigade level, are designated as combat,
division MPs whose combat zone responsibilities include protection of vehicle
routes, defile control, route reconnaissance and straggler control, the
guidance or detention of soldiers who have become lost, separated from their
units, or have fled the battlefield. Since the beginning of the war on terror,
military police have become a valuable asset to combat operations due to the
versatility of the MOS. They have been used more in a combat arms role rather than
their normal combat support role. The Army's Military Police provide an
important function in the full spectrum of Army operations as a member of the
Maneuver, Fires, and Effects division. The Military Police Corps provides
expertise in police, detainment and stability operations in order to enhance
security and enable mobility. The Army's Military Police can be utilized in
direct combat and during peacetime.
Branch Insignia: Two crossed gold color metal pistols 3/4
inch in height. The insignia was approved in 1922. The old type pistol
sometimes referred to as the Harper's Ferry Pistol (made at the Harper's Ferry
Arsenal), was selected since it is the first American Military pistol and
remained the Army model for many years. The parts of this weapon were standardized
and inter-changeable, thereby marking an advance in arms.
Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1
3/16 inches in height consisting of a shield blazoned as follows: Vert, a
fasces palewise, axe Or and rods Proper (brown), thereover in fess a balance
and in saltire overall a key with bow in sinister base and a sword with hilt in
dexter base all of the second. The shield is enclosed at bottom and sides by a
gold scroll of three folds inscribed ''ASSIST PROTECT DEFEND" in green letters
and surmounted at the top by two crossed gold pistols. The regimental insignia
was approved on 3 July 1986. Green and yellow are the colors associated with
the Military Police Corps. The fasces is an ancient symbol of authority related
to a Roman magistrate. The balance is symbolic of equal justice under law and
the key signifies security. The sword represents the military. The crossed
pistols are the symbol of the Military Police Corps mission: to uphold the law
and to keep order. The motto "ASSIST PROTECT AND DEFEND" reflects the
mission.
US Army Ordnance Corps is a Sustainment (formerly combat
service support) branch of the United States Army, headquartered at Fort Lee,
Virginia. The contemporary mission of the Ordnance Corps is to "support
the development, production, acquisition and sustainment of weapons systems and
munitions, and to provide explosive ordnance disposal, during peace and war, to
provide superior combat power to current and future forces of the United States
Army." In both Korea and Vietnam, the Ordnance Corps provided materiel
supply and maintenance, characteristic of its tradition of "service to the
line, on the line, on time," and was active in the development of rockets,
guided missiles and satellites. Under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)
authorization, announced in 2005, the U.S. Army Ordnance Center and School was
directed to relocate to Fort Lee, Virginia. Under BRAC, the U.S. Army Ordnance
Center and School relocated from Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland to Fort
Lee.
Branch Insignia: A gold color metal shell and flame 1 inch
in height. The use of the "shell and flame" by the Ordnance Corps
dates back to 1832; it is considered to be the oldest branch insignia of the
Army. Similar insignia had been used by the British Army. After its adoption by
the American Army, the design was used by the Artillery as well as the Ordnance
until 1834 when the crossed cannon was adopted by the Artillery. In 1835, the
shell and flame was used on a button for members of the Ordnance Corps and the
design had been used in various items worn on the uniform since it was first
adopted. The simplicity of the shell and flame harmonizes with the armament of
days gone by, while the action it connotes is applicable with equal force to
the weapons of today.
Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1
1/8 inches in height overall consisting of two gray antique cannons in saltire
on a white disc behind an encircling scroll in the form of a buckle red belt
with, between the intersecting cannons and the belt, a black antique bomb, its
scarlet flames issuing at the top of the device from behind the belt, which
bears the inscription "ORDNANCE CORPS U.S.A." in gold letters. The
regimental insignia for the Ordnance Corps was approved on 25 March 1986. The
crossed cannons are representative of the Ordnance Corps' early relationship to
the Artillery. The flaming bomb, also known as the shell and flame, represents
the armament of days gone by, while the energy it connotes is applicable to the
weapons of our own day. The cannoneer's belt, which encircles the flaming bomb
and crossed cannons, is embossed with the words "ORDNANCE CORPS
U.S.A." and represents the traditional association between munitions and
armament. The white background symbolizes the Ordnance Corps' motto,
"ARMAMENT FOR PEACE."
Psychological operations are planned operations to convey
selected information and indicators to foreign audiences to influence their
emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of foreign
governments, organizations, groups, and individuals. The purpose of United States psychological operations (PSYOP) is to induce or reinforce behavior
favorable to US objectives. They are an important part of the range of
diplomatic, informational, military, and economic activities available to the
US. They can be utilized during both peacetime and conflict. There are three
main types: strategic, operational, and tactical. Strategic PSYOP include
informational activities conducted by the US government agencies outside of the
military arena, though many utilize Department of Defense (DOD) assets.
Operational PSYOP are conducted across the range of military operations,
including during peacetime, in a defined operational area to promote the
effectiveness of the joint force commander's (JFC) campaigns and strategies.
Tactical PSYOP are conducted in the area assigned to a tactical commander
across the range of military operations to support the tactical mission against
opposing forces. PSYOP is a component of information operations. PSYOP can
encourage popular discontent with the opposition's leadership and by combining
persuasion with a credible threat, degrade an adversary's ability to conduct or
sustain military operations. They can also disrupt, confuse, and protract the
adversary's decision-making process, undermining command and control. When
properly employed, PSYOP have the potential to save the lives of friendly or
enemy forces by reducing the adversary's will to fight. By lowering the
adversary's morale and then its efficiency, PSYOP can also discourage
aggressive actions by creating disaffection within their ranks, ultimately
leading to surrender.
The smallest organizational PSYOP element is the Tactical PSYOP
Team (TPT). A TPT generally consists of a PSYOP team chief (Staff Sergeant or
Sergeant), an assistant team chief (Sergeant or Specialist), and an additional
soldier to serve as a gunner and to operate the speaker system (Specialist). A
team is equipped with a Humvee fitted with a loud speaker, and often works with
a local translator indigenous to the host or occupied country. Generally, each
maneuver battalion-sized element in a theater of war or operational area has at
least one TPT attached to it. Women are not allowed to serve on TPTs in a war
zone due to a PSYOP team's high chance of contact with the enemy. PSYOP
soldiers are required to complete nine weeks of Basic Combat Training. After
basic training (BCT), the active duty-component PSYOP soldier is then required
to attend Airborne training. All enlisted PSYOP soldiers report to Fort Bragg
to complete the 13-week Psychological Operation Advanced Individual Training
(AIT) course. Sometime after initial training, PSYOP soldiers will spend up to
a year (or perhaps more for specific languages) in foreign language
qualification training. Certain reserve soldiers serving in units designated as
Airborne are also required to attend Airborne training, while language training
and Airborne qualification for PSYOP soldiers assigned to non-Airborne units is
awarded on a merit and need basis.
Branch Insignia: Crossed daggers with blade forming a
lightning bolt, superimposed by a knight chess piece. Authorized in November
1990 for wear by enlisted personnel assigned to the Psychological Operations
Career Management Field (CMF 37). A collar insignia for officers was approved
by the G-1 on 18 April 2004. The design is that of the enlisted collar insignia
without the disc. The knight chess piece is a traditional symbol of special
operations and signifies the ability to influence all types of warfare. The
lightning bolts represent the psychological operations ability to strike
anywhere with speed and the two swords represent the combat capabilities. The
item changed to branch insignia with the approval of Psychological Operations
as a branch in October 2006.
Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1
1/4 inches (3.18cm) in width overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Paly of
three Argent (Silver Gray), Argent and Sable a wreath of laurel Proper and
overall two lightning flash swords saltirewise superimposed by a chess knight
Or. Attached below the shield is a green scroll inscribed "PERSUADE CHANGE
INFLUENCE" in gold. The Insignia was authorized November 18, 1998. Silver
gray, white and black represent the three types of Psychological Operations;
white represents the overt processes, black is for the covert and gray for the
hidden. The laurel wreath symbolizes honor and achievement. The center device is
adapted from the Psychological Operations collar insignia. The chess knight
represents the ability to act obliquely and influence all types of warfare. The
lightning bolt swords denote speed and the ability to strike anywhere.
The purpose of the U.S. Army Public Affairs branch is to deal with the media and
community issues as well as for more
specific limited purposes. Public affairs offices are staffed by a combination
of officers, enlisted personnel, civilian officials and contract professionals.
Public Affairs offices plays a key role in contingency and deployed operations.
Public Affairs fulfills the Army's obligation to keep the American people and
the Army informed, and helps to establish the conditions that lead to
confidence in America's Army and its readiness to conduct operations in
peacetime, conflict and war. The Public Affairs community of the United States
Armed Forces consists of active duty and reserve officers, enlisted personnel,
civilians and consultants to provide support for managing the flow of news and
information for the military. Public Affairs Officers (PAO) and enlisted
members often attend the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Ft. Meade,
Maryland prior to their first duty station and for online and instructor-led
professional development coursework and advanced training throughout their
careers.
Branch Insignia: A vertical broadsword set against a cross
quill with pen and a lightning bolt. Authorized on 26 October 1989 for wear by
enlisted personnel assigned to the Public Affairs career management field (CMF
46). The quill identifies the functional area of public affairs and journalism.
It crosses a lightning flash symbolizing speed and the transmittal or
broadcasting of information. They are combined with a broadsword, underscoring the
tactical value and impact that dissemination of information has in total
military preparedness and in combat readiness. Officers assigned to public
affairs continue to wear their basic branch insignia.
The United States Army Quartermaster Corps is a Sustainment
(formerly combat service support (CSS)) branch of the United States Army. It is
also one of three U.S. Army logistics branches, the others being the
Transportation Corps and the Ordnance Corps. The Quartermaster Corps is the U.S.
Army's oldest logistics branch, established 16 June 1775. On that date the
Second Continental Congress passed a resolution providing for "one
Quartermaster General of the grand army and a deputy, under him, for the
separate army." From 1775 to 1912 this organization was known as the
Quartermaster Department. In 1912, Congress consolidated the former
Subsistence, Pay, and Quartermaster Departments to create the Quartermaster
Corps. Quartermaster units and soldiers have served in every U.S. military operation
from the Revolutionary War to current operations in Iraq (Operation Iraqi
Freedom) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). Quartermaster
detachments, companies and battalions are normally assigned to corps or higher
level commands. Divisions and smaller units have multifunctional support
battalions which combine functional areas from the Army Transportation Corps,
Army Quartermaster Corps, Army Ordnance Corps, and the Army Medical Service
Department. Quartermaster organizations include field service, general supply,
petroleum supply and petroleum pipeline, aerial delivery (rigger), water, and
mortuary affairs units. Most are company level except petroleum & water
which have battalion and group level units.
Branch Insignia: gold color eagle with wings spread perched
on a wheel with a blue felloe set with thirteen gold stars, having thirteen
gold spokes and the hub white with a red center; superimposed on the wheel a
gold sword and key crossed diagonally hilt and bow up. The insignia is 3/4
inches in height. The insignia of the Quartermaster Department was approved in
1895. The design was retained when the Corps was established in 1912. After
World War I, the earlier design, with the eagle's head superimposed on one
wing, was changed to depict the head above the wings. The wagon wheel is
symbolic of transportation and symbolize the original colonies and the origin
of the Corps during the Revolutionary War. The sword, indicative of the
military forces, and the key, alluding to storekeeping functions, symbolize the
control of military supplies by the Quartermaster Corps. The eagle symbolizes
our nation; red, white, and blue are the national colors.
Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1
inch in height consisting of a gold eagle with wings spread and head lowered
looking to his right and standing upon a wheel with a blue felloe set with
thirteen gold stars, having thirteen gold spokes and the hub white with a red
center; superimposed on the wheel a gold sword and key crossed diagonally hilt
and bow up, all on a black background and resting upon a wreath of green laurel
terminating at either side below the eagle's wings at the upper end of the
sword and key. Attached below the device is a gold scroll inscribed
"SUPPORTING VICTORY" in black. The original regimental insignia was
all gold and approved on 31 March 1986. The design was changed on 7 June 1994
to add color to the insignia. The device utilizes the traditional Quartermaster
Corps branch insignia with the eagle in a slightly different configuration
known historically as the "Regimental Eagle". The eagle symbolizes
our nation; the wagon wheel is symbolic of transportation and delivery of
supplies. The stars and spokes of the wheel symbolize the original colonies.
The sword, indicative of the military forces, and the key, alluding to the
storekeeping functions, symbolize the control of military supplies by the
Quartermaster Corps. The wreath signifies honor and achievement.
The United States Army Signal Corps develop, test, provide,
and manage communications and information systems support for the command and
control of combined arms forces. It was established in 1860, the brainchild of
United States Army Major Albert J. Myer, and has had an important role from the
American Civil War through the current day. Over its history, it had the
initial responsibility for a number of functions and new technologies that are
currently managed by other organizations, including military intelligence,
weather forecasting, and aviation. The mission of the Signal Corps is to
provide and manage communications and information systems support for the
command and control of combined arms forces. Signal support includes Network
Operations (information assurance, information dissemination management, and
network management) and management of the electromagnetic spectrum. Signal
support encompasses all aspects of designing, installing, maintaining, and
managing information networks to include communications links, computers, and
other components of local and wide area networks. Signal forces plan, install,
operate, and maintain voice and data communications networks that employ single
and multi-channel satellite, tropospheric scatter, terrestrial microwave, switching,
messaging, video-teleconferencing, visual information, and other related
systems. They integrate tactical, strategic and sustaining base communications,
information processing and management systems into a seamless global
information network that supports knowledge dominance for Army, joint and
coalition operations.
Modern warfare utilizes three main sorts of Signal soldiers.
Some are assigned to specific military bases ("Base Ops"), and they
are charged with installation, operation and maintenance of the base
communications infrastructure along with hired civilian contracted companies.
Others are members of non-Signal Army units, providing communications
capability for those with other jobs to accomplish (e.g. infantry, medical,
armor, etc.) in much the same way as, say, the unit supply sections, unit
clerks, or chemical specialists. The third major sort of Signaleer is one
assigned to a Signal unit. That is to say, a unit whose only mission is to
provide communications links between the Army units in their area of operations
and other signal nodes in further areas served by other Signal units. Since 11
September 2001 the Signal Corps has been supporting the Global War on Terror in
both Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Signal Corps is
currently fielding the Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (WIN-T). It
will eventually provide “On-The-Move” down to the Company level for Maneuver,
Fires and Aviation Brigades, and will fully support the Future Combat Systems
(FCS) program; and also provide protected Satellite Communications
“On-The-Move” capability against jamming, detection and intercept and will be
aligned with the Telecommunications Satellite (TSAT) program.
Branch Insignia: Two signal flags crossed, dexter flag white
with a red center, the sinister flag red with a white center, staffs gold, with
a flaming torch of gold color metal upright at center of crossed flags; 7/8
inch in height. "Crossed flags" have been used by the Signal Corps
since 1868, when they were prescribed for wear on the uniform coat by enlisted
men of the Signal Corps. In 1884, a burning torch was added to the insignia and
the present design adopted on 1 July 1884. The flags and torch are symbolic of
signaling or communication.
Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1
3/16 inches in height consisting of a gold eagle grasping a horizontal baton
from which is suspended a red signal flag with a white center, enclosing the
flag from a star at the bottom, a wreath of laurel all gold and a top left and
right a white scroll inscribed "PRO PATRIA" at left and
"VIGILANS" at right in gold. The regimental insignia was approved on
20 Mar 1986. The gold eagle holds in his talons a golden baton, from which
descends a signal flag. The design originated in 1865 from a meeting of Signal
Corps officers, led by Major Albert Myer, the Chief Signal Officer, in
Washington, DC. The badge was a symbol of faithful service and good fellowship
for those who served together in war and was called the "Order of the
Signal Corps." The motto "PRO PATRIA VIGILANS" was adopted from
the Signal School insignia and serves to portray the cohesiveness of Signal
soldiers and their affiliation with their regimental home. The gold laurel
wreath depicts the myriad of achievements through strength made by the Corps
since its inception. The battle star centered on the wreath represents formal
recognition for participation in combat. It adorned a Signal flag and was first
awarded to Signal Corps soldiers in 1862. The battle star typifies the close
operational relationship between the combined arms and the Signal Corps. The
Coat of Arms has the Signal flag suspended from a baton, which was adopted from
the badge that originated in 1865 and was called the "Order of the Signal
Corps." The bronze battle star represents formal recognition for
participation in combat; it adorned a signal flag and was first awarded to
Signal Corps soldiers in 1862. Orange and white are the traditional colors of
the Signal Corp. The hand on the crest personifying the Corps has grasped the
lightning from the heavens, and is applying to military communications.
United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets) are a
special operations force of the United States Army tasked with six primary
missions: unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special
reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism. The first
two emphasize language, cultural, and training skills in working with foreign
troops. Other duties include combat search and rescue (CSAR), security
assistance, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, humanitarian demining,
counter-proliferation, psychological operations, manhunts, and counter-drug
operations; other components of the United States Special Operations Command or
other U.S. government activities may also specialize in these secondary areas.
Their official motto is De oppresso liber (Latin: To Liberate the Oppressed), a
reference to one of their primary missions, training and advising foreign
indigenous forces
Branch Insignia: Two crossed arrows 3/4 inch in height and 1
3/8 inches in width all gold color. The Special Forces branch insignia was
authorized in 1987 for wear by personnel in the Special Forces branch. It was
previously authorized in 1984 for wear by enlisted personnel in Career
Management Field 18 (Special Operations). Originally (from 1890 to 1926),
crossed arrows were prescribed for wear by Indian Scouts. During World War II,
the crossed arrows were worn as collar insignia by officers and enlisted
personnel assigned to the First Special Service Force.
Regimental Insignia: Personnel assigned to the Special
Forces Branch are all affiliated to the 1st Special Forces since there is only
one Special Forces regiment. The insignia is a silver color metal and enamel
device consisting of a pair of silver arrows in saltire, points up and
surmounted at their junction by a silver dagger with black handle point up; all
over and between a black motto scroll arcing to base and inscribed "DE
OPPRESSO LIBER" (Liberate From Oppression) in silver letters. The shield
of the Coat of Arms was approved for the First Special Service Force of World
War II on 26 February 1943. The knife is of a distinctive shape and pattern and
was issued only to the First Special Service Force. The crest is the crossed
arrows from the collar insignia worn by the First Special Service Force in
World War II but changed from gold to silver for harmony with the shield and to
make a difference from the collar insignia. The coat of arms and distinctive
unit insignia was approved on 8 July 1960.
The Transportation Corps was established 31 July 1942 by
Executive Order 9082. The Transportation Corps is a combat service support
branch of the U.S. Army, and was headquartered at Fort Eustis, Virginia, but
has now moved to Fort Lee, Virginia. The Transportation Corps is responsible
for the movement of personnel and material by truck, rail, air, and sea. Its
motto is "Spearhead of Logistics," and it is currently the third
smallest branch of the Army.[1] According to an article in the Army News
Service, "The first students to attend classes at the new Transportation
School will be those enrolled in the transportation management coordinator
course - MOS 88N. It is the only one of the seven transportation MOS-producing
courses that will be taught at Fort Lee (the others are taught
elsewhere)."[2] For example, Watercraft Operator (MOS 88K) and Watercraft
Engineer (MOS 88L) training is conducted at Fort Eustis, Virginia, as Fort
Eustis is the main housing of the Army's Watercraft. Motor Transportation
Operator (truck driver, MOS 88M) training is conducted at Fort Leonard Wood,
Missouri. Railway training for Army Reserve soldiers (MOSs 88P, 88T, and 88U)
and Army civilian employees has remained at Fort Eustis, as there are only
warehouse tracks and no railway system available for training at Fort Lee. The
Vietnam War saw the most diversified assortment of transportation units ever
assembled. For over a decade the Transportation Corps provided continuous
support for American and allied forces through an unimproved tropical
environment using watercraft, amphibians, motor trucks and Transportation Corps
aircraft. On 31 July 1986, the
Transportation Corps was inducted into the U.S. Army Regimental System. In 1990
the Transportation Corps faced one of its greatest challenges with the onset of
the Gulf War. During Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, the
Transportation Corps were working out of ports on three continents
demonstrating its ability to deploy and sustain massive forces. Most recently,
operations in Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq have also
seen the deployment of large numbers of transportation units.
Branch Insignia: A ship's steering wheel, superimposed
thereon a shield charged with a winged car wheel on a rail, all of gold color
metal, 1 inch in height. In 1919, "a winged car wheel, flanged, on a rail,
surrounded by a rim one inch in diameter" was approved as the insignia of
the Transportation Corps. The Army Reorganization Act, 4 June 1920, placed all
transportation except military railways under the Quartermaster General. The
Transportation Corps essentially in its present form was organized on 31 July
1942 as a result of the Army reorganization of 1942 and has functioned since
then as one of the services. The present Transportation Corps insignia is based
on that of the World War I Corps, with shield and ship's wheel added. The
winged car wheel is for rail transportation and the Mariner's helm for
transport by water. The U.S. highway marker shield is for land transportation.
Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1
1/4 inches in height overall consisting of a ship's steering wheel bearing a
shield charged with a winged car wheel on a rail, all gold centered upon a
brick red spearhead point up, all standing upon a curving gold scroll spanning
the lower tips of the spearhead and inscribed "SPEARHEAD OF
LOGISTICS" in blue letters. The insignia was approved on 7 March 1986.
Brick red and golden yellow are the colors associated with the Transportation
Corps. The traditional insignia of the branch superimposed on the spearhead
denotes the spirit of the motto. The branch insignia consists of the car wheel
symbolizing rail transportation, the wing symbolizing air transportation, a
mariner’s helm for water transportation, and a U.S. highway marker shield for
land transportation.
As always, the above insignia are available on a limited
number of selected quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries at CafePress , SpreadShirt and Zazzle. You may simply follow the direct links in the article to navigate to
the corresponding galleries.
I will also make my insignia designs available free of
charge to any military units and personnel, for any non-profit/non-commercial
and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. In addition, I
would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches,
formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes,
such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I did
on many occasions in the past.
The above information provided in part by Wikipedia, The
Institute of Heraldry, Global Security.