Army patch is a symbol of patriotism, pride, courage, and dignity. It is not easy to be the bearer of heroism in today’s society when people are selfish and so much self-centered. No one knows how hard it is to be a soldier and how heavy the burden is on their backs that they are carrying for us. Are we thankful enough?
The ornamental military insignia can have many different designs and have humorous images and expressions; it is used to show affiliation to a particular unit, such as a division or brigade. Unit Patches are centered on a left sleeve and worn 1/4 inch below the applicable Tab.
Standards for Soldiers
The meaning of army patches is different, and every patch represents something else. Every patch has its place where it should be, and everything must be in order.
A high standard of dressing and appearance at all times is required for every U.S. Army soldier, and it is fundamental to be neat and well-groomed. Appearance like this is needed because it contributes to building the pride. When we think of soldiers, the first thing on our mind is order and discipline, a neat uniform. Every soldier needs to have a uniform that fits properly and be by required standards, which means having all patches placed right.
Patches are on the left shoulder, but some are on the beret, above the left breast pocket, and on the top edge of the right breast pocket. It is also very important to follow the order of patches on the left shoulder because that is a place for more than one patch.
Kinds of Patches and Meanings
There are rules about patches, where to put them, how to wear them, and who need to wear them and what kind. Every soldier is assigned to wear the uniform properly, and we will see how patches are supposed to be worn.
Marks on uniforms can be:
- unit patch
- soldier’s name
- U.S. flag
- tabs
- rank patch
- branch insignia
The unit patch is needed to be worn by soldiers because it’s representing the current unit assignment. The current unit assignment can be represented with a patch placed in two places, the left shoulder and on the front of the beret. If a soldier has prior combat service, a patch of that unit can also be worn on the left shoulder.
On the top edge of the right breast pocket of all uniform (it means all coats and shirts) is a place for a patch bearing the soldier’s last name. The U.S. flag is worn on the soldier’s left shoulder with a unit patch to make a difference between the soldier and allied and enemy forces.
By the time a soldier can earn different qualifications such as Ranger, Special Forces, or Airborne qualification, and when that happens, he needs to wear a special patch for that. This patch is also placed on the left shoulder, but it needs to be above the unit patch. On the left shoulder, there is also the rank patch. Branch insignia is a patch located above the left breast pocket. It has the inscription “US ARMY,” showing that the soldier’s assigned branch of service in the U.S. Army.
Conclusion
Army patch has a powerful meaning, and it is there always to boost morale when a soldier looks in it. Just by looking at it, he/she remembers all the things and reasons for joining the army. Soldier proudly wears it on the left shoulder. There is more than one patch on the left shoulder, and each of them has a different meaning and purpose.