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US Army Badges
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COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE This badge is given to those who served in a combat zone. Qulaifiers must have a designation of MOS 11, 18. I will not post the regs as they are very long, but suffice it to say that you must be either infantry, Special Forces, or a designated COMBAT MOS. No exceptions. |
| EXPERT INFANTRYMAN BADGE Soldiers in the 11 (Infantry) or 18 (Special Forces) MOS may compete for this badge. Usually around once per year each infantry unit, either at Brigade or BN level will hold a week-long (was 12 days including 'practice' courses when I received mine)course in which a soldier must complete a rigorous set of tasks including weapons, call-for-fire, survellience, and Land Navigation, etc., receiving no more than 2 "no-Go's" and must repeat them and get them right the second time. I have heard varying stodries regarding the EIB. Some call it the "Everybody In Battalion" badge because just about everyone received it, and they regarded it as easy....and some wear it RATHER than the CIB because they were proud to be one of a very small amount to receive the award in a very tough course. In my case, only 12 soldiers out of our entire Brigade received the award. Also, those few of us who made it straight through with "all Go's" were also awarded an Achievment Medal during the pinning ceremony. It was hell. I received mine in Panama. |
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ARMY "JUMPWINGS" (Normal and Combat) From Novice wings through Master Parachutist (Must have 65 jumps and be a JumpMaster for that one) and through all combat jumps (4 is the maximum ever worn/awarded to my knowledge) |
| "AIR ASSAULT" Wings Essentially a badge given for learning the basics of Rappelling in a pretty tough 2-week course. The final pasrt of the course includes a 12-mile ruck march / run with minimum 35 LBS, and done in less than 3 hours, I believe, Been a long time since I went through it. I went through while in Panama. A Roving school came and ran it once. I was lucky enough to get a slot from my command. Was tougher than ABN school, IMO. The instructors were tougher, the physical requirements were tougher, and the instructors seemed more intent on making sure that NO ONE made it through who was the SLIGHTEST bit undeserving. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about Jump School at Bennning, where I saw "jump refusals" get second chances, saw females fall out of runs every day...etc etc....and sent through anyway. |
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Order of the 3rd Regimental Zuaves This award was given to the 509th PIR for action during WWII. It is one fo the only actual AWARDS, especially from a foreign nation, to be allowed worn on the right jacket pocket of the Class A and Class B uniforms. A great distinction and I was proud to have worn this. |
| Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star These 3 awards are among the highest for Valor. The Medal of Honor is the highest, awarded only by the President or by his representative. Most MOH recipients receive it posthumously. The silver and bronze stars or lesser awards for valor and bravery, heroic action in combat. These can also have a 'V' device attched for exceptional valor. |
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The French Fourragére The French Fourragére is authorized for both permanent and temporary wear. Personnel assigned to a unit which was awarded the fourragére may wear the fourragére while assigned to the unit. I had the honor of wearing this with every unit I was assigned to or attached to. Each and every unit I was ever involved with had been awarded this during WWII, 2 times. I was given one during an honorary ball, commemorating the last surviving men of the 82nd ABN to have completed all combat jumps in WWII. After obtaining the autographs of many, one man in particular, who had been assigned to the 509th for the 1st ABN operation....North Africa...would not let me leave without taking his. He begrudgingly allowed me to trade my 'new from the clothing-sales' one. I still have it. The man has passed on now, but will forever be remembered by me and my family. I do not have permission to list his name, but if I can get it, I will list it here. |
| Distinctive Unit Insigia (Often referred to as "Unit Crests" In plain words, these crests displayed 2 things. On the right side of the Class A or B, ONE crest was displayed just above the nameplate. This showed the Unit Insignia to which you were always attached to/ a part of. For soldiers who do not have a DUI listed in their records, they will usually wear the DUI from whatever unit they are currently asssigned to. One of these crests on each shoulder epaulet from your assigned unit, and one above your nameplate. Left to right, 505th PIR, 82D ABN, 508th PIR, Formerly of the 82D ABN, 509th PIR, now the OPFOR at JRTC, FT Polk, LA, and lastly the Special Forces insignia. |
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Foreign Parachute Wings Every Airborne -qualified soldier can wear a foreign award (ONE) above the nameplate and DUI on the right side of the class A uniform. Although a soldier may have many awards from other countries, such as marksmanship wards and parachute wings in his records... only ONE may be worn at a time on the uniform. These were authorized for wear on the OD's and BDU's until the early 80s. Some wings shown are 'German' 'Canadian' Honduran' and 'French.' |
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Army Pathfinder Currently the US army only maintains three pathfinder units:
101 Avn. Regiment Pathfinder Co.,101 Abn. Division ( Air Assault)
17 Avn. Bde Pathfinder Section.
C/509 Inf. (Pathfinder)
However, any combat arms soldier can attend Pathfinder school and receive the award upon completion. There are restrictions in regards to MOS, rank, etc...and the
school is often slotted for 18-24 months in advance...so expect a wait!! |
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