Insignias and badges of the United States Navy are military badges issued by the United States Department of the Navy to naval service members who achieve certain qualifications and accomplishments while serving on both active and reserve duty in the United States Navy. Most naval aviation insignia are also permitted for wear on uniforms of the United States Marine Corps.
As described in Chapter 5 of U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations,[1] badges are categorized as breast insignia (usually worn immediately above and below ribbons) and identification badges (usually worn at breast pocket level).[2] Breast insignia are further divided between command and warfare and other qualification.[3]
Insignia come in the form of metal pin-on devices worn on formal uniforms and embroidered tape strips worn on work uniforms. For the purpose of this article, the general term "insignia" shall be used to describe both, as it is done in Navy Uniform Regulations. The term "badge", although used ambiguously in other military branches and in informal speak to describe any pin, patch, or tab, is exclusive to identification badges[4] and authorized marksmanship awards[5] according to the language in Navy Uniform Regulations, Chapter 5.
The modern day United States Navy currently maintains the following breast insignia and badges:
- ^ "Uniform Regulations, Chapter 5, Identification Badges/Awards/Insignia". United States Navy. Archived from the original on 18 April 2011. Retrieved 2 April 2007.
- ^ "Uniform Regulations, Chapter 5, Section 2, Breast Insignia". United States Navy. Retrieved 18 November 2007.
- ^ "Uniform Regulations, Chapter 5, Section 2, Article 5201.2, Warfare and Other Qualifications". United States Navy. Retrieved 18 November 2007.
- ^ "Uniform Regulations, Chapter 5, Section 3, Article 5310, Marksmanship Awards (Badges)". United States Navy. Retrieved 18 November 2007.