Army patches are used to indicate a soldier’s association, rank, and distinctions.
The patches are usually located on the shoulders, the sleeve area, the combatant’s hat or beret or in the chest area. The placement and placement of these patches on the Army Combat Uniform and Army Service Uniform is determined by Army Regulation 670-1 or the “Use and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia.”
Patches attached to the Army Combat Uniform (ACU)
Drive patches
The unit patches are attached to the ACU jacket. Velcro pads are located on both shoulders; the left shoulder space is for the unit to which it is assigned, while the right is reserved for any previous units under which it has served in other combat zones.
Skill tab patches
Skills tab patches are patches that indicate additional study and training received while in the Army, such as training for Rangers or Special Forces. These skill tab patches are located on the left shoulder above the unit patch. Soldiers can have up to three army skill tokens in their ACU.
The United States Flag
Perhaps one of the most distinctive patches affixed to the ACU jacket, the flag identifies the fighter as a US citizen.To affix the flag, press it into the flap of the right shoulder pocket above the unit patch. The flag patch, as well as skill tabs and unit patches should all be in subdued colors so as not to attract unwanted attention in combat zones. They must be combined with the ACU jacket color scheme.
The name tape
The name tape of the army fighter is located in the right breast pocket. There is a thin, horizontal velcro pad attached for this purpose. It should have the same color scheme as the rest of the ACU jacket.
The branch tape
The branch means which part of the Defense Department the soldier belongs to. The US Army patch is attached with a thin velcro strap on the left chest pocket of the ACU jacket. It should read “US Army” and be the same color scheme as the ACU jacket.
Range tabs
There are two classification tabs. One will be attached to the front zipper seam of the ACU jacket, while the other will be attached to the patrol cap.
Patches attached to the Army Service Uniform (ASU)
The enlisted rank patch
The enlisted rank patch is one of the most important components of an ASU jacket. This patch signifies the rank of each enlisted staff member. It can be attached by hand sewing the patch or by taking it to a tailor to have it professionally made. As for the placement, it is supposed to be located on the outside of each sleeve (not just one) and centered midway between the elbow and the shoulder.
The Service Stripe Patch
The service stripe patches are diagonal yellow bars that represent three years of service in the Army. This attaches to the ASU jacket and sits four inches above the left sleeve cuff and is strategically positioned to slope forty-five degrees from the bottom of the cuff.
Service bars abroad
Overseas service bars are attached to the ASU jacket. For this particular military patch, a bar symbolizes six months of service in a combat zone like Iraq or Afghanistan. The overseas service bars location is centered on the right sleeve and sits four inches above the cuff of the jacket. Overseas service bars can be hand-sewn or brought to a tailor for a more professional look.
Embroidered military patches are a crucial element for uniforms. When choosing a supplier for them, it is important to look for the quality of the stitching and attention to detail in their work.