Drill Sergeant Identification Badge
The Drill Sergeant Identification Badge is a military badge of the United States Army which was first issued on January 15, 1958. It is also nicknamed the "pumpkin" patch due to its appearance when worn in the non-subdued pin-on version and in the color sew-on version worn before insignia was subdued in the 1950s and 1960s. The badge is presented to any NCO who has completed the Drill Sergeant Course at any U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School, and has been assigned as a drill sergeant at a U.S. Army training command. [1] [2] [3]
The drill sergeant identification badge is worn by all qualified drill sergeants. Each element of the badge has a specific meaning. It consists of 13 stars representing the original colonies. The torch, burning brightly, in the center symbolizes liberty. The snake is derived from the original ”Don’t Tread On Me” serpent on the Gadsden flag, a symbol of American independence during the 18th century. Together with the torch and breastplate, it indicated readiness to defend. The breastplate is a symbol of strength. The green background is a vestment worn under the breastplate. It's called a Jupon, which represents the new Army. The snake grasps, with his tail and teeth, a scroll inscribed “This We’ll Defend,” the motto of the United States Army. The inscription summarizes the meaning of all the symbols on the badge, depicting the determination, devotion, and constant readiness of the American Soldier. [1] [2] [3]
The Drill Sergeant Identification Badge (nonsubdued) is worn on the lower right uniform pocket of the U.S. Army Class A uniform. On the Army Combat Uniform (ACU), the black subdued pin on version is worn centered on the ACU blouse pocket. The badge is authorized for wear upon successful completion of the Drill Sergeant Course. During this tour of duty the Drill Sergeant badge is considered a temporary decoration pending successful completion of the tour as a drill sergeant. The award is authorized by the Commandant of the Drill Sergeant School, and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge may be worn for the duration of a military member’s career, including commissioned service. Any drill sergeant who is relieved of drill sergeant duties for cause may be required to surrender the badge and in this case would not eligible for any further display of the decoration. [2] [3]
The United States Coast Guard equivalent of the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge is known as the Company Commander Insignia, which is a gold badge, similar to the Army's special skill badges, that's awarded to qualified drill instructors as a permanent decoration/skill badge. The United States Air Force equivalent is the Air Education and Training Command Instructor Badge while the United States Navy equivalent is the Recruit Division Commander Badge. Both are considered temporary badges that must be surrendered upon completion of an instructor's training assignment. [4] [5] [6]
In addition, the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps award Drill Instructor Ribbons for those who qualify as recruit instructors. [7] [8] [9]
[edit] See also
- Badges of the United States Army
- Badges of the United States Coast Guard
- Badges of the United States Air Force
- Badges of the United States Navy
- Drill Instructor Ribbon
[edit] References
- ^ a b The Institute of Heraldry, Uniform Services ~ Army, U.S. Army Badges, Drill Sergeant - Identification Badge
- ^ a b c U.S. Army Regulation 670–1, Uniforms and Insignia, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia
- ^ a b c U.S. Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards
- ^ U.S. Coast Guard COMDTINST M1020.6F, dated Feb 09, last accessed 21 Aug 11
- ^ U.S. Air Force AFI36-2903: Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, dated 18 Jul 11, last accessed 21 Aug 11
- ^ U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations, Chapter 5, Identification Badges, updated 27 Jul 11, last accessed 26 Nov 11
- ^ Air Force Basic Military Training Instructor Ribbon, posted 02 Aug 10, last accessed 26 Nov 11
- ^ U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations, Chapter 5, Awards, updated 27 Jul 11, last accessed 26 Nov 11
- ^ Permanent Marine Corps Uniform Board, Chapter5, Awards, updated 29 Oct 09, last accessed 26 Nov 11
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