Shoulder Patch

Army regulations allow the wearing of Distinctive Unit Insignia for units that meet certain qualifications, as well as shoulder sleeve insignia.

History

According to the U.S. Army's website, during World War I American military units marked their vehicles and baggage with symbols of their home regions, such as the South Carolina wildcat. By 1918, the vehicle and baggage markings were also used as shoulder patches. The practice became generalized after the war when Secretary of War Newton Baker authorized the wearing of unit patches.

Meaning of Patches

Shoulder patches can use regional symbols, allusions to the history of the unit, or symbols that represent the purpose of the unit.

Examples

As an example, the U.S. Army describes the meaning of the 1st Armored Division patch: "Yellow, blue and red are the colors of the branches from which armored units were formed. The tank tread, gun, and lightning flash are symbolic of mobility, power and speed."

Other Insignia

While unit patches are worn on the shoulder, rank insignia is worn on the sleeve, the collar or shoulder boards (depending on rank and type of uniform), medals and qualifications badges are worn on the chest, and stripes representing years of service are worn on the sleeves for enlisted men in dress uniforms.

Source:

U.S. Army Symbols and Insignia

U.S. Army Distinctive Unit Insignia

More Information:

Official History of the U.S. Army