Military Insignia

Military Insignia, distinguishing symbols or emblems, usually of cloth or metal, worn by military forces to denote membership, rank, or specialization. Insignia are distinguished from medals and decorations, worn as awards for achievement or service, civilian as well as military. Modern military insignia include the major branch-of-service devices; specific assignment corps insignia; unit insignia; and insignia of rank and length of service, which include chevrons, stripes, special patches, and metal or sewn bars and emblems. In the armed forces of most nations, insignia are worn as specifically prescribed on the cap, collar, shoulder, or sleeve, depending on the formality of the uniform and on the season. See Medals and Decorations.

Derived from heraldic devices (see Heraldry) of the Middle Ages, modern military insignia evolved in the 17th century, when the household guards of Louis XIV, king of France, were provided with distinctive uniforms, including brass regimental numbers. Not until the 18th century, however, did actual insignia of rank come into use.