We’ve all seen unique custom patches on military uniforms, often replicated in costumes and even by stylists in regular wear. Military patches, while extremely trendy and fairing pretty high on the patriotism quotient, represent a far deeper meaning. Military custom patches have become a staple for military uniforms representing ranking, chain of command, and authority. Military custom patches are the ultimate way for personnel to honour their position in the military and boost their morale.
Custom military patches are more than decorative pieces of fabric to doll up a uniform. However, to truly understand their meaning and representation, we’d need to delve into their history first.
History of Custom Military Patches
Custom military patches history dates back to the Roman Empire around 2400 years ago. Badges during those times consisted of pieces of fabric sewn onto the uniforms of knights with their unit numbers during battle. Subsequently, military patches also became popular during the 1800s in the British Army that helped distinguish enlisted men from other officers.
After the World War I custom military patches became standard for British soldiers to wear military patches that included their duties, regiment, and often ranking. The patches officially introduced in the United States in 1918 when United States Army’s 81st Infantry Division created an olive-green patch with a wild cat on it. It gained instant popularity with other army units creating similar patches to represent their Divisions.
Moving forward Shoulder-Sleeve Insignia (SSI) became a standard for all military uniforms. This move led to a new movement in military uniform standards with the inclusion of several distinctive custom military patches that have evolved to become symbolic of their own rights.
Different Military Patches and Their Relevance
Each custom military patch comes with its own significance and history making them iconic in their own rights. Following are some popular custom military patch staples in the U.S. Army.
The Custom Military Flag Patch
You’d see these on all military uniforms. The flag patches are worn on the left and right shoulders to remind soldiers about their commitment and promise to their country. The custom military flag patch on the right shoulder consists of a flag with the star field facing outward, representing the soldiers’ commitment to continue moving forward. Currently these flag patches are created in earthy muted hues, to blend in with the rest of the camouflaged uniform.
The flag patches started off in the red, white, and blue colours, as a true representation of the flag, however due to the standards of modern warfare to create uniforms that could easily blend in, adjustments were made to help them blend in.
Custom Military Unit Patches
These are worn on the left shoulder by service members to help them be easily identified. They are a mandatory part of the uniforms and help represent affiliations with their units. Also known as SSI, these are used to identify the soldier’s division or brigade and reinforce the sense of patriotic spirit and unity.
Custom Name Tag Patches
Custom name tag patches aren’t only mandatory in the army but also in other law enforcement agencies as well as in private security services. These patches are worn on the uniform to help identify the officer and with communication. Name patches are also important to maintain order and increase efficiency during training and combat.
Custom Ranking Patches
As is obvious, these custom patches help recognize an army officer’s ranking in the U.S. Army. Custom ranking patches can be worn on the sleeves or the shoulder of the uniform,. They also come in various sizes, designs, and colour combinations depending on the Division and army standards.
Custom military patches with rankings help create a visual system for the soldiers to identify ranking and seniority. They are also an effective way to commemorate and showcase achievements.
Military Custom Patches For the Rest of Us
You don’t have to be a member of the U.S. Army to be able to endorse custom military patches. Military patches for civilians are often called morale patches and hold their own significance. Custom military patches for regular wear can also play a pivotal role in boosting spirits and showing support for the military.
It is a respectful and effective way to let the military men know you are standing behind them in spirits. Custom military patches can be attached to jackets, hoodies, backpacks or any other clothing item or accessory. These are a fashionable way to showcase your aspirations of eventually joining the army, showing support for a loved one in the military or to simply amplify your pride in your nation’s defence system.
Get Your Custom Military Patch Now!
Not sure where to start and what kind of military patches to get for your specific needs? We at CustompatchesbyBob are all ears and heart to help you create the ultimate custom military patches. You could choose from many material and application options and a limitless pool of designs to make your military patch just as you’d like. Need to place a bulk order for your business or events? We cater to orders of all sizes at the most competitive prices. So get designing now!
