How to Place Military Insignia on a Uniform

Correctly placing military insignia on a uniform is easy when you follow the guidelines.

Each branch of the military has its own rules and regulations about placing military insignia on a uniform. Since there are so many different regulations for each variety of uniform, the guidelines listed here apply to the work uniform or the "camouflage" uniform of the services. This type of uniform is worn the most often.

Things You'll Need

• Uniform
• Insignia (patch or pin)
• Regulation handbook

Instructions

1. Open your regulation handbook and check the specific type of insignia you're placing on your uniform and where you're placing it. The regulations are different for branch symbols than for rank, for instance.

2. For marines, attach the military insignia a 1/2 inch above the service tape on the left breast of your outer jacket. This should be a miniature symbol, and it should be centered above the pocket. The same goes for army uniforms. Sailors in the navy don't wear this insignia on their breast, only the rank insignia on their collars.

3. Make sure that the insignia is horizontal with the pocket. If the pocket is slanted, then the highest part of the pocket should be considered the line you measure from. The insignia should still be horizontally aligned, not tilted.

4. Pin or sew the insignia in its proper place on the uniform.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check your regulation handbook to make sure you have the proper insignia on the proper uniform type and in the proper location.

References

• Marine Regulations Handbook: Military Insignia
• Navy: Rank Insignia