What Are the Different Types of Military Lapel Pins?
U.S. Military lapel pins can mean several different things. They can signify what branch of the military the wearer is or has served in, they can signify that they have distinguished a certain medal or participated in a specific battle or military organization. Active members of the military also wear U.S. Military lapel pins to show which rank they currently hold. Some pins are official while others are not.
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Support Out Troops
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Lapel pins that have an American flag and that have "support our troops" written on them are some of the most popular and easily recognizable lapel pins. Government workers or government leaders often wear them to signify their patriotism. Civilians wear these pins as a way of supporting all branches of the military and military personnel. Other versions of these pins display a bald eagle with the words "support out troops." The pins are not official military lapel pins.
Veteran Pins
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Veteran pins signify that the wearer is a veteran of a certain war. They include the Vietnam, Korean wars as well as World War II and Desert Storm. The pins often include a symbol of the country they were fought in including the flag, shape of the country or a plant that symbolizes the country. Former military personnel wear these pins to show their service in actual wars.
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Lieutenant/Captain Bar Lapel Pins
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Active members of the military wear lapel pins to signify their current rank. Second Lieutenant's wear a gold bar on their lapel in all branches of the military while first lieutenants wear a silver bar. Captains wear two silver bars on their lapels. The officer's cuffs also signify their rank in the number and width of stripes.
Major/Colonel Maple and Eagle Pins
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When a captain is promoted he receives a gold maple leaf lapel pin to wear on his lapel. This rank is also called lieutenant commander in the navy and coast guard. When he is promoted to lieutenant colonel, or commander in the Navy, he is given a silver maple leaf to wear on his lapel. Finally, when he reaches the level of colonel, or captain in the Navy, he receives a silver eagle lapel pin.
General Star Pins
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The overall rank of general is the highest an active member of the military can receive in his career during peacetime. Brigadier Generals, or Rear Admiral Lower Half in the Navy, receive a silver star lapel pin. Major Generals, or Rear Admiral Upper Half in the Navy, wear two silver stars. Lieutenant general, or vice admiral in the navy, wear three silver stars, while generals, or admirals in the Navy, wear four silver stars. Receiving a lapel pin with five silver stars is only possible during wartime.
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References
- Photo Credit military march image by Paul Blanche from Fotolia.com
