Have you ever been curious about a badge on a soldier’s uniform? Maybe you’ve seen them in movies, on TV, or in real life and wondered what they represent.
In this guide, we’ll break down some of the most common badges you may see on US Army uniforms. While there are many different badges, we’ll focus on the ones that soldiers commonly wear.
Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB)
The Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) is exclusive to Infantrymen and Special Forces members.
How to Qualify for the EIB
✔ Must complete a rigorous qualification course
✔ Tested on first aid, communications, and weapons proficiency
✔ Includes a 12-mile road march and PT test
💡 Unlike a normal PT test, where soldiers need 60% in each event, those attempting the EIB must score at least 80% in push-ups, sit-ups, and the two-mile run.
If a soldier fails a test, they get one hour to rest before trying again. However, if they fail twice, they do not qualify for the badge.
Where It’s Worn
| Uniform | Placement |
|---|---|
| Day-to-day uniform (camouflage) | Above the U.S. Army nameplate |
| Dress uniform (ASU) | Above the ribbons and medals |
Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB)
Like the EIB, the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) is also exclusive to Infantrymen and Special Forces members.
How to Earn the CIB
✔ Must be actively engaged by the enemy during combat
✔ Must participate in a qualifying combat period
💡 Soldiers who earn multiple CIB awards receive additional stars on their badge. However, seeing a soldier with even one star is rare, as they must have fought in Desert Storm and either Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom.
Where It’s Worn
Same as the EIB, this badge is worn above the nameplate on the combat uniform and above the ribbons on the dress uniform.
Combat Action Badge (CAB)
The Combat Action Badge (CAB) was created to recognize non-Infantry soldiers who have been in direct combat.
Who Can Earn the CAB?
🔹 Non-Infantry soldiers (Not Special Forces or Medical Personnel)
🔹 Must be actively engaged by the enemy during a qualifying period
🔹 Unlike the CIB, the CAB has no rank restrictions, meaning any rank can earn it
This badge is worn in the same location as the CIB and EIB.
Parachutist Badge (“Jump Wings”)
Soldiers who complete the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, earn the Parachutist Badge, also known as Jump Wings.
Course Phases
✔ Ground Phase – Prepares soldiers for jumping techniques
✔ Tower Phase – Simulated jumps from towers
✔ Jump Phase – Must complete five parachute jumps, including a night jump
💡 Soldiers can advance to Senior and Master Parachutist Badges after completing more jumps and additional training. Those who jump into combat zones receive a special identifier on their badge.
Air Assault Badge
The Air Assault Badge is awarded to soldiers who complete Air Assault School, which is available at multiple locations.
Training Phases
🔹 Combat Air Assault Operations
🔹 Rigging and Sling Loading
🔹 Rappelling from Helicopters
Like previous badges, it is worn above the U.S. Army nameplate.
Driver and Mechanic Badge
This skill badge is awarded to drivers, mechanics, and special equipment operators.
How to Earn the Badge
✔ Must perform assigned driver/mechanic duties for 12 months or 8,000 miles
✔ Must have no accidents or traffic violations
💡 Soldiers receive different clasps or bars depending on the vehicle type they worked with:
| Clasp | Represents |
|---|---|
| Driver-T | Tracked vehicles |
| Driver-W | Wheeled vehicles |
| Mechanic | General maintenance and repairs |
Unlike other badges, this is only worn on the dress uniform.
Marksmanship Badges
These badges indicate a soldier’s level of proficiency with weapons.
Levels of Qualification
🔹 Marksman – Basic level
🔹 Sharpshooter – Intermediate level
🔹 Expert – Highest qualification
💡 Soldiers can earn multiple marksmanship badges, each with a corresponding clasp indicating the weapon they qualified with.
Unlike other permanent badges, this one must be re-earned every six months.
Where It’s Worn
| Uniform | Placement |
|---|---|
| Dress Uniform (Male) | On the left pocket flap |
| Dress Uniform (Female) | Left side (exact placement differs due to uniform design) |
Identification Badges
Unlike skill badges, identification badges are worn on the right side of the uniform.
Examples of Identification Badges
✔ Recruiter Badge – Awarded to Army recruiters
✔ Drill Sergeant Badge – Earned by soldiers who train new recruits
✔ Career Counselor Badge – Worn by those helping soldiers re-enlist or change MOS
These badges require soldiers to complete specialized schools.
Final Thoughts: Earning Army Badges
These are just some of the many badges worn by U.S. Army soldiers. Each badge represents specific training, skills, and achievements that soldiers have earned throughout their service.
If you’re thinking of joining the Army, which badge would you be most interested in earning? If you’re a veteran or active duty soldier, what badges do you currently wear?
💡 For me, I only had the Marksmanship Badges and the Driver’s Badge. I didn’t attend high-speed schools like Airborne or Air Assault, nor was I involved in direct combat to qualify for a Combat Action Badge.
If you found this helpful, be sure to share it with others who want to learn more about Army badges!
Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights
George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.
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