It may seem like military patches have been a part of US military dress for as long as the armed forces have worn uniforms, but the patch is actually a pretty recent addition to the military uniform. The military patch was officially introduced during the First World War after it was authorized for limited use by General John J. Pershing and gained popularity during the Second World War.
These patches have since then decorated uniforms around the world; they have been proudly worn by armed forces personnel as well as gained a following in the civilian community as a collector's item.
How are they used?
Patches are used to identify and designate the rank of individuals serving in the armed forces. Each corps, division and brigade has their own, created and assigned to them to be worn on their uniforms, either on the upper left shoulder or on their helmet. The military patch is usually embroidered and attached to the uniform by virtue of sewing or using Velcro.
Their place in battle
Before the First World War, the US military had not yet created or authorized the use of patches in military uniforms. It was during the US Civil War that some Union soldiers began carrying corps, division and brigade identification on their caps and rank stripes on their sleeves. During the war against the Indian nations, the 1898 Spanish-American War and the campaign against rebel leader Pancho Villa and his forces, US soldiers did not wear patches issued by the government.
Becoming official
It was in May 1918 that the Army's 81st Division Wildcats were granted permission to use their first patch. The first official patches were used as a way to boost morale and to create a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie. General "Black Jack" Pershing ordered all divisions to adopt their own patches and this movement then spread to include corps and brigades who also wanted their own insignia to set themselves apart.
The most recognized military patch: The Big Red
Most military patches have gone through many designs and revisions over the years. The 1st Infantry Division holds the distinction of having the longest surviving patch. Informally known as the Big Red One, the division's military patch design consisted of a large red number "1" sewn onto a pentagonal green field; it was created and issued to the 1st Infantry Division on October 1918. It has gained a reputation as being one of the most identifiable military patches ever created.
World War II
In the interim between world wars, the popularity of patches spread. During World War II, nearly all corps, divisions and brigades possessed their own military patches to designate their affiliation and rank.
Their meaning
Each military patch was unique for every division with variations depending on the symbolism that they chose to incorporate into the designs. Today, the patches chosen by NASA, the Pentagon and other defense agencies have come under fire from conspiracy theorists who claim that the symbolism is rife with imaging referencing secret societies and dark occult references.
A patch's design falls under the area of responsibility covered by the Army Adjutant General's Office's Institute of Heraldry. This was an office originally performed by the Army Quartermaster Corps from 1924-62 before being transferred over to the Adjutant General's Office.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7483604
