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Air Force Patches and Insignia: The History of the Air Force Uniform

Since the US Air Force became its own separate branch in 1947, Air Force patches and insignia have been an integral part of the uniform.

Here at Saunders Insignia, we are always looking for ways to keep the history of our beloved military alive. You can celebrate the history of the US Air Force with your own collection of Air Force patches and insignia. Let’s take a look back at the history of the Air Force uniform. Even though the Air Force became its own branch in 1947, uniforms weren’t distributed for wear until 1950. The first Air Force uniforms were blue with shoulder loops, large lapels, and no belts. There were a limited number of Air Force patches and insignia authorized for use on these first uniforms.

The Air Force established a uniform board in 1959, and they emphasized a clean uniform style. This clean uniform policy kept the number of Air Force patches and insignia to a minimum on the uniform. Although badges and other accessories were limited, medals and ribbons were used quite extensively. More than 100 possible medals and ribbons can be earned for the Air Force uniform.

 The Air Force uniform changed quite dramatically in the early 1990s. General Merrill A. McPeak got rid of fourrageres and lanyards, and put ranks on the sleeves. This particular uniform incarnation was discontinued in 1999. It currently stands as the shortest uniform series in the history of the US armed forces. The current Air Force uniform includes blue pants and a matching coat. The shirt underneath is a slightly lighter color blue.

The uniform also includes silver pins on the lapels, a hat in the same color as the pants and coats, and a herringbone necktie. Enlisted men and officers wear different Air Force patches and insignia. Update your Air Force uniform collection with the Air Force patches and insignia here at Saunders Insignia.

We have rank insignia, ROTC insignia, badges, branch and name tapes, and so much more. Keep the storied tradition of the Air Force alive with the pieces in our selection.

H. J. Saunders

Educare School

101st Field Artillery Regiment, Custom made Cloth Patch

$25.00

Experience the pride of the US Army with our custom-crafted 101st Field Artillery Regiment cloth patch. Made to military specifications, this emblem is a symbol of honor and dedication.

  • Custom crafted patch
  • Made to Military Specifications
  • Size: 3.5"H, 3"W
101st Field Artillery Regiment, Custom made Cloth Patch - Saunders Military Insignia
101st Field Artillery Regiment, Custom made Cloth Patch - Saunders Military Insignia
101st Field Artillery Regiment, Custom made Cloth Patch - Saunders Military Insignia
101st Field Artillery Regiment, Custom made Cloth Patch - Saunders Military Insignia
101st Field Artillery Regiment, Custom made Cloth Patch - Saunders Military Insignia
101st Field Artillery Regiment, Custom made Cloth Patch - Saunders Military Insignia
Educare School

Touch a Part of History: Collecting Military Emblems

At Saunders Insignia, we have a wide variety of US Military emblems for collectors of every type. Whether you’re simply a military enthusiast, an active military member, a veteran, or the family of a soldier, our military emblems and insignia can help you enjoy and appreciate the history of the United States armed forces.

 A truly special collection requires truly authentic memorabilia. You can explore the rich history of military emblems and pass that knowledge along. Military insignia and military emblems have been used since the Revolutionary War.

Initially, the US military rankings were established using British military rankings. The British would differentiate between rank using items like feathers, sashes, stripes, and sometimes the rank would be identified by the weapon that the soldier carried. Some of these military emblems are still used to this day.

 Specifically, the Army and the Marines carried over many of the British ranks after the Revolutionary War. The Navy developed their own military emblems ranking system. In fact, the Navy and Coast Guard don’t even use the term “rank.” Among those enlisted, the proper term is “rate.” They have their own unique military emblems to represent their position.

 Why use military emblems in the first place? As we said, military emblems date back to the Revolutionary War. The Continental Army was poor and could not afford to purchase uniforms.

This made it difficult to distinguish between the various ranks on the battlefield. General George Washington requested that badges be designed to help straighten things out. Military emblems continued to change and evolve up until World War II.

 Here at Saunders Insignia, we have a large selection of US Army badges, unit patches, US Army ranks, unit crests, and other military emblems. Many of the items we carry are either obsolete or extremely difficult to find! Our military insignia range from WWII emblems through the present day. If you have any questions about which military emblems would be right for your collection, feel free to contact us.

We have a wide knowledge base and can help you create the perfect military emblem collection or display.

H. J. Saunders

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Tips for Properly Placing Army Unit Patches

Here at Saunders Insignia, we’re proud to have a wide selection of Army unit patches. The left shoulder of the Army’s Class A uniform bears the insignia of the soldier’s unit. Each time a solider relocates to a new unit, he or she must tailor their uniform to reflect the new and correct insignia.

Longtime soldiers have likely had a variety of Army unit patches throughout their career. Whether you’re adding new Army unit patches to your current uniform or creating a replica uniform as a memorial collection, these tips will help ensure that you get everything sewn on properly.

 It’s easy to shop through our selection of Army unit patches and find the one you’re looking for. We’ve been working with Army unit patches since 1968, so you can trust Saunders Military Insignia to have the quality, authentic patches that you need. Simply click on your patch unit name to see the selection in each area.

 Once you’ve chosen the correct Army unit patches, you can begin working on properly affixing it to the uniform. The Army unit patches should be centered on the top of the left sleeve of a Class A uniform jacket. Take the time to measure each side of the patch with a ruler to ensure that the insignia is centered.

Again, use a ruler to measure one half inch down from the seam that joins the shoulder and sleeve of the jacket. The Army unit patches should be placed at that mark. As you work to sew the Army unit patches into place, check the measurements continuously.

This way you can ensure that the Army unit patches do not become crooked, relocated, or misaligned in some way. Army unit patches are just some of the wide variety of patches and insignia on the military uniform. Soldiers wear an assortment of ribbons, medals, badges, insignia, and patches to identify certain criteria.

You can find the Army unit patches to recognize your pride and accomplishments right here at Saunders Military Insignia.

H. J. Saunders

Army Patch