U.S. ARMY BRANCH SCARF (ARTILLERY, ENGINEER, USMA FACULTY)

Scarlet has been the color associated with the United States Army’s Artillery forces since the days of the Continental Army. Besides serving as the sole branch color of today’s Field Artillery (FA) and Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branches, Scarlet is the primary color of the Corps of Engineers (secondary color is white) and the secondary color of the Adjutant General branch (primary color is dark blue).

Branch scarves are authorized for wear with both service and utility uniforms during ceremonial occasions, but only when prescribed by a commander. Because the bib-type branch scarves are unicolored, the same scarf is worn by artillerists, engineers, and faculty at the United States Military Academy (registrar, permanent professors, and civilian instructors).

Related Artillery (Field / Air Defense) Items

• Shoulder Straps
• Cap / Sleeve Braids
• Air Defense Artillery Collar Device
• Field Artillery Collar Collar Device
• Suspenders
• Ceremonial Belt

An example of a ceremonial occasion where a commander authorizes wear of this branch scarf is the Saint Barbara Day’s Ball, an annual gala held by FA and ADA units at various locations across the globe (though not always on the same date). Considered the patron saint not only of artillerists but also of engineers and others whose work involves explosives or cannons, Saint Barbara was the daughter of a wealthy pagan who was ultimately beheaded by him because she converted to Christianity; she is associated with explosives and artillery because legend has it that her father was struck dead by lightning as repayment for the brutal crime.

The guidelines for conducting a Saint Barbara’s Celebration are laid out by the Order of Saint Barbara, an honorary military society for members of both the FA and ADA branches as well as the United States Marine Corps. Membership in the Honorable Order of St. Barbara requires a lengthy period of distinguished service in either the FA or ADA corps, while inclusion as a member in the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara requires candidates to have performed even more exceptional service; only the Commanding General of the Fires Centers of Excellence may approve membership in this more select body.