The United States Army authorized subdued rank insignia in June 1966, but various logistical and supply issues meant that subdued patches were not readily available until the end of the following year. This was soon followed by the authorization of subdued, pin-on metal insignia, in part because it was much easier ensuring every solider had a pin-on metal insignia rather than guaranteeing all would have uniforms with the appropriate subdued ranks sewn onto them.
Subdued cloth grade insignia became standardized following the Vietnam War, undergoing change for three decades. With the debut of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) in 2004, however, the Army also introduced subdued rank insignia with hook-and-loop-fastener systems (famously known by the trade name Velcro) so insignia could be applied and removed instantaneously. This new type of cloth rank insignia was soon dubbed both “Velcro insignia” and “ACU rank.”
Use the two Style and Pattern selection boxes to the right to specify the appropriate type of insignia:
STYLE
- Rank with Velcro: Rank insignia with Velcro backing for wear on Utility uniforms and cold-weather coats.
- Cap Rank: Insignia that must be sewn onto Patrol Caps and Sun Hats because it does not have a hook-and-loop-fastener system.
- GorTex: Designed for wear with the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System parka, which the Army refers to as the “Gore-Tex® parka.” Slides over the tab on the front of the parka.
PATTERN
Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) was introduced in July 2015 and is the current camouflage pattern used for the Army Combat Uniform (ACU), the Army Aircrew Combat Uniform (A2CU), headgear, and outerwear. Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) was introduced in 2004 and was authorized for wear until 1 October 2019. Note: UCP insignias are not authorized for wear by Soldiers currently serving in the Regular Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard.
More Army Major General Insignias