Colloquially known as “ACU rank insignia,” subdued cloth rank insignia is manufactured in a variety of styles to accommodate the different uniform components on which it can be worn. Please make a selection based on your particular uniform need using the pair of drop-down boxes to the right:
Pattern: The ACU utilized the Universal Camouflage Pattern (
UCP) when it was introduced, but in 2015 the Army began issuing ACUs and other utility uniforms using a new design called Operational Camouflage Pattern (
OCP). Choose the pattern that matches the uniform on which the insignia will be worn. Note: UCP insignias are
not authorized for wear by Soldiers currently serving in the Regular Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard.
Rank with Velcro insignia were introduced with 2004 when the Army began replacing the old Battle Dress Uniform with the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) featuring a camouflage scheme called the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP), the main reason these insignia are often called “ACU rank. The obverse features the Colonel’s eagle embroidered in black fabric on ACU fabric; on the reverse are hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro) so they insignia can be easily attached and removed a Velcro pad found on Utility uniforms.
Cap with Rank is similar to the “Rank with Velcro” except these insignia have no hook-and-loop fasteners and must be sewn directly onto headgear such as the Patrol Cap or the boonie. Since 2011, Soldiers have also been allowed to use this type of subdued rank insignia in place of the Velcro-backed, but by doing so they are required to use sew-on versions of other types of insignia (nametape and Army tape) and at their own expense.
More Army Colonel Insignias
We use the shorthand phrase
“GorTex” to describe subdued cloth rank insignia tabs that slide over the front tab found on the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System’s parka, which is manufactured with “Gore-Tex®.” This is an optional purchase because the parka also has a Velcro pad for the wear of “Rank with Velcro” insignia; some Soldiers prefer the this version because no sound is made should the insignia be inadvertently pulled off the parka’s tab.