Subdued grade insignia are commonly associated with the Army Combat Uniform (ACU), but they are also worn with the Army Aircrew Uniform (A2CU) and the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) jacket. They’re also authorized for wear on the Patrol Cap that’s worn with the ACU, A2CU, and Maternity Work Uniform.
Choose from three types of ACU Corporal rank insignia using the "Style" selection box to the right, each of which is designed specifically for the type of garment it will be placed upon. Choose
“Rank with Velcro” for a subdued insignia sewn onto a backing with hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro) for wear on the ACU and Utility uniforms. Select
“Gore-Tex” for a Corporal rank insignia designed for wear with the ECWCS jacket by sliding it over the jacket's front tab. The “
Cap Rank” selection speaks for itself; it is sewn directly onto the Patrol Cap or Sun Hat ("boonie").
After picking the appropriate type of insignia, do not forget to double-check the
Pattern type to verify it matches the uniform's camouflage type. 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 Items for E-4 Corporal
In 2011, the Army announced that it would allow Soldiers to sew their rank insignia, name tape, and service tape directly onto jackets and shirts rather than using insignia sewn onto backings that are attached to uniforms by Velcro. At the same time, the Army authorized that skill badges could also be sewn on to uniforms in place of the metal versions of those badges that had to be pinned on.
The decision to lessen the required use of Velcro was in part due to Soldiers’ complaint that Velcro fasteners make considerable noise when inadvertently opened by brushing up against an object, something that could prove extremely hazardous during certain combat operations. But several uniform accouterments—combat patches, unit patches, and the U.S. flag—remained Velcro-only, much to the consternation of many enlisted personnel. A 2017 survey conducted by the Army Times revealed that the elimination of Velcro from Army uniforms was one of the eight most requested uniform suggestions made by enlisted Soldiers.