Subdued cloth rank insignia was originally introduced during the Vietnam War as a way to reduce visibility in close-quarter combat situations, but various supply and logistics issues led to subdued metal versions being far more widely used throughout that conflict.
As part of the rollout of its Army Combat Uniform in 2004, the Army decided to add a hook-and-loop fastener system to the obverse of these insignia to allow for quick removal and attachment to Combat and Utility Uniforms. Because the pattern on which the insignia was embroidered featured the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) used for the Army Combat Uniform, or ACU, these “Velcro insignia” were often referred by the shorthand term “ACU Rank.”
In 2015, the Army began issuing ACUs made with a new digital camo pattern called OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern). Wear of ACUs manufactured in the UCP by current active personnel has been permitted since 30 Setember 2019, so the only reason an active-duty Soldier would need a UCP rank insignia would be for an old uniform not worn while on active duty.
Once you've verified the pattern type you need, select the Style of subdued cloth Chief Warrant Officer 3 rank insignia you need using the drop-down selector box to the right. The choices are fairly self-explanatory, but you should know that “GorTex Loop” is our shorthand term the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System’s parka, which is manufactured with Gore-Tex® material.
More CWO 3 Rank Insignia
Pre-2004 Warrant Officer Branch Items