Subdued embroidered rank insignia is authorized for wear by Chief Warrant Officers 5 on Combat and Utility Uniforms, headgear (Sun Hat or boonie, Patrol Cap, helmet camouflage cover) and outerwear (the parka that is part of the Extended Cold-Weather Clothing System, or ECWCS). Though worn on a wide variety of uniforms and uniform components, subdued embroidered rank insignia is commonly referred to as “ACU rank” because versions with hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro) backings were introduced at the same time the Army debuted the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) in 2004.
Use the two drop-down selection boxes to the right to specify the type of insignia you need.
STYLEUse the drop-down box to the right to select the type of subdued embroidered CW5 rank insignia you need. “
Rank With Velcro” is just that—rank insignia embroidered on material with hook-and-loop fasteners on the obverse; these are worn on the ACU and other Utility uniforms. Choose “
Cap Rank” for an insignia without Velcro that is sewn onto headgear like the boonie or Patrol Cap (it can also be sewn onto the Velcro pads on uniforms instead of using Velcro-backed vesion). We use “
Gortex Loop” as shorthand for Gore-Tex®, the material used for the ECWCS parka; this insignia features an opening at the bottom so it can be easily slid over a tab on the front of the parka.
PATTERNThe camouflage pattern used for the insignia must match the camo pattern of the uniform on which it is worn. The Universal Camouflage Pattern (
UCP) which was introduced at the same as the Army Combat Uniform, was used on ACUs issued up until 1 July 2015 when uniforms made in the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) were introduced. The two patterns "co-existed," so to speak, until the UCP wear-out date of 30 September 2019. Please double-check the Pattern selector to the right to ensure your choice matches your ACU's camo pattern.
More CWO 5 Rank Insignia Pre-2004 Warrant Officer Branch Items