The subdued Specialist rank is embroidered on a pad with a hook-and-loop (Velcro) fastener so it can be easily attached to and removed from the Army Combat Uniform, Army Aircrew Combat Uniform, Maternity Work Uniform, and other Utility uniforms. It is also worn on the Gore-Tex parka (a cloth rank insignia tab inserted over the front tab of the parka) and the Patrol Cap (sewn directly onto the cap), so please ensure you are making the appropriate selection in the drop-down selection box to the right before adding the insignia to your shopping cart.
Last but certainly not least, choose "UCP" or "OCP" to select the pattern that matches the one found on the uniform which the insignia will be attached. 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 Specialists
The Specialist E-4 grade holds a unique position in the Army: it’s the only enlisted rank with the same pay rate as a Noncommissioned Officer (Corporal). This was not always the case, however. The addition of pay grades E-8 and E-9 in 1958 to 1965 not only allowed for the establishment of new Senior NCO ranks across the various branches of the military, but also the expansion of the Specialist grades in the Army. Until 1965, a Junior enlisted Soldier could advance all the way to E-9, the same grade as a Sergeant Major.
But in 1965 the Army began eliminating these higher pay grades for the Junior enlisted ranks, starting with E-8 and E-9. The Specialist 7 rate was disestablished in 1978, and in October 1985 E-6 and E-5 were also eliminated. Today, Soldiers are required to advance beyond the grade of E-4 after eight years in the Army regardless of whether they are a Corporal or a Specialist.