The Regimental Distinctive Insignia of the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps features the Corps’ branch insignia—a crossed gold pen and gold sword forming a saltire over a laurel wreath—on a shield of dark blue with a silver border and a scroll at the bottom inscribed “1775,” the year of the Corps’ founding. The JAG Corps is a special branch, and all members of the Corps where the Regimental Distinctive Insignia rather than Distinctive Unit Insignias, which are commonly but inaccurately referred to as unit crests.
Responsible for providing the Army with lawyers, judges, and other legal-service professionals at all command levels, the JAG Corps has been a functional part of the Army since its inception. But it was not until 1884 that it was made into an official department (The Judge Advocate General’s Department), and a further six years passed before the insignia of the pen, sword, and laurel wreath was adopted for wear by Officers. The pen symbolizes the recording of testimony; the sword reflects the military nature of the service; and the laurel wreath is an emblem of excellence and achievement.
Related Judge Advocate General's Corps ItemsJudge Advocate General's Legal Center and School Patch (SSI)