Officially known as Airborne background trimming, this embroidered, oval-shaped patch is placed beneath Parachutist and/or Air Assault badges a Soldier has been authorized before the badges are placed on an approved uniform garment. These include the coats of AGSU and ASU (including ASU Dress variant), the service uniform shirt of the Class B ASU, and the blue or green Army Maternity Tunic.
In addition to having earned the Parachutist or Air Assault qualifications, the Soldier must also be serving in an organization that has been designated as Airborne such as the U.S. Army Element of Joint Forces Command, U.S. Special Operations Command.
The main portion of the authorized badge (i.e., i.e., excluding the wreath and star found on some) is centered over the oval, with the two pieces considered as a single item for placement and measurement. Measurement is done from the edge of the trimming or the top of the aforementioned wreath and star. If a coat lapel covers a badge or oval-badge combination, personnel are authorized to move the device so it is aligned with the left edge of the wearer’s ribbons or medals.
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