The United States Marine Corps’ system of sleeve ornamentation for the Evening Dress Jackets worn by Officers is based not upon specific ranks, but instead three broad Officer classifications: Company-Grade (O-1 to O-3), Field-Grade, (O-4 to O-6), and General (O-7 to O-10). Ornamentation is worked on cloth that is the same as that used to manufacture the Evening Dress Jacket, with a rear edge (that edge facing to the rear when the wearer’s arms are hanging naturally) that has three points for wear on male uniforms and which is diagonal for female uniforms.
Four overhand loops, also known as a quatrefoil, are centered on the sleeve ornamentation for Company-Grade Officers; regulations call for the quatrefoil to be made of No. 26 1/2 gold embroider thread. The three forward edges each feature a row of scarlet silk bounded on both sides by a row of gold beading.
Although the Evening Dress uniform is optional for Officers below the rank of Major, owning one even when it is not required is a sign that the wearer is serious about their profession and the impression they present to others in a formal setting.