What obsolete Army badges used to get issued to soldiers? Organizations like the United States Army have been around for centuries, so it only stands to reason that some get replaced and refined. Today’s list is a look back to yesteryear’s badges and what replaced them for modern soldiers.
Glider Badge
When talking about obsolete Army badges, a special mention has to go to the Glider Badge. Gliders were used extensively during the Second World War, allowing for silent drops of supplies, troops, and other materials.
Modern Equivalents
The Glider Badge was retired in 1961, with no modern equivalent. Gliders have fallen out of military use, giving way to more flexible vehicle platforms like helicopters. Given how dangerous glider use was, this is probably for the best.
Air Assault Badge
The Air Assault Badge was awarded to paratroopers upon completion of Air Assault School. As one of many obsolete Army badges this one does have a modern equivalent. It was a badge of honor for the elite soldiers who stuck it through Air Assault training.
Airmobile Badge
The Air Assault Badge was replaced by the Airmobile Badge in 1974. Curiously, this replacement is also another case of obsolete Army badges. The original Air Assault Badge would be reintroduced with a new design just 4 years after its retirement.
Recondo Badges
In contrast to the Air Assault Badge, the Recondo Badges issued could be seen as a set of obsolete Army badges. The original badge set was introduced during the 1960s, but that wouldn’t last for long.
Modern Designs
While the original Recondo badges went the way of the dinosaur, they saw modern revisions in the 1980s that are still in use today. On the whole, there is likely a Recondo badge as long as the schools exist for training elite troops.
Nuclear Reactor Operator Badges
While the Nuclear Reactor Operator Badges were authorized in 1965, they have joined the ranks of other obsolete Army badges in recent history. These badges were issued to trainees who received certifications for operating a nuclear power plant.
Modern Equivalents
In general, this was a highly specialized badge. Further, it was discontinued in 1990 with no modern equivalent. Army uniform regulations allow recipients to wear obsolete Army badges, however, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone still active in the Army with one.
Jungle Expert Badge
While all types of terrain pose a challenge for combat, few are as treacherous as the jungle. The Jungle Expert Badge is yet another of the many obsolete Army badges to come about from the modern era. It was discontinued in 1999.
Jungle Expert Tab
Despite Fort Sherman’s closure, you can still earn a Jungle Expert tab thanks to the Jungle Operations Training Center in Hawaii. These tabs are still displayed on the uniform but aren’t quite as flashy as the original badge.
Reserve Recruiter Identification Badge
Since the United States Army is an all-volunteer force, there is a need for fresh personnel regularly. While this list is about obsolete Army badges, the Reserve Recruiter Identification Badge is unique. The badge was issued to USAREC personnel, before its retirement in 2001.
Army Recruiter Identification Badge
USAREC personnel had an immediate replacement for the newly obsolete Reserve Recruiter Identification Badge. These days you’re likely to be issued the Army Recruiter Identification Badges which vary depending on what sort of recruitment you’re doing.
Scuba Diver Badge
Interestingly, you wouldn’t think of Army personnel as aquatic specialists. However, the Scuba Diver badge was established for special forces personnel. Since this is a list of obsolete Army badges, it bears mention that the badge was discontinued in 2004.
Special Operations Diver Badge
Special forces personnel can still qualify for a dive badge, but these days it’ll be the Special Operations Diver Badge. This helps to specify which dive qualifications Army personnel have, as combat engineers have separate diver certifications available.
Corps of Intelligence Police Identification Badge
While armies thrive on intel, you might be surprised to find out the Army wasn’t started with such an apparatus in place. One of the most curious obsolete Army badges is the Corps of Intelligence Police Identification Badge. The badge was introduced in 1917, around the time the Army’s counterintelligence department was started.
Counterintelligence Special Agent Identification Badge
The CI department of the Army discontinued the issuance of the Corps of Intelligence Police Identification Badge in 1941, giving way to the new Counterintelligence Special Agent Identification Badge. Curiously, this badge would be replaced by newer designs in the late 1940s.
Rifle Marksmanship Badges
No matter your vocation in the Army, you’ll end up learning to use the basic weapons used by the service. Rifle Marksmanship Badges were awarded to all soldiers up until 1921 when said badge joined the ranks of all other obsolete Army badges.
Marksmanship Qualification Badge
The Marksmanship Qualification Badge is a direct replacement for the previous Rifle Marksmanship Badges. As such, there wasn’t a vacuum left by the deprecation of the previous badge. This standard badge set would be adopted by the Marine Corps as well.
Marksmanship Prize Badges
If you’ve got an eagle eye, you’re going to be rewarded for your keen shooting skills. The final of our obsolete Army badges are the Marksmanship Prize Badges. These badges were issued until 1903.
Team Marksmanship Badges
The direct replacement for the Marksmanship Prize Badges are the Team Marksmanship Badges. Interestingly, these badges were only issued for 20 years, lasting from 1903 to 1923. These days you’ll receive a Marksmanship Qualification Badge.
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