A specialist was placed between a private first class and a corporal in rank, but the difference between a specialist and private first class could not be discerned at first glance, due to the lack of trade badges. With the attempt to streamline and simplify things, the restructuring led to more confusion.
The complicated structuring of trade badges and rank insignia was abolished, and the rank of specialist was created. Buff-on-blue stripes replaced the colored stripes denoting branch-of-service. A War Department leaflet from 1905 laid out the new system, which included chevrons pointing up and introduced designated colors for each branch of the military. Around the turn of the 20th century, the orientation switched back to point-up and has remained that way ever since.ĭuring the early 20th century, the massive scale of the battle arena of World War I required a streamlined ranking system to avoid confusion. But in 1851, the Army changed orientation again, so the point-down direction is what you see on civil war uniforms. Then, in 1847, a new system of enlisted chevrons was introduced, along with horizontal bars and vice arcs, or “rockers,” with the chevrons all worn point-up. As the uniforms evolved, a variant of the now-familiar chevron badge replaced the epaulets in 1821.Īt first, rank dictated the orientation–point-up for staff non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) and point-down for non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Army was formed, and known as the Continental Army, colored epaulets indicated rank. Let’s take a look at how the Army rank insignia has changed over the years. There have been changes throughout the long history of the Armed Forces, and it is important to recognize older badges that are no longer in active use. Army insignia serves as a visual signifier of rank and responsibility. For instance, both a specialist and a corporal have the same pay grade, but a corporal is ranked higher because they fill a leadership role that a specialist does not. It is important not to confuse rank with pay grade. As your display of Army badges and insignia changes, so too does your responsibility for–and to–others. Rising through the ranks is about honor and skill. Military rank is about more than protocol.
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