What Parts of a Military Uniform Stand For

Military uniforms have evolved significantly over several hundred years of use. Today, there are not only different uniforms for different factions of the armed forces, but different uniforms for different functions for each faction. Understanding what parts of a military uniform stand for is one way to determine the rank and branch of every member of the military that you meet.

Color

All branches of the armed forces have both standard and dress uniforms. While the standard uniforms are more distinctive in color choices, United States military dress uniforms are almost universally blue, regardless of the service or rank. The standard uniforms for ground forces like the Army and Marine Corps incorporate camouflage and other organic colors like dark green and khaki. The Air Force also incorporates camouflage into its utility uniform, while standard dress for the Navy are crisp, white-cotton uniforms.

Insignia

Each branch of the armed forces has its own special insignia. This insignia is often affixed to the hats worn with dress uniforms as well as to buttons on dress coats and patches on utility uniforms. The Army insignia features cannons while the Marines logo shows an eagle on a globe flanked by an anchor. The Navy insignia also features an eagle with an anchor with an old-fashioned ship in the background. The Air Force insignia is an eagle over a shield decorated with lightning bolts and wings while the Coast Guard insignia is a pair of crossed anchors.

Rank

Each branch of the armed forces also designates rank in slightly different ways. Stripes and bars are the most common indication of rank, as seen on sleeves, lapels and chevrons. Medals are also commonly worn on the lapel as a display of the official achievements of each service member.

There is a purpose to every part of every military uniform. While the uniform parts change depending on the service branch, officer rank and uniform function, determining what each uniform says about the person wearing it is relatively easy..