How to Identify Army Patches

Research and obtain information from books, guides and other resources about U.S. Army patches. This will help you compare the designs, insignias and symbols, colors and patterns. It will also aid with identifying certain words and shapes found on the patches. Most references and guides provide complete illustrations of patches worn by the many different Army divisions and units and will likely indicate the rank of those who wear them.

Determine the shape of the patches. The patches of each rank, division or unit are designed differently and come in different shapes. There are round patches, triangular patches, square patches, oval patches, diamond-shaped patches and six-sided patches. There are even patches that have more than six sides.

Identify the design embedded on the geometric shapes of the patch. The designs may include letters, numbers, words or Roman numerals. They may also include images, living things or parts of living things. Examples are animal symbols such as snakes, scorpions and tigers and many other airborne and terrestrial animals. The symbols and designs can provide the best clue to identify the patch. For example, round Army patches bearing the symbol of a recoiled snake belong to the 59th Infantry Division.

Recognize the color of the patches. Each Army division/unit, and each rank are assigned specific colors. Knowing the colors of the patches may lead to what division or unit they belong and can help narrow down your search.

Look for certain phrases, embedded mottoes or any other unique wording. Some patches include words other than their geometric designs. The phrases, mottoes or words may not necessarily be written in English; some may be written in Latin. Often, the words embedded on the patches designates their specific fighting units, commands or divisions.