Webster’s dictionary defines uniform as n: dress of a distinctive design or fashion worn by members of a particular group and serving as a means of identification. Insignia is defined as badge of authority of honor an emblem as a distinguishing mark or sign. Wikipedia’s definition also verifies, “Insignia (the plural of Latin insigne: emblem, symbol) is a symbol or token of personal power, status or office, or of an official body of government or jurisdiction. Insignia are especially used as an emblem of a specific or general authority”.
In the majority of currant applications those groups that are organized to protect something or some one all wear both uniforms and shoulder sleeve patches. This would include the military, law enforcement units e.g. police, sheriff deputies, state troopers, government security organizations, government civilian law enforcement units e.g. Homeland Security, park rangers, and private security units to name a few. The various military patches available to a person authorize to wear on their dress uniforms will tell the complete story of that person’s service.
The concepts behind uniform patches have a well-documented history going back beyond 5000 years in China and Egypt. The efficacy of the visual impact is well understood and has many reasons to be firmly established in modern day implementation. Whether it is a casual information contact or a potential hostile action a person of authority’s identity needs to be quickly and unequivocally established. Insignia on an appropriate uniform do that quickly and efficiently.
Certain U.S custom made patches are even authorized to be worn on civilian clothing of veterans, and retired veterans. It would include Badges medals and ribbon earned while in the service of their country and when worn for certain occasions relating to military functions. This use of uniform emblems and other insignia can follow a person into the grave. It is very common for a fallen comrade especially in military and law enforcement units to honored in death by being buried in the uniform.
The variety of multiple colors of the uniform emblems and the rank emblems and badges make it easy to differentiate one officer from another by the uniform and the insignia place upon it. This has been a standard for American uniforms since the beginning of the American Revolution.
The need for uniform identity in a hostile environment warrants different considerations. This also generates some identity conflicts. One has to be specifically identified, be protected from bodily harm, and at the same time not be seen. These conflicting needs have generated some novel solutions.
The vast Saunders Military Insignia inventory attracts people who are serving or have served in various Military units, military insignia collectors with a love for the military and the beauty of the uniforms and different insignia they represent. We have helped U.S. Military insignia collectors in over 30 different countries and Supplied museums and American unit enactors in several countries with the items they need to advance their programs. We have made many custom made patches including insignia for law enforcement. We have even provisioned several movies with the appropriate U.S. Army insignia representing the time period of the film story involved.