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Description and Wear of Uniform Components

 
Article 3603.4a
Shoulder Patch

 
a.  Description.   One or two shoulder patches may be optionally worn on the NWU Type II/III.  Optionally worn shoulder patches will be purchased at the wearer’s personal expense.  Command mandated shoulder patches will be procured and issued by the command directing its wear.  Authorized shoulder patch designs include Reverse U.S. Flag (RF), Command/Unit Logos and Don’t Tread On Me (DTOM).  Command/Unit logo shoulder patch designs must be approved by the unit commanding officer.

b. Design Specifications. Shoulder patches authorized for wear on the NWU Type II and III will be rectangular in shape, 2-1/8 x 3-3/4 inches, 2-1/8 x 4 inches or 2 1/4 x 4 inches  in dimension. Patches will consist of subdued matching colors and NWU pattern less black pixels of the NWU worn (that is, the camouflage fabric will only contain green, olive, and tan coloring).  Patches with black in the camouflage pattern are not authorized for wear.  Shoulder patches are of embroidered (Figure 3603.4a-1) or laser cut (Figure 3603.4a-2) construction.    

 c.  Correct Wear. Wear shoulder patches squarely and centered over the Velcro pile located on the left and right shoulder pocket flap.  The RF patch is worn on the right shoulder pocket flap.  It is the only shoulder patch that can be worn singularly without another patch being worn on the left pocket flap.  The Command/Unit logo or the DTOM patch may be worn optionally on the left shoulder pocket flap when the RF patch is worn on the right pocket flap.  Only matching construction shoulder patches will be worn (embroidered or laser cut) together.  Wearing patches of different construction (mix and match) is unauthorized.  Wearing two command patches (right breast pocket and left shoulder pocket flap) is unauthorized.  Tactical shoulder patches provided by the issuing command and worn during tactical training exercises and deployed tactical missions are not authorized for daily routine wear. 
Figure 3603.4a-1
Shoulder Patch, Embroidered


Figure 3603.4a-2
Shoulder Patch, Laser-Cut
(Non-Tactical)
 
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