- 1). Determine whether the patch is a unit patch or a shoulder patch. Shoulder patches identify a soldier's rank and unit patches declare a soldier's unit.
- 2). Assess rank indicated by patch or pin. If it is a patch containing stripes (gold caret-shaped embroidered markings) or a single golden eagle, it belonged to an enlisted soldier. If the pin or patch consists of black and silver bars, it indicates warrant officer rank. Gold or silver stars, a silver eagle, a gold bar or silver bars (without black bars) represent officer ranks. For help with identifying basic patches, find a link to the official Army Ranks and Insignias site in the Reference section.
- 3). Determine rank using the insignia. Stars represent generals of various rank, oak leaves denote major or lieutenant colonel rank and bars are for captains and lieutenants. In army insignia, an eagle is used to identify a colonel.
- 4). Identify the unit if the patch is a unit patch. Army unit patches illustrate the history of a given unit. They are identifiable by designs and numbers not included on shoulder patches.
- 5). Verify your research at the local library. A local VFW may also be able to assist anyone having difficulty identifying insignia. You can find your local VFW at VFW.org.
- 6). If the patches and pins may have been worn prior to 1919, consult a specialist for identification. Pre-1919 U.S. Army insignia did not have a uniform structure.
- 7). Contact The Institute of Heraldry located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, for items that are tough to identify. The institute operates under the administrative assistant to the Secretary of the Army, Resources and Programs Agency. When you contact them, have a high-resolution photo and a list of any information (such as era) known about the patch.
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