![]() ![]() When they came to me with the name they spelled it ‘griffin.’ Not knowing what they were aiming for I assumed they meant griffin a la Peter Griffin,” wrote Smith. “They chose the fabled, winged beast the gryphon. There is also this unofficial Army patch, submitted by Justin Smith from his Security Force Assistance Team circa 2012 in Afghanistan. This should be stitched on the back of every Warrant Officer’s patrol cap that mysteriously remains at his desk even though nobody has seen them all day. This next one may be an unofficial patch, but how could it not make the list? Reader Juan Guzman submitted this emblem for the “Warrant Officer Liberation Front.” (Image via Juan Guzman) The National Guard may get plenty of shit, but it’s hard to argue with how badass this patch looks, submitted by Nicole Sellars. What better symbol than a seahorse – one of the ocean’s most ungainly creatures – to signify the Army landing on beaches? Today, you can still see a seahorse on the unit patch of the 36th Engineer Brigade, headquartered out of a place that always makes you think of a beach, Fort Hood, Texas. ![]() It’s the 2nd Engineer Brigade, which was activated during WWII as an amphibious engineering regiment. Reader Mike Newton submitted this patch on Facebook. ![]() It may be a theater-level headquarters command, but who doesn’t want to wear a pirate ship on their sleeve? Army South patch, submitted by Shanna Summy. (Image via Andrew Massa)Īrmy patches tend to be a little more official, but as long as they’ve been around – and they go back more than 100 years to WWI – there have been some weird ones. Not to be outdone, Andrew Massa submitted this squadron patch from the Navy’s Patrol Squadron 24. Submariners be advised to watch out for an ominous blue and silver hand loitering in the sky. On Facebook, reader Chris Isleib submitted this unit patch for VS-37, a Navy anti-submarine squadron known as the “Sawbucks” that was decommissioned in 1995. Reader Carl David Herron submitted their squadron insignia, which apparently for which they apparently received special permission from George Lucas to use Darth Vader’s likeness. The Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron 209 (VAQ-209) was established in 1977, the same year a little movie called Star Wars debuted in theaters. While some of the submitted patches were unofficial, all were a testament to the creativity, camaraderie and occasional bouts of belligerence that comes with military service. While others may make you wonder, “why doesn’t my unit have a pegasus or a stallion on their unit patch?” Wearing a combat patch on your right sleeve or an old unit patch on your flight suit is a signifier of what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or who else you’ve served with.Ī couple of weeks ago we asked you, our readers, to show us some of the best and most absurd patches you’ve ever had the good fortune to encounter. Or, even if it’s really not any different at all, it’s still significant in some way because it’s the unit you’re in.Ī patch can also tell a story. They’re also a way to signify that this Air Force weather squadron, or this Army infantry division is just a little different. Those patches can reference pop culture, historical ties, or inside jokes. Oftentimes, patches - particularly unofficial ones - are generated by the servicemembers who will be wearing them, which gives them some extra flair. And with so many units, so many patches, there is plenty of room for creativity, interesting patterns, and the chance to get downright weird. Unless you are in the Marines, you’re probably wearing some on your uniform or have them plastered across your kit right now. ![]()
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