Collecting Military Badges

Individuals who collect Military Badges do so for aservice records, as well.
variety of reasons. There are those who served in theSeveral separate branches of the military issues the
military who are interested in collecting them as aFlight Surgeon's Badge to those who are flight
remembrance, of sorts.surgeons and qualified medical officers. It was first
Other collectors do so in honor of family membersissued in World War II, by the Army.
who have served, at one time or another.There are several qualifications which must be met in
A third group of military badge collectors have takenorder to be eligible for the Flight Surgeon's Badge.
up a hobby because of their strong sense ofDependent on the branch of service, there are
patriotism. They do not necessarily come from adifferent ratings associated with it.
family with a military background but want to honor allThe Army and Air Force issue the badge as Basic,
of the men and women who have served our country,Senior or Master. The Navy and Coast Guard only
allowing us to enjoy the freedoms we have, today.award it in one degree. The Marine Corps does not
There are many types of military badges. Theissue this decoration because they do not maintain
information that follows covers just a few of thetheir own medical division.
many badges awarded to those serving in the USThe Naval Flight Officer Astronaut Badge is issued by
Armed Forces.both the Navy and Marine Corps. It is a breast insignia
There are six different categories of badges. Theseencompassing a pair of golden wings, crossed anchors
include: US Department of Defense badges, Armyand a shield.
badges, Navy badges, Air Force badges, Marine CorpsRecipients are those who have qualified as naval flight
badges and Coast Guard badges.officers, after an extensive amount of training. This
The Presidential Service Badge is awarded to bothtraining includes: aviation, airborne navigation, electronic
military and civilian members who are employed aswarfare and weapons deployment tactics.
full-time military staff to the President. These individualsThe Air Force Academy Professor Badge was
are those who are actually working, at the Whitecreated, in the 1980s, to recognize those Air Force
House.officers who are full-time professors at the US Air
Each badge is created for each particular recipient andForce Academy. This badge is a permanent
is stamped with its own unique serial number.decoration given to any officer, holding an advanced
The badge can be presented to military and socialdegree.
aides, individuals assigned to the White HouseThe best way to display a collection of badges is in a
Communications Agency and the White Housewooden display case, of some type. There are many
transportation agency… just to name a few.beautiful cases available, in all sizes and
The presidential Service Badge can be worn on afinishes… typically heirloom walnut or cherry.
military uniform, even after employment ends. TheThese cases easily blend in with a wide variety of
award is noted as a personal decoration in one'sdecor.