Top 20 Army Qualification Badges -

When you consider the qualification badges on your Army uniform, which ones do you carry the most pride in?

You have ample reason to be proud of all Army qualification badges you have earned, but there are some which hold more power than others.

While not trying to lessen the importance of all qualification badges, I have used resources to determine the qualification badges that Army personnel hold in the highest regard.

Here are the top 20 Army qualification badges starting at #20 and working to #1.

#20: Expert Infantryman Badge

This badge was first established during World War II. It is only awarded to Army personnel who hold an infantry or special forces MOS and are able to pass the requirements.

80% or higher in all phases of the APFT.
Complete day and night land navigation course.
Expert qualifying on weapon.
12 mile foot march with 70 pounds of gear within 3 hours.
Station testing with go or no go scoring. These include: first aid, boresighting, CBRN procedures, night vision, call for fire, weapons proficiency, movement under fire, map reading and communication.

#19: Master Aviation Badge

This badge is given to trained Army aircrew members. It became the Aviation Badge in 2000. The way Army personnel earn “Master” is by number of flight hours and time of service in the United States Army.

Generally, this badge is for enlisted personnel.

#18: Master Aviator Badge

This badge is reserved for pilots. So it is given to officers.

The Master Aviator Badge was instituted in 1957. To earn it, a pilot must have 2,000 flight hours and 15 years of service.

#17: Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge

This is a joint badge that can be wore by any U.S. military service member who completes the 38-week course at the Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Plus, to gain “master” status, the service member must have 7 to 15 years of service in a senior supervisory position.

#16: Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge

Those who are able to wear this badge must show magnificent pistol firing abilities.

#15: Distinguished Rifleman Badge

Only the best shooters can earn this badge.

The regulations to earn #15 and #16 can be found in Army Regulation 350-6.

#14: Master Diver Badge

The U.S. Army has 4 levels of diver’s badges with the Master Diver being the highest. Only the best divers can get this badge with the amount of dives and supervisory experience.

#13: Physical Fitness Badge

Established in 1986, this badge can only be worn on a soldier’s physical fitness uniform. Soldiers must excel in physical fitness standards to be awarded this cloth badge (patch).

#12: Master Parachutist Badge

Completing jump school at Fort Benning will get you a basic parachutist badge, but to obtain the Master Parachutist Badge, you must:

Participate in a minimum of 65 jumps with at least 25 with combat equipment, 4 night jumps and 5 mass tactical jumps.
Has served on jump status with an airborne unit for a total of 36 months.

#11: Master Military Freefall Parachutist Badge

Most generally, service members who have this badge are with special forces.

To get the basic Freefall Parachutist Badge, the soldier must attend and pass the Military Free-Fall Parachutist Course. There, the soldier will learn how to:

Pack the RA-1 Military Free-Fall Advanced Ram-Air Parachute System main parachute and wear it
Rigging and jumping procedures for weapons, combat equipment, night vision goggles and portable oxygen equipment
Aircraft procedures
Exit an aircraft from the door and ramp using dive and poised exit positions
Emergency procedures and body stabilization
High-altitude/low-opening (HALO) and high-altitude/high-opening (HAHO) parachute jumps

At that point, to obtain Master status, the personnel will have to attend the Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster Course where they will learn more detailed items the jumpmaster must know.

#10: Master Flight Surgeon Badge

To become a flight surgeon, the service member will be a commissioned officer who is a physician or physician’s assistant. They then have to complete the Army Flight Surgeon Primary Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

To get Master status, it is dependent on time served and flight hours.

#9: Air Assault Badge

It is not an easy badge to obtain!

Soldiers must complete Air Assault School and it is not a simple chore.

Before acceptance, complete obstacle course and 2 mile run
Day One: 6 mile march with a strict inspection
Days Two through Five: Combat assault phase
Days Five through Eight: Slingload operations phase
and, Days Eight through 12: Rappelling phase
Graduation Day: 12 mile foot march in under 3 hours

#8: Expert Field Medical Badge

This is a prized badge due to the fact that the pass rate is so low.

Test requirements are:

Comprehensive Written Test
APFT
M16 or M4 Weapons Qualification
Land Navigation
Forced Road March
Current CPR certification
Tactical Combat Casualty Care Tasks – 12
Medical and Casualty Evacuation Tasks – 5
Warrior Skills Tasks – 10
Communications Tasks – 5

#7: Astronaut Badge

The only personnel who can wear this badge are officers who completed training and participate in a space flight at least 62 miles above the Earth.

#6: Pathfinder Badge

To be eligible for this badge, soldiers must successfully complete Army Pathfinder School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Instruction is on advanced land navigation, advanced scouting, tactical air traffic control in the field, and the control of parachute operations.

#5: Combat Medical Badge

This is given to Army medical personnel who perform combat medical duties during engagement with enemy forces.

#4: Combat Infantryman Badge

This is awarded to infantryman and special forces soldiers who have fought in active ground combat.

#3: Combat Action Badge

Awarded to soldiers who have been actively involved in combat and are not eligible for the Combat Infantryman Badge.

#2: Ranger Tab

The Ranger Tab is given to any soldiers who are able to complete the 60+ days of Ranger School.

There is a great honor in being an Army Ranger.

#1: Special Forces Tab

Once you have earned this tab, you can wear it for life… You Earned It!

You must complete either the Special Forces Qualification Course, or the Special Forces Detachment Officer Qualification Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Final Thoughts

As I see it, these are the top 20 Army qualification badges.

What are your thoughts? Which ones have you earned?

Please leave your questions and comments below. Thank you!

Top 20 Army Qualification Badges