173rd Airborne Brigade
Combat Infantryman Badge, CIB1
Description
The Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) is one of the most highly respected awards in the United States Army. It was established in 1943 to recognize the unique hardships faced by infantrymen and to boost morale during World War II.
Combat Infantryman Badge, CIB2
Description
The Combat Infantryman Badge 2nd Award (often abbreviated as "CIB 2") is the second-level award of the CIB, signifying that a soldier has participated in active ground combat during two separate qualifying conflict periods.
Combat Infantryman Badge, CIB3
Description
The Combat Infantryman Badge 3rd Award (known colloquially as the "Triple CIB") is one of the rarest and most prestigious decorations in the United States Army. It signifies that an infantryman has personally engaged in active ground combat during three separate qualifying conflict eras.
Combat Infantryman Badge, CIB4
Description
The Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) is a United States Army military award. The badge is awarded to infantrymen and Special Forces Soldiers in the rank of Colonel and below, who personally fought in active ground combat while assigned as members of either an infantry, Ranger or Special Forces unit, of brigade size or smaller, any time after 6 December 1941. The CIB and its non-combat contemporary, the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) were simultaneously created during World War II to enhance the morale and prestige of service in the infantry.
expert infantry badge, EIB
Description
The Expert Infantryman Badge, or EIB, is a special skills badge of the United States Army. Although similar in name and appearance to the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), it is a completely different award: while the CIB is awarded to infantrymen for participation in ground combat, the EIB is presented for completion of a course of testing designed to demonstrate proficiency in infantry skills. The EIB was first created in October 1943. Currently, it is awarded to U.S. Army personnel who hold infantry or special forces military occupational specialties. To be awarded the EIB, the soldier must complete a number of prerequisites and pass a battery of graded tests on basic infantry skills.
Combat Medical Badge, CMB
Description
The Combat Medical Badge (CMB) is the medical equivalent of the Combat Infantryman Badge. Established in 1945, it recognizes the unique bravery of medics who treat the wounded while simultaneously being exposed to enemy fire.
Expert Field Medical Badge, EFMB
Description
The Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) is one of the most prestigious and difficult-to-earn skill badges in the U.S. Army. Unlike the Combat Medical Badge (CMB), which is awarded for combat experience, the EFMB is a performance-based badge earned through a grueling two-week testing process.
Master Combat Medical Badge, MCMB
Description
The Master Combat Medical Badge (MCMB) is a new, elite decoration officially established by the U.S. Army in late 2024 and made available for wear in Spring 2025. It was created to solve a long-standing "choice" medics had to make: whether to wear the badge that proved they were in combat (CMB) or the one that proved they were a technical expert (EFMB).
Basic Parachute badge
Description
The Basic Parachutist Badge, commonly known as "jump wings," is a United States military decoration awarded to personnel who complete the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. It signifies qualification to participate in airborne operations.
Senior Parachute badge
Description
The Senior Parachutist Badge (often called "Senior Jump Wings") is a United States military decoration awarded to personnel who have demonstrated advanced proficiency in airborne operations. It is one of three grades (Basic, Senior, Master) and signifies a higher level of experience beyond basic qualification.
Master Parachute badge
Description
The Master Parachutist Badge (often called "Master Jump Wings") is a prestigious United States Army proficiency badge that recognizes a high level of expertise in airborne operations. It features a silver-oxidized, open parachute centered on a pair of wings, with a five-pointed star surrounded by a laurel wreath atop the canopy.
Marksmanship Badge (Marksman)
Description
A Marksmanship Badge is a military badge of the United States Armed Forces or a U.S. Civilian badge which is presented to personnel upon successful completion of a weapons qualification course (known as Marksmanship Qualification Badges) or high placement in an official marksmanship competition (known as Marksmanship Competition Badges).
Marksmanship Badge (Sharpshooter)
Description
A Marksmanship Badge is a military badge of the United States Armed Forces or a U.S. Civilian badge which is presented to personnel upon successful completion of a weapons qualification course (known as Marksmanship Qualification Badges) or high placement in an official marksmanship competition (known as Marksmanship Competition Badges).
Marksmanship Badge (Expert)
Description
A Marksmanship Badge is a military badge of the United States Armed Forces or a U.S. Civilian badge which is presented to personnel upon successful completion of a weapons qualification course (known as Marksmanship Qualification Badges) or high placement in an official marksmanship competition (known as Marksmanship Competition Badges).
173RD aIRBORNE bRIGADE Combat Unit Patch
Description
The 173rd Airborne Brigade patch, officially known as a Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI), was designed in 1963 to represent the unit's identity as a "separate" brigade and a rapid-reaction force. The design features a blue cylinder with white borders, representing the infantry, with a vertical white wing in flight. The lower part of the wing is hooked around a red bayonet, which signifies their status as a specialized infantry unit. The colors red, white, and blue were chosen to represent the United States national colors.