Are soldiers allowed to wear unauthorized insignia on their uniforms?

Soldiers are required to wear only authorized insignia on their uniforms to maintain discipline, uniformity, and the integrity of the Army's appearance standards. Authorized insignia are symbols that signify rank, qualifications, and unit affiliation, which conform to the guidelines set forth in Army regulations. Allowing unauthorized insignia could lead to confusion, dilute the symbolism of the official decorations and recognition, and compromise the professional image of the Army.

The adherence to uniform standards reinforces cohesion among soldiers and ensures that each individual represents the values and mission of the Army appropriately. By emphasizing only authorized insignia, the Army underscores the importance of discipline and uniformity, which are essential elements of military service.