When do I change branch insignia?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 14:40:05 -0500

I’m an infantry officer transferring to MI after CCC this summer. I’m in a 35 series slot now and have been for a while (over a year) but haven’t officially changed my AOC yet. Do I continue to wear “cross rifles” until I complete CCC, do I change insignia before I arrive at CCC or do I change them at some other point? Let me your thoughts RP family.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2018 2:55 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 14:55:52 -0500

You are technically not "MOSQ'd" yet sir, therefore you are still infantry branch. I am sure if you wore it for uniformity sake no one would care though. Are you going to an event which will require you be in dress/service uniform? Regardless, I would wait until I completed the course before wearing the branch insignia, even though you may already be in an MI unit (as an example, other MOS's--such as supply/logisitics--do not wear MI branch insignia even though they are in an MI unit).

Response by SGT James LeFebvre made Dec 25 at 2018 3:06 PM

SGT James LeFebvre — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 15:06:26 -0500

I wouldn't wear it until you've changed AOC. Until you are qualified, continue to wear your infantry insignia with pride. You are still in the infantry branch until you are fully qualified. Once everything is complete, then wear the MI insignia.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2018 3:31 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 15:31:27 -0500

It is against regulation to wear branch insignias for which you are not qualified.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2018 4:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 16:00:08 -0500

Also, you won’t wear your MI Regimental Insignia until you graduate from MICCC

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2018 4:04 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 16:04:44 -0500

It has to do with whether you are detailed to that branch. Are you currently detailed to the MI branch? If so, you should wear the MI branch insignia. If not, you should wear the IN insignia.
See AR 670-1, 29-9. b. All other commissioned and warrant officers serving on active duty will wear the insignia of their basic branch. When detailed to other branches, commissioned and warrant officers will wear the insignia of the branch to which they are detailed.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2018 4:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 16:38:30 -0500

I wouldn't pin on MI branch until your AOC officially changes or your commanding officer orders you to do so (have witnesses). Remember that there isn't anything wrong with being INF Branch. FA 11 & 18 are the only ones that can qualify for the CIB (best of all badges!).

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2018 8:53 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 20:53:49 -0500

Hang onto the infantry branch as long as you are assigned to the IN unit. It is what you are trained for and will put you in better stead with your seniors and peers.

I changed my FA uniform insignia when I went to the MI transition course (noting that at that time not only did BDUs have branch insignia, but everything was sew-on). Given current uniforms, you won’t need anything MI specific for quite some time.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2018 10:33 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 10:33:30 -0500

Wear those crossed rifles until someone orders you to change.