I have a question referencing AR 600-8-22, Appendix D (Foreign Badges)

2013-12-16T02:00:29-05:00

I have received two Foreign awards/badges in my career, the German Armed Forces Proficiency badge (allowed for wear on ASU/Class A) and the Vierdaagse Nijmegen medal (not allowed for wear on ASU/Class A). The question comes after reviewing the authorized foreign badges that US Soldiers are allowed to accept and wear, there are no pictures or illustrations of the badges so that personnel can differentiate these awards. Sure the person that earned or was presented the badge can research and adhere to the regulation. But how can a leader at a glance differentiate whether a badge or medal awarded is authorized for wear on their Soldiers? Are there any sites that I may have overlooked?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 4:04 AM

2013-12-16T04:04:21-05:00

SFC Sewell, that would definitely be a daunting task lol!

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2014 1:15 PM

2014-01-15T13:15:47-05:00

Clearly this is a late response. First, congrats on completing the 4-Days Marches! I did it in 2001 and had a blast. It's one of the better weeks I've had in the Army. As for the types of badges I'd say that in your case the 4-Day Cross looks more like a medal than a badge and would naturally raise eyebrows as opposed to the German Proficiency Badge. I'd say that to the military eye the approved foreign badges just look more like qualifications than decorations. BTW, if I could get away with it, I'd rather wear the ribbon for my 4-Day Cross than either of my NATO medals!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2014 6:23 AM

2014-01-18T06:23:03-05:00

SFC Callan, I completed the Viersdaage Nijmegen in 2006 and it was definitely an experience! and my latest German Proficiency Badge in 2011. But I have seen some "funky" foreign badge (non parachutist badges) and I honestly cannot troubleshoot a Soldier to the validity of the wear of it when there are no pictures showing the authorized foreign badges. So apart from me actually asking the Soldier, I wouldnt know whether it is correct or not...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 2:10 PM

2014-02-22T14:10:49-05:00

Chapter 29-19: Males wear a foreign badge 1/8 inch above the right pocket flap, or 1/2 inch above any unit awards that are worn. Females wear the badge 1/2 inch above the nameplate, or 1/2 inch above any unit awards that are worn.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 2:14 PM

2014-02-22T14:14:13-05:00

In your class As your jump wings are placed on the right side of your uniform 1/8th of an inch above the pocket. If you have unit awards which pretty much everybody does then you place your wings half (1/2) an inch above those awards.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 10:03 PM

2014-02-22T22:03:30-05:00

I guess more specifically, is there somewhere that states whether they can be aligned to the right, or have to be centered? As it stands, my lapel covers 3/4 of the wings while they are centered. I cant find anything about that issue in 600-8-22, 670-1, or anywhere else i can think to look. I just dont want to look ate up in uniform.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 10:51 PM

2014-02-22T22:51:26-05:00

AR 670-1, para 29-19 gives you the 1/8 inch above the pocket or 1/2 inch above unit awards. You won't find about shifting left or right, but notice 670-1 doesn't state "centered on the pocket".

U.S. skill badges on the left side may be shifted when obscured by the collar (figure 29-54), so it makes sense to shift the right side when needed as well.

Many of shift the foreign jump wings and the unit affiliation out from under the lapel without issue.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 9:39 AM

2014-02-23T09:39:15-05:00

Above unit awards

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 11:51 AM

2014-09-12T11:51:13-04:00

I completed Nijmegen in 2013, and it is authorized for wear (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Appendix E lists foreign decorations authorized for wear (these will go on the left side, and in the case of Nijmegen, on your ribbon rack). Page 174, under Netherlands, lists the Four Day Event Cross (Nijmegen) as being authorized for wear.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-10-23T19:48:27-04:00

for if you have an RDI:
(1) Males.
(a) On the Army green, white, and blue uniforms, and the AG 415 shirt, males wear the RDI centered 1⁄8 inch above
the top of the pocket flap, or 1⁄4 inch above any unit awards or foreign badges that are worn. When the coat lapel
obscures the insignia, soldiers may wear the RDI aligned to the right edge of unit awards or the nameplate. Wear of the
RDI on the AG 415 shirt is optional (

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 8:42 PM

2015-10-25T20:42:35-04:00

Please review the question. I'm not asking about the wear of foreign badges. I have been wearing them since I was a Specialist. The question is framed around a source of all foreign badges and whether or not there are pictures to verify which foreign badges are authorized.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-07-05T14:38:38-04:00

I was presented with the Latvian Army Medal of Diligence. I have read information in the regulation as to where to place a foreign badge, but not a foreign award. Is there any info on this subject?

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 6:53 PM

2018-03-28T18:53:59-04:00

I just earned the Norwegian Foot March Badge and I can see in the AR where it is supposed to be placed but what do we do with our branch crest? Is it just taken off or moved up above the foreign badge? I've heard both but the AR is silent on this part.. If anyone has a diagram or picture, please send it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 9:39 PM

2019-03-09T21:39:44-05:00

For those that were awarded the Holland 4 Days Cross Marches Nijmegen Ribbon. They have a regular sized one now for your ribbon rack.
https://www.usamilitarymedals.com/products/holland-4-days-cross-marches-nijmegen-ribbon
Also, if it states in Appendix E that it will not be added to EMILPO, you only have proof through the memorandum for wear on your IPERMS. Is it technically not authorized for wear on your DA Photo? Just looking for clarification.

SSG McMillan

Holland 4 Days Cross Marches Nijmegen Ribbon