Subdued embroidered ranks were introduced during the Vietnam War to reduce the chances the white background used on nametapes and other insignia might reveal a Soldier’s location to the enemy, a very real possibility given the close quarters at much of the fighting was done during that conflict.
Subdued insignia is embroidered on cloth featuring a camouflage pattern that is attached to the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and other Utility uniforms with a hook-and-loop (Velcro) system that was first utilized in 2004, the same time the Army introduced the ACU.
Our subdued cloth Warrant Officer rank insignia is embroidered on fabric manufactured with either the ACU's original camo, the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP), or Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP), a replacement design introduced in 2015. Army Combat Uniforms made with UCP have a wear-out date of 30 September 2019.
Please choose an insignia type using the drop-down selectors to the right to select pattern and insignia type.
Pattern: Choose the same type as found on the uniform on which the insignia will be worn.
Rank With Velcro: Army Combat Uniform, A2CU, Utility Uniforms (Velcro attachment)
Cap Rank: Version for Sun Hat (boonie), Patrol Cap, camo cover on helmet; must be sewn on.
GorTex: Insert over the tab on the jacket of the parka in the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System.
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One of the major milestones in the development of the Army’s Warrant Officer cohort was the establishment of the Special Forces Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty 180A in 1983, the first attempt to systematically incorporate the vast experience and knowledge of Warrant Officer-eligible NCOs into the rapidly evolving Special Forces area of the U.S. Army. Today, Warrant Leaders serve as leaders in the Special Forces squads that carry out tactical operations, as well as on the staff of Special Forces groups and higher-level commands (including Joint Special Operations Forces).
More Warrant Officer 1 Rank Insignia Pre-2004 Warrant Officer Branch ItemsWarrant Officers 1 in the 180A MOS serve as the Assistant Detachment Commander (Chief Warrant Officers 2 may also serve in this position) in a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (SFOD A), assisting the Commander (a Captain) while being prepared to assume command at any time should the need arise. If a Detachment is required to split into two groups, the Special Forces Warrant Officer heads up the second team.
Senior Field-Grade and Field-Grade Special Forces Warrant Officers (CW3 to CW5) serve on Special Forces operations staff, but they also may lead larger Special Operation Force elements as needed. Senior Field-Grade (CW5) Special Forces Warrant Officers serve as the Command Chief Warrant Officer (CCWO) for the Commander of U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), as CCWO for Commanders of individual SF groups, and as the Senior Warrant Officer Advisor to the Commander of USASOC.