The United States Army authorized subdued rank insignia in June 1966, but various logistical and supply issues meant that subdued patches were not readily available until the end of the following year. This was soon followed by the authorization of subdued, pin-on metal insignia, in part because it was much easier ensuring every solider had a pin-on metal insignia rather than guaranteeing all would have uniforms with the appropriate subdued ranks sewn onto them.
Subdued cloth grade insignia became standardized following the Vietnam War, and for three decades they underwent little change. With the debut of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) in 2004, however, the Army also introduced subdued rank insignia with hook-and-loop-fastener systems (famously known by the trade name Velcro) so insignia could be applied and removed instantaneously. This new type of cloth rank insignia was soon dubbed both “Velcro insignia” and “ACU rank.”
We offer three versions of subdued cloth grade insignia for Major Generals, each designed for wear on a different type of uniform or uniform component. However, you should be aware they are all manufactured on cloth backings featuring the Universal Camouflage Pattern, or UCP. Do not purchase these subdued rank insignia if your ACU was manufactured using the new Operational Camouflage Pattern, or OCP.
Choose the type of ACU insignia you need from the drop-down box to the right:
Rank with Velcro: Rank insignia with Velcro backing for wear on Utility uniforms and cold-weather coats.
Cap Rank: Insignia that must be sewn onto Patrol Caps and Sun Hats because it does not have a hook-and-loop-fastener system.
GorTex: Designed for wear with the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System parka, which the Army refers to as the “Gore-Tex® parka.” Slides over the tab on the front of the parka.