The Army introduced the “Soldier for Life” initiative in 2012 as a way of emphasizing the four main points in an Army career: Enlistment, Assignment, Preparation for retirement, and Engagement following retirement. In 2015, it introduced a new Retired Service Identification Badge, or RSIB, that personnel were authorized to wear on the Army Service/Dress Uniform, while retaining the existing RSIB so that retired Servicemembers could choose a badge reflective of their time in service.
This lapel pin is a miniature, enameled reproduction of the “Soldier for Life” RSIB. Unlike the badge, it may not be worn on Army uniforms; retired male personnel wear it on the left lapel of civilian clothing, and retired females wear it on the left lapel or in a similar location.
Commanders present U.S. Army Retired lapel buttons to personnel at a ceremony held before the official retirement date. Personnel who possess DD Form 2, U.S. Uniformed Services Identification Card (Retired), are eligible to wear the lapel button.