Considering the 82nd Airborne Division’s longtime nickname of “All-American Division,” it’s only fitting that its organizational flash and oval, or background trimming, consists solely of concentric rings of red, white, and blue, starting with the outside ring and moving to the center. What some do not know, however, is that this is the second version of the flash and oval, with the original version featuring those same rings but in reversed order, i.e., blue-white-red moving from the outer ring inward.
Worn on the maroon beret to reflect the organization’s status as an Airborne unit, the flash is worn by all Divisional personnel centered on the stiffener of the beret. Officers wear their non-subdued insignia of grade centered on the flash, while NCOs and Junior Enlisted wear the 82nd Airborne Distinctive Unit Insignia (aka “unit crest,” see below) centered on the flash.
Officially known as background trimming, the oval is authorized for wear only by personnel who have earned one of the three degrees of Parachutist Badge (Basic, Senior, Master) or an Air Assault Badge. The oval is worn underneath the badge, the main portion of which is centered on the oval. An oval and badge count as a single device when for measurement and device placement purposes.
Originally formed in 1918 and currently based at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) in North Carolina, the 82nd Airborne Division is one of the most storied military organization in the United States. Click on the links below to add more 82nd Airborne Division insignia and devices to your cart and also read about its lineage, history, and military honors.
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