The South African National Defence Force, like most around the world, has various insignia. The army badges authorised for wear are listed here. If members from other arms of service qualify for these badges, they are also permitted to wear them, The criteria are, in most cases, current but there is some historical information included.
This page provides an extensive list of various badges used by the South African Army to distinguish and identify different military units, branches, and ranks. It includes descriptions and images of badges such as shoulder titles, formation patches, trade badges, qualification badges, and others. Some of the badges listed have historical significance, such as those used during the apartheid era, while others are currently in use. It also includes information on the history and evolution of badges in the South African Army.
Background
New badges have been created to be worn on the camouflage combat dress. These badges are made of black, embossed plastic and are set against a thatch green background. According to dress regulations, only Parachute Qualification Badges may be worn on the left breast, above the pocket. On the right breast, members are expected to wear their name tag, followed by a maximum of two other badges.
Insignia
Good Conduct Stripes
These are worn on the right (pocket), below the name badge on Dress No 1 â 4. There are three Levels - Awarded for good conduct. The criteria for the awarding of this badge are unknown at this stage.
Badge for Reserve Voluntary Service (BRVS)
61 Mechanised Battalion Operational Service Badge
The unit awarded a small badge called the Operational Badge for those in or attached to the unit who deployed with the unit on operational duties. The initial version of this had a yellow backing and was awarded only for cross border operations into Angola. A subsequent version with a green backing was mooted, which was intended to be for internal duties. This green backed badge was never approved and the Yellow backed badge continued to be awarded for all operations in which 61 Mech was involved, including internal ones. The badge consists of a dagger with three diagonal lightning bolts in red across it. A subdued version was produced for wear on nutria (brown's) uniforms. With the introduction of camouflage, a new version was produced on green thatching.
Air Supply
Qualification: Air Supply
Qualification: Air Supply Instructor
Gunner
Identification: General of the Gunners
Proficiency: Master Gunner
Qualification: Artillery No 1
Dog Handler's Qualification
Qualification: Dog Handler
Qualification: Dog Instructor
Equestrian Qualification
Qualification: Basic Equestrian
Qualification: Equestrian Instructor
Qualification: Equestrian Advanced
Parachute Qualification Badges
Awarding Authority
The Awarding Authority is the GOC SA Army Infantry Formation, delegated to the Officer Commanding 44 Parachute Regiment. The qualification badge will be issued on completion of the course and will be controlled by means of a register kept at US 3
Qualification: Paratrooper Basic
Qualification: Paratrooper Dispatcher
Qualification: Paratrooper Instructor
Qualification: Free Fall Paratrooper
Qualification: Paratrooper Free Fall Instructor
Pathfinder
Qualification: Pathfinder
Air Assault
Qualification: Air Assault
Musketry Proficiency
Proficiency: 2nd Class Shot â Rifle
Proficiency: 1st Class Shot â Rifle
Qualification: Sniper
Physical Training Instructor's Qualification Badges
Awarding Authority: In all cases Director Physical Training Sport and Recreation, SAMHS
Qualification: Advanced PT Instructor
Qualification: Assistant PT Instructor
Attack Diver
Qualification: Attack Diver Badge
Qualification: Attack Diver Instructor Badge
Demolitions Qualifications
Qualification: Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
Qualification: Demolitions Phase 1 Qualification Badge (Dems 1)
Qualification: Demolitions Phase 2 Qualification Badge (Tactical Demolitions)
Qualification: Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Qualification Badge (IEDD)
FiremanâÂÂs Qualification Badges
- Awarding Authority: SSO Fire & Rescue Services (Log Div) as the functional competency authority for Fire and Rescue Services in the DOD after completion of training at DOD Fire Training School and recommendation by the OC
- Limitations on Wearing by Officers: Only officers in posts directly connected with fire fighting may wear the identifications.
Qualification: Fire Fighter
Qualification: Senior Fire Fighter
Motorcyclist Qualification
Qualification: Motor Cyclist
Qualification: Motor Cycle Instructor
Pilots
Special Forces
Qualification: Special Forces Operator Badge
Qualification: Special Forces Operator Identification (Gold, 10 Years)
Qualification: Forward Air Controller
Please note that this award is made on completion of a Forward Air Controller's course. The course is an Air Force course, not an Army one. The awarding authority is thus most likely a senior officer in the air force.
Qualification: Submarine Operator
Tracking Qualifications
Qualification: Tracker
Qualification: Tracker Instructor
Internal Auditor & Investigator
Military Law
SA Corps of Bandsmen
Insignia: Chaplains
Chaplain Accouterments
Chaplain, Christian
Chaplain, Hindu
Chaplain, Jewish
Chaplain, Muslim
Branch of Service
Rank Insignia
Rank Insignia: Officers
Officer's rank is made up of a few components, including the "Star" and the "Crest" (A part of the National Coat of Arms)
General
Lt General
Major General
Brigadier General
Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
Major
Captain
Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Candidate Officer
Rank Insignia: Warrant Officers
SANDF Rank Insignia WO1 Level 1 (Master Chief Warrant Officer)
SANDF Rank Insignia WO1 Level 2 (Senior Chief Warrant Officer)
SANDF Rank Insignia WO1 Level 3 (Chief Warrant Officer)
SANDF Rank Insignia WO1 Level 4a (Master Warrant Officer)
SANDF Rank Insignia WO1 Level 4b (Senior Warrant Officer)
SANDF Rank Insignia WO1 (Warrant Officer 1st Class)
SANDF Rank Insignia WO2 (Warrant Officer 2nd Class)
Rank Insignia: NCOs
Staff Sergeant
Sergeant
Corporal
Lance Corporal
SAMHS
Proficiency insignia of the South African Military Health Service
7 Medical Battalion Group
See also
References
Notes