Chevron (uniform)
Chevron or Cheveron ( French chevron = "angle", "rafter", "zigzag strip") was the common name in the French army for rank, rank or seniority in the form of curved braids sewn onto the sleeves of the uniform . In particular, the number of these chevrons denoted the rank and seniority of the soldiers. Veterans and soldiers promoted to non-commissioned officers because of their seniority were therefore called chevronnés .
The chevrons were introduced into the Prussian army in 1889; in the cavalry , chevrons were awarded on the left upper sleeve for the best fencer on horseback.
In the Wehrmacht , large straight-angled braids sewn onto the upper left sleeve indicated the various ranks of the crew .
In the National People's Army there were no angles or chevrons for any branch of service.
There are no chevrons in the Bundeswehr either, but the navy uses straight-angled wefts on the lower sleeves for NCOs with and without portepee ( mates and boatmen ) in certain types of suits.
Examples
Single chevron rank: Private E2 , US Army .
Double Chevron Corporal insignia, Royal Air Force