United States Armed Forces Pilot Badge
The pilot badge of the United States (English United States Aviator Badge ), better known as aviators or pilot rocker , is available in three different versions, for Air Force , Army and Navy . It is awarded in three stages.
Army (US Army)
The US Army aviator's wing dates back to World War I , when the crew members of the United States Army Air Service were given a three-stage wing.
- Observer: a "US" shield with a wing on the left
- Junior Aviator or Reserve Aviation Officer: a “US” sign between two wings
- Senior Aviator: a star above a "US" sign with two wings
Two new versions of the wings in matt silver colors were introduced during World War II, one of which is now used by the US Air Force. Again there are three levels:
- Pilot: shield between two wings
- Senior pilot: star over two winged shield
- Command pilot: star with laurel wreath over shield with two wings
Air Force (US Air Force)
After the establishment of its own air force, it took over in 1947 one of the wings that had previously been used by the army's air force during World War II, but in a shiny silver-colored version. It is awarded in three stages:
- Basic: shield between two wings
- Senior: star over shield with two wings (after 7 years in flying service and 1000 flight hours)
- Master: star with laurel wreath over shield with two wings (after 15 years in aviation service and 2000 hours of flight)
The Navy's swing arm has not changed since the first draft in 1917. It is gold-colored and consists of a shield in front of an anchor between two wings. It is awarded to pilots of the Navy, Marine Infantry and Coast Guard after they have passed their pilot training.
Carrying method
The aviator's wing is worn as the top badge above the medal clasp on the left side of the service suit and above the breast pocket on the service shirt.