TANK   GUNNERY   BADGES   

            A handful of units have issued metal badges that signify that the holder qualified on their tank or other weapons system.

            The first such badge I am aware of was issued by the 2^nd Infantry Division to tank crews that achieved a perfect score (2250) at tank gunnery. See Tom Ayers, "Tank Table VIII Qualification Badge," THE TRADING POST, page 14 (Jul-Sep 2017). See Figure 1. This insignia was also issued as a patch. See Korea Article, Figure 16.

            The 1^st Sqdn, 4^th Cavalry (1^st Infantry Division(Mech)), also wore qualification badges, beginning in approximately 2000. The Squadron issued badges to distinguished M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle crews, M1A1 Main Battle Tank crews, M106 self-propelled 107mm Mortar crews, and OH-58-D(I) Kiowa Warrior Observation Helicopter crews. The badges were attached to a leather hanger that was worn from one of the buttons of the soldier's right BDU shirt pocket. See Frank Hummel, "1-4 Cavalry Badges," THE TRADING POST (Jan-Mar 2001), p. 14.

            The 1^st Sqdn, 1^st Cavalry (1^st Armored Division) was another unit that wore qualification badges. The Squadron issued badges to, at least, distinguished M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle crews and OH-58 Kiowa Scout Helicopter crews. As with the 1-4 Cav, the badges were attached to a leather pocket hanger. See Figure 2. I do not know when these badges were worn or whether any other such badges were worn by this unit.

            The final such badge I am aware of was issued by the 3^rd Armored Cavalry Regiment to distinguished vehicle crews. See Figure 3. I do not know when this badge was worn or which vehicle crews were eligible to receive this badge.