Aviation
Aviation Branch Insignia Information

Branch Insignia: A silver propeller in a vertical position between two gold wings in a horizontal position, 1 1/8 inches in width.

The Army Aviation branch was established as a basic branch of the Army effective 12 April 1983. The wings are modified and differ from designs currently used on Army and Air Force aviator badges. The insignia draws upon the original insignia for historical and symbolic purposes, but was deliberately modified to signify a new chapter in Army aviation history.

Branch Plaque: The plaque design has the branch insignia in proper colors (gold wings with silver propeller). The letters are golden orange and the rim is gold. The background is ultramarine blue.

Regimental Insignia: Personnel assigned to the Aviation branch affiliate with a specific regiment and wear the insignia of the affiliated regiment.

Regimental Coat of Arms: There is no standard aviation regimental flag to represent all of the aviation regiments. Each regiment of aviation has its own coat of arms which appears on the breast of a displayed eagle. The background of all the aviation regimental flags is ultramarine blue.

Branch Colors: Ultramarine blue piped with Golden Orange. Ultramarine Blue - 65010 cloth; 67118 yarn; Reflex blue PMS. Golden Orange - 65003 cloth; 67109 yarn; PMS 1375.

The branch colors for aviation were approved concurrently with the branch insignia on 7 August 1983 by the Chief of Staff Army. These colors were used by the Army Air Corps during its existence.

Birthday: 12 April 1983. The Army first used light aircraft for artillery forward observation and reconnaissance in June 1942. Following the establishment of the US Air Force as a separate service in 1947, the Army began to further develop its own aviation assets (light planes and rotary wing aircraft) in support of ground operations. The Korean War gave this drive impetus, and the war in Vietnam saw its fruition, as Army aviation units performed a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, transport, and fire support. After the war in Vietnam, the role of armed helicopters as tank destroyers received new emphasis. In recognition of the grown importance of aviation in Army doctrine and operations, Aviation became a separate branch on 12 April 1983.

(Each Aviation Regiment has its own regimental insignia and coat of arms)