Shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) are distinctive cloth patches worn on the left sleeve of the United States Army uniform just below the shoulder seam by soldiers assigned to divisions, corps, armies, and other specifically authorized organizations. They are also worn on the right sleeve by soldiers to indicate former overseas service with certain units during periods of U.S. military operations in hostile conditions (MOHC).
332d Infantry Regiment and Army of Occupation shoulder sleeve insignia worn on a World War I era U.S. infantry officer's coat.
Example of the five current types of shoulder sleeve insignia for the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division; full color, BDU subdued, desert subdued, UCP subdued, OCP subdued
The U.S. Army Armored School insignia.
U.S. soldiers wearing the DCU uniform with the 25th Infantry Division SSI.
An embroidered patch, also known as a cloth badge, is a piece of embroidery which is created by using a fabric backing and thread. The art of making embroidered patches is an old tradition and was done by hand. During the first half of the twentieth century they were commonly embroidered using a shiffli embroidery machine. High-speed, computerized machines have led to mass production.
Scouting patches worn by adult leaders, Mexico City, March 2010.
US Army Sustainment Center of Excellence patch ceremony, 2009
German police patch
Montreux police patch
