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The South African National Defence Force, like most around the world, has various insignia. The army badges authorised for wear are listed here. If members from other arms of service qualify for these badges, they are also permitted to wear them, The criteria are, in most cases, current but there is some historical information included.
This page provides an extensive list of various badges used by the South African Army to distinguish and identify different military units, branches, and ranks. It includes descriptions and images of badges such as shoulder titles, formation patches, trade badges, qualification badges, and others. Some of the badges listed have historical significance, such as those used during the apartheid era, while others are currently in use. It also includes information on the history and evolution of badges in the South African Army.
Background
New badges have been created to be worn on the camouflage combat dress. These badges are made of black, embossed plastic and are set against a thatch green background. According to dress regulations, only Parachute Qualification Badges may be worn on the left breast, above the pocket. On the right breast, members are expected to wear their name tag, followed by a maximum of two other badges.
Insignia
Good Conduct Stripes
These are worn on the right (pocket), below the name badge on Dress No 1 – 4. There are three Levels - Awarded for good conduct. The criteria for the awarding of this badge are unknown at this stage.
Good Conduct
Garment with Pocket: Centred on the right pocket
Garment without Pocket: 10 millimetres (0.39 in) below the name badge
Five Years Voluntary Service Black on Thatch beige, Embossed
Criteria:
The identification is only awarded to members of the Part Time Forces who have completed 5 years exemplary voluntary service (ie over and above any compulsory service). Unit commanders must submit a reasoned recommendation (which covers the member’s actual active participation in the unit’s activities) via the Command/Formation HQ to Director Ceremonial and Music for approval.
Note:
Members who subsequently join the Permanent Force, or serve full time, are not permitted to wear the identification
THE CHIEF OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE’S BADGE FOR VOLUNTARY RESERVE FORCE SERVICE (BVRS)
The Badge for voluntary service is awarded to Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks of the Reserve Force of the South African National Defence Force who complete a period of five years of exemplary voluntary service in the Reserve Force of the South African National Defence Force.
The Badge is awarded by the Chief of the SANDF on the recommendation of the Chief of the Services, to whom the awarding powers of the C SANDF may be delegated.
The design of the Badge is that of the Badge of the South African National Defence Force in enamel, encircled by a gilt protea wreath, the whole 30 mm in height by 25 mm in width. A cloth emblem is also issued to a recipient in to be worn in accordance with the prescribed dress regulations.
As a National Defence Force distinction for exemplary voluntary Reserve Force service, the Badge takes precedence over and is worn above badges for proficiency, qualification, trades or identity.
Divisional, Formation and Unit commanders recommend to the next higher headquarters on the prescribed form, the award of the Badge in respect of each qualifying member of the Reserve Force.
The Badge may also be awarded for service in honorary appointments.
The institution, wearing, conditions, restrictions and procedures for the award is prescribed in CSANDF Instruction No 05/04 under reference
HR SUP CEN/AWARDS/R/104/13/2/8/1/P dated 17 August 2004.
The unit awarded a small badge called the Operational Badge for those in or attached to the unit who deployed with the unit on operational duties. The initial version of this had a yellow backing and was awarded only for cross border operations into Angola. A subsequent version with a green backing was mooted, which was intended to be for internal duties. This green backed badge was never approved and the Yellow backed badge continued to be awarded for all operations in which 61 Mech was involved, including internal ones. The badge consists of a dagger with three diagonal lightning bolts in red across it. A subdued version was produced for wear on nutria (brown's) uniforms. With the introduction of camouflage, a new version was produced on green thatching.
Operational Service Badge
Awarding Authority:
Awarding of this badge has been suspended
Description
Dress No 1 – 3 and 5C
Identification, 61 Mechanised, Chrome and Enamel (Rectangular bar (upright) in yellow with a black dagger embellished in silver and three red lightning flashes angled diagonally across the blade (10 mm (0.39 in) wide, 40 mm (1.6 in) long))
Service Dress Rectangular bar (upright) in yellow with a black dagger embellished in silver and three red lightning flashes angled diagonally across the blade
Dress No 5A
Identification, 61 Mechanised, Chrome and Enamel, Miniature (Rectangular bar (upright) in yellow with a black dagger embellished in silver and three red lightning flashes angled diagonally across the blade (10 mm wide, 40 mm long))
Service Dress Rectangular bar (upright) in yellow with a black dagger embellished in silver and three red lightning flashes angled diagonally across the blade
Dress No 4
Identification, 61 Mechanised, Black on Thatch beige (Rectangular bar (upright) with a black dagger and three black lightning flashes angled diagonally across the blade)
Black on Thatch beige, Embossed Crossed gun barrels
Criteria
A serving member of the SAA at the time of the award
An RSA citizen of at least seven years standing
Successfully completed a long gunnery course OR qualified as indicated in the succeeding sub-subparagraphs
Course qualified battery commander or GSM
Preferably obtained a first class qualification on all his SAA courses
Occupied the post of battery commander, or unit 2IC, or artillery instructor (School of Artillery, or Combat Training Centre) or GSM for at least one year
His conduct, discipline and bearing must be exemplary and to the satisfaction of the Corps Council
He must have a solid reputation as a capable artilleryman amongst his seniors, contemporaries and juniors
It will be to his advantage to have participated in a specific operation, or to have served in an operational area for a period of at least three months
He must have produced at least one artillery publication which must:
Be used in the SAA as reference or training material
Be an original piece of work and the result of research and study
The Awarding Authority is the GOC SA Army Infantry Formation, delegated to the Officer Commanding 44 Parachute Regiment. The qualification badge will be issued on completion of the course and will be controlled by means of a register kept at US 3
2 Class Marksman Black on Thatch beige, Embossed Black (Black rifle)
Criteria
Score of 90-104 in rifle exercise Table 2 or 60%
Proficiency: 1st Class Shot – Rifle
1st Class Shot – Rifle
Awarding Authority:
Unit Commanders
Description
Dress No 1 – 3 and 5C
Proficiency, 1st Class Shot, Chrome and Enamel, Chilli with identification, Proficiency marksmen, Chrome (Chrome rifle)
Dress No 5A
Proficiency, 1st Class Shot, Chrome and Enamel, Chilli, Miniature, with identification, Proficiency marksmen, Chrome (Chrome miniature rifle)
Dress No 4
Proficiency, 1st Class Shot, Black on Thatch beige, with identification, Proficiency marksmen, Black (Black rifle), with a black rectangle surrounding the rifle
Assistant PTI Black on Thatch beige, Embossed Crossed sabres
Criteria
Qualification on the assistant PT Instructors Course
Attack Diver
Qualification: Attack Diver Badge
Attack Diver Badge
Awarding Authority:
General Officer Commanding Special Forces
Description
Dress No 1 – 3 and 5C
Qualification, Attack diver, Bronze (The badge depicts a great white shark swimming past the Neptune trident, which is mounted on the mouthpiece of an Oxygears 57 and is enclosed within the tubes of the Oxygears 57)
Dress No 5A
Qualification, Attack diver, Bronze, Miniature (The badge depicts a great white shark swimming past the Neptune trident, which is mounted on the mouthpiece of an Oxygears 57 and is enclosed within the tubes of the Oxygears 57)
Dress No 4
Qualification, Attack diver, Black on Thatch beige (The badge depicts a great white shark swimming past the Neptune trident, which is mounted on the mouthpiece of an Oxygears 57 and is enclosed within the tubes of the Oxygears 57)
Bronze Black on Thatch beige, Embossed The badge depicts a great white shark swimming past the Neptune trident, which is mounted on the mouthpiece of an Oxygears 57 and is enclosed within the tubes of the Oxygears 57
Criteria
The bronze qualification badge is awarded to Special Forces’ operators who are proficient Attack Divers
Qualification: Attack Diver Instructor Badge
Attack Diver Instructor Badge
Awarding Authority:
General Officer Commanding Special Forces
Description
Dress No 1 – 3 and 5C
Qualification, Attack diver Instructor, Chrome (The badge depicts a great white shark swimming past the Neptune trident, which is mounted on the mouthpiece of an Oxygears 57 and is enclosed within the tubes of the Oxygears 57)
Dress No 5A
Qualification, Attack diver Instructor, Chrome, Miniature (The badge depicts a great white shark swimming past the Neptune trident, which is mounted on the mouthpiece of an Oxygears 57 and is enclosed within the tubes of the Oxygears 57)
Dress No 4
Qualification, Attack diver Instructor, Black on Thatch beige (The badge depicts a great white shark swimming past the Neptune trident, which is mounted on the mouthpiece of an Oxygears 57 and is enclosed within the tubes of the Oxygears 57)
Silver Black Circle indicates Instructor Black on Thatch beige, Embossed The badge depicts a great white shark swimming past the Neptune trident, which is mounted on the mouthpiece of an Oxygears 57 and is enclosed within the tubes of the Oxygears 57
Criteria
The silver qualification badge is awarded to Special Forces’ operators who are proficient Attack Diver Instructors
Demolitions Qualifications
Qualification: Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
Awarding Authority:
OC Ammunition School
Description
Dress No 1 – 3 and 5C
Qualification, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Gilt and silver (Gilt metal ring and bomb, facing down, with silver coloured lightning flash)
Qualification, Dems 1, Chrome (The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade which is superimposed over one lightning bolt diagonally (top right to bottom left) across the exploding grenade)
Dress No 5A
Qualification, Dems 1, Chrome, Miniature (The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade which is superimposed over one lightning bolt diagonally (top right to bottom left) across the exploding grenade)
Dress No 4
Qualification, Dems 1, Black on Thatch beige (The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade which is superimposed over one lightning bolt diagonally (top right to bottom left) across the exploding grenade)
Level 1 (DEMS1) Black on Thatch beige, Embossed The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade which is superimposed over one lightning bolt diagonally (top right to bottom left) across the exploding grenade
Criteria
Any member who has successfully completed the Dems 1 Course at the School of Engineers may wear the Demolitions Phase 1 Qualification Badge
Qualification, Tac Dems, Chrome (The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade, which is superimposed over two crossed lightning bolts across the exploding grenade)
Dress No 5A
Qualification, Tac Dems, Chrome, Miniature (The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade, which is superimposed over two crossed lightning bolts across the exploding grenade)
Dress No 4
Qualification, Tac Dems, Black on Thatch beige (The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade, which is superimposed over two crossed lightning bolts across the exploding grenade)
Level 2 (DEMS2) - Tactical Demolitions Black on Thatch beige, Embossed The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade, which is superimposed over two crossed lightning bolts across the exploding grenade
Criteria
Demolition Phase 2 Qualification Badge may only be worn by SAEC members who have successfully completed the Dems 2 Course at the School of Engineers
Qualification, IEDD, Chrome (The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade, which is superimposed, over two crossed lightning bolts. A watch dial, with hour markings, encircles the exploding grenade)
Dress No 5A
Qualification, IEDD, Chrome, Miniature (The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade, which is superimposed, over two crossed lightning bolts. A watch dial, with hour markings, encircles the exploding grenade)
Dress No 4
Qualification, IEDD, Black on Thatch beige (The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade, which is superimposed, over two crossed lightning bolts. A watch dial, with hour markings, encircles the exploding grenade)
IEDD Badge Black on Thatch beige, Embossed The badge uses the traditional 9 flames exploding grenade, which is superimposed, over two crossed lightning bolts. A watch dial, with hour markings, encircles the exploding grenade
Criteria
The IEDD Qualification Badge may only be worn by All Arms members who have successfully completed the IEDD Course at the School of Engineers
Fireman’s Qualification Badges
Awarding Authority: SSO Fire & Rescue Services (Log Div) as the functional competency authority for Fire and Rescue Services in the DOD after completion of training at DOD Fire Training School and recommendation by the OC
Limitations on Wearing by Officers: Only officers in posts directly connected with fire fighting may wear the identifications.
Qualification: Fire Fighter
Fire Fighter
Awarding Authority:
SSO Fire & Rescue Services (Log Div) as the functional competency authority for Fire and Rescue Services in the DOD after completion of training at DOD Fire Training School and recommendation by the OC
Description
Dress No 1 – 3 and 5C
Qualification, Fire Fighter; Chrome and enamel (Silver helmet and crossed axes on red background)
Dress No 5A
Qualification, Fire Fighter; Chrome and enamel, Miniature (Silver helmet and crossed axes on red background)
Dress No 4
Qualification, Fire Fighter; Black on Thatch beige (Helmet and crossed axes)
Black on Thatch beige, Embossed Helmet and crossed axes
Criteria
Qualification on the Fire Fighter 2 Course (Practical and Theory)
Limitations on Wearing by Officers
Only officers in posts directly connected with fire fighting may wear the identification.
Qualification: Senior Fire Fighter
Senior Fire Fighter
Awarding Authority:
SSO Fire & Rescue Services (Log Div) as the functional competency authority for Fire and Rescue Services in the DOD after completion of training at DOD Fire Training School and recommendation by the OC
Description
Dress No 1 – 3 and 5C
Qualification, Senior Fire Fighter; Chrome and enamel (Silver helmet and crossed axes on a red background surrounded by a Protea wreath)
Dress No 5A
Qualification, Senior Fire Fighter; Chrome and enamel, Miniature (Silver helmet and crossed axes on a red background surrounded by a Protea wreath)
Dress No 4
Qualification, Senior Fire Fighter; Black on Thatch beige (Helmet and crossed axes surrounded by a Protea wreath)
Black on Thatch beige, Embossed Dagger enclosed with a laurel wreath
Criteria
The badge is only awarded to members on successful completion of the Special Forces Basic Cycle
Note
The identification does not have a stock number, and is issued according to a numerical sequence. (The master list is maintained by Special Forces Headquarters)
Qualification: Special Forces Operator Identification (Gold, 10 Years)
Special Forces Operator Identification (Gold, 10 Years)
Qualification, Special Forces Operator Gold (9 Carat gold dagger enclosed with a laurel wreath with a .35 carat diamond set in the centre of the dagger)
Dress No 5A
Qualification, Special Forces Operator Gold, Miniature (Gilt dagger enclosed with a laurel wreath)
Dress No 4
Qualification, Special Forces Operator Gold, Black on Thatch beige (Dagger enclosed with a laurel wreath surrounded by a black circle)
Gold, 10 Years Black on Thatch beige, Embossed Dagger enclosed with a laurel wreath. Exclusion to indicate diamond on Dagger blade.
Criteria
The member must have completed 10 years service within the Special Forces Headquarters or subordinate units as a qualified Special
Forces Operator
Qualification: Forward Air Controller
Please note that this award is made on completion of a Forward Air Controller's course. The course is an Air Force course, not an Army one. The awarding authority is thus most likely a senior officer in the air force.
SANDF - INSIGNIA - Branch Of Service SA Army - Collar - SAAC - MMD Chrome
SANDF - Beret - Men - SA Army - SA Armour Corps (SAAC) - Black
SA Air Defence Artillery (SAADA)
SANDF - INSIGNIA - Branch Of Service SA Army - Collar - SAADA - MMD Chrome
SANDF - Beret - Men - SA Army - SA Artillery (SAA) - Oxford Blue
SA Artillery Corps
SANDF - Beret - Men - SA Army - SA Artillery (SAA) - Oxford Blue
SA Corps of Military Police (SACMP)
SANDF - INSIGNIA - Branch Of Service SA Army - Collar - SACMP - MMD Chrome
SANDF - Beret - Men - SA Army - Corps of Military Police (SACMP) - Guardsmen Red
SA Corps of Signals (SACS)
SANDF - INSIGNIA - Branch Of Service SA Army - Collar - SACS - MMD Chrome - LeftSANDF - INSIGNIA - Branch Of Service SA Army - Collar - SACS - MMD Chrome - Right
SANDF - Beret - Men - SA Army - SA Corps of Signals (SACS) - Light Bronze
SANDF - INSIGNIA - Branch Of Service SA Army - Collar - SAEC - MMD Chrome
SANDF - Beret - Men - SA Army - SA Corps of Engineers (SAEC) - Oxford Blue
SANDF Intelligence
SANDF - INSIGNIA - Branch Of Service SA Army - Collar - SANDF Intelligence - MMD Chrome
Technical Service Corps (TSC)
SANDF - INSIGNIA - Branch Of Service SA Army - Collar - TSC - MMD Chrome - LeftSANDF - INSIGNIA - Branch Of Service SA Army - Collar - TSC - MMD Chrome - Right
SANDF - Beret - Men - SA Army - Technical Service Corps (TSC) - Black
Personnel Service Corps (PSC)
SANDF - INSIGNIA - Organisational - Collar - Personnel Service Corps - MMD Chrome - LeftSANDF - INSIGNIA - Organisational - Collar - Personnel Service Corps - MMD Chrome - Right
SANDF - Beret - Men - SA Army - Personnel Service Corps (PSC) - Harness Tan
SA ARMY ORDER: CHIEF ARMY CORPORATE SERVICES (SAAO/C ARMY CORP SVC/CER/317/07) MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING OF DRESS REGULATIONS AND DRESS INSTRUCTIONS IN THE SA ARMY, MEN AND WOMEN. South African Army. June 2007.
Owen, Colin R. (1990). The Military Badges and Insignia of Southern Africa (1st ed.). Chimperie Agencies (published 1 January 1990). ISBN9780620154383.
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Candidate Officer
South Africa
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WOI (1951–2002)
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WOII (1951–2002)
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Staff Sergeant (1994–2002)
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Corporal (Field Dress)
Lance Corporal (Service Dress)
