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𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆'𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲—often called jump wings—is one of the most recognizable symbols of airborne qualification across the Armed Forces. Its history, design, and the demanding requirements behind earning it represent generations of airborne tradition.

The modern Parachutist Badge was created in 1941 when Captain (later LTG) William P. Yarborough designed the original winged‑parachute emblem. It was approved by the War Department on March 10, 1941, replacing the earlier parachutist patch worn on garrison caps. Yarborough also designed the later Senior and Master levels, and even secured a patent for the design in 1943.

The badge is awarded to all U.S. military personnel, regardless of branch, who complete the U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), Georgia.

Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps issue or authorize wear of the badge.

Navy and Marine Corps also maintain their own advanced “Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia” for those who complete additional jumps.

Space Force and Coast Guard do not issue their own badges but allow members to earn and wear badges from other services if they meet requirements.

To earn basic “jump wings,” a service member must complete the Army’s three‑phase Basic Airborne Course, consisting of:

Ground phase

Tower phase

Jump phase, which includes the required parachute jumps
Successful completion signifies qualification to participate in airborne operations.

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲

The U.S. military recognizes three primary levels of parachutist qualification:

𝟭. 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲

Awarded upon graduation from the Basic Airborne Course.

𝟮. 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲

Requires:

A minimum of 30 static‑line jumps, including 15 with combat equipment

Two night jumps, one as a jumpmaster

Two mass tactical jumps

Graduation from a Jumpmaster Course

At least 24 months on jump status
A star is added above the parachute canopy to signify senior qualification.

𝟯. 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲

The highest level, requiring:

65 jumps, including 25 with combat equipment

Four night jumps, one as jumpmaster

Five mass tactical jumps at battalion level or higher

Graduation from a Jumpmaster Course

At least 36 months on jump status
A star and wreath above the canopy denote this qualification.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

Combat service can be recognized by bronze or gold stars placed on the wings:

Bronze stars indicate up to four combat jumps

Gold star represents five combat jumps
These devices were approved for wear in 1983, though used informally long before.

Reminder, our office is closed today, Thursday, January 1st 2026 in celebration of New Year's Day. We will re-open tomorrow, Friday, January 2nd at 8:00AM Central Time.

Wishing all our customers and followers a very happy New Year!

#2026