United States Air Force Symbol Patch

This patch shows the U.S. Air Force Symbol, stitched in white on a blue field with U.S. AIR FORCE lettered below. The round design carries the stylized wings, star, sphere and three diamonds the Air Force uses to identify itself, and the white on blue reads clearly from across a room. It is the symbol of the whole service, not a set of pilot or aircrew wings, so anyone connected to the Air Force can wear it.

The Air Force unveiled the symbol in January 2000 and designated it the symbol of the service on 5 May 2004. It is based on the Hap Arnold Wings of World War II, named for General of the Air Force Henry H. "Hap" Arnold, and it keeps the core elements of the Air Corps heritage, the Arnold wings and the star with circle, in a modern, angular form.

In the upper half, the stylized wings represent the enlisted men and women of the force. They are drawn with sharp angles to suggest swiftness and power, and they are divided into six sections for the service's distinctive capabilities. In the lower half, a sphere inside the star represents the globe, the star's five points stand for the Total Force of active duty, civilians, Guard, Reserve and retirees, and three diamonds frame the star for the core values: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. Taken together, the shapes read as both an eagle and a medal.

The patch measures 4 by 4 inches and is finished with a white merrowed edge. It has an iron-on backing for quick application to a jacket, bag or vest. For gear that sees hard wear or frequent washing, a few stitches around the edge will keep it in place for good.

It suits active duty airmen, Guard and Reserve members, veterans and retirees who want a clean Air Force patch for a jacket or bag. Families can wear it to show where a son, daughter or spouse serves, and collectors will want it alongside earlier Air Force and Army Air Forces patches. It also makes a simple gift for a basic training graduation, a promotion or a retirement.