insignes

Insignes are marks, symbols, or devices that denote membership, rank, authority, or achievement within an organization or society. They may be worn, displayed, or issued as formal recognition, and can take the form of badges, patches, pins, medals, or heraldic devices. Insignes function as quickly recognizable identifiers of status or affiliation and may indicate qualifications, roles, or allegiances.

Common categories include rank insignia, which indicate a person’s position within a hierarchy (such as epaulettes, shoulder boards, or chevrons); unit or formation insignia, which identify the bearer’s military unit or service branch; and service insignia or awards, which commemorate campaigns, achievements, or qualifications. Civilian examples include corporate logos, club emblems, academic badges, and patches for service organizations. Insignes may be embroidered on fabric, made as metal or enamel pins, or engraved on metal or enamel. They are typically worn on uniforms, hats, or lanyards, but can also exist as digital badges used in education, professional certification, or online platforms.

Historically, insignia have roots in heraldry and medieval symbolism, evolving into standardized devices for rank and unit identification in modern armed forces, industry, and academic institutions. They encode values such as duty, courage, and loyalty, using color schemes, shapes, and motifs designed for immediate recognition. Design and use are usually governed by formal regulations to preserve legitimacy, prevent fraud, and ensure consistent signaling of role and achievement.

Etymology traces the term to Latin insignia meaning marks or emblems, carried into French as insigne. In English, insignia is the standard term for the concept, with insigne existing mainly in historical or French contexts.