Indian Army badges: The Indian Army is not just a military force but a symbol of valor, courage, and honor. Behind every uniform lies a story of sacrifice and dedication. One of the most prominent symbols of this dedication is the badges worn by Indian Army personnel. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of Indian Army badges, shedding light on their importance and the stories they represent.
Understanding Indian Army Badges
Indian Army badges are not merely decorative pieces; they hold deep-rooted significance, reflecting the rich history and traditions of the force. These badges are worn with pride by soldiers as a mark of their accomplishments, affiliations, and expertise.
List of Indian Army Badges and Their Significance
Balidaan Badge
The Balidan Badge, also known as the “Badge of Sacrifice,” is an exclusive insignia worn by the most elite and courageous soldiers of the Indian Army, specifically those belonging to the Para (Special Forces). This badge is not simply awarded by rank or tenure. It signifies the soldier’s unwavering commitment to serving the nation and their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Significance of the Balidaan Badge
- Symbol of Sacrifice: The Balidaan Badge is a mark of exceptional courage, unwavering commitment, and the willingness to lay down one’s life for the nation.
- Honor and Recognition: Earning the badge signifies that the soldier has conquered extraordinary challenges and is part of an elite group of highly trained and skilled special forces personnel.
- Motivation for Others: The Balidaan Badge serves as a constant source of inspiration for other soldiers, reminding them of the high standards and dedication required to be part of the Para (Special Forces).
Para Wings
The Para Wings, also known as the Parachute Badge, are worn on the left chest of the uniform, positioned above any other badges or medals. This distinguished insignia is awarded to soldiers of the Indian Army who have completed their basic para training at the Paratroopers Training School (PTS) in Agra.
The emblem is a symbol of airborne expertise, featuring a striking design: a white open parachute with light blue wings gracefully extending against a background of grey-green drab. While variations exist for ceremonial and mess uniforms, such as gold-wired wings on maroon flannel for the PBG on their ceremonial tunics, and the same design on a scarlet backdrop, the standard Para Wings design remains iconic.
Originally worn on the upper right sleeve, since 1975, it has been proudly displayed above the right chest pocket and name tag, signifying the wearer’s proficiency and dedication to airborne operations.
Jump Indicator Wings
As Jump Indicator Wings, a small enamelled variant (white parachute with blue – denoting 25 jumps, yellow – denoting 50 jumps, or red wings – denoting 100 jumps) is worn on the left pocket.
Significance of the Jump Indicator Wings:
- The Jump Indicator Wings acknowledge a soldier’s qualification and experience in airborne operations.
- The increasing number of stars (one for 25 jumps, two for 50, and three for 100 jumps) signifies the soldier’s growing expertise and skill level in parachuting.
- It instils pride and accomplishment for the soldiers who have undergone challenging training and honed their parachuting abilities.
Diving Badge
The Indian Army’s Diving Badge signifies a soldier’s expertise in combat diving, a vital skill for specific operations. Soldiers earn this badge through intensive training, mastering underwater navigation, equipment handling, demolitions, and underwater combat tactics. Primarily awarded to Para (Special Forces) units and Marines, it may also be conferred upon soldiers in other units if their roles require combat diving capabilities.
The badge represents proficiency in underwater operations, demanding exceptional physical and mental fitness. Positioned above service medals on the uniform, it depicts a fully equipped diver, symbolizing readiness for specialized missions.
Commendation Card
In the Indian military, Commendation Cards serve as prestigious honors, acknowledging exceptional acts of bravery, dedication, or service that may not qualify for higher heroism awards. These cards are granted by high-ranking officials such as the Chief of Army Staff, highlighting specific acts of courage or assistance. Unlike higher medals, Commendation Cards do not carry monetary value but hold immense symbolic importance, motivating individuals to excel in their duties.
Notably, these awards are not posthumous and are reserved for individuals who have demonstrated remarkable valor or support. While the process for awarding lower-level honors may vary between branches, the essence of recognizing exemplary service remains consistent across the military.
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Combat Free Falling Badge
The Combat Free Falling Badge signifies belonging to an elite group of paratroopers. Earning this badge requires completing an arduous training program that hones expertise in freefall parachuting and military parachuting tactics.
These soldiers endure numerous jumps, often exceeding 30,000 feet, and perfect techniques like HALO (delayed parachute deployment) and HAHO (immediate parachute deployment) jumps. They further develop expertise in using specialized equipment like oxygen masks and operating with heavy combat gear.
The badge signifies exceptional skill, bravery, and adaptability. These soldiers are recognized as highly trained paratroopers capable of infiltrating behind enemy lines or deploying into high-risk zones for critical missions.
Sniper Badge:
The Sniper Badge designates a soldier who is a professional marksman who can fire at high-value targets at longer-than-usual ranges in any terrain using projectile arms.
Rashtriya Rifles Badge:
This badge indicates that the operative worked in a field area of J&K and was deputed into the Rashtriya Rifles, a counter-insurgency unit that deals with terrorist and insurgency activities in the valley.
Special Group Badge (Mavericks):
The Special Group Badge (Mavericks) is worn by para SF operatives assigned to the Special Frontier Force (SFF). In a black backdrop, a maverick badge depicts a hand carrying a golden knife with two straight golden wings protruding from it.
CIJWS Badge:
This Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School badge is won after completing a course focused on unconventional warfare, especially counter-insurgency and guerrilla warfare. CIJWS is one of the world’s leading counter-insurgency training centers.
Commando Dagger Badge:
Soldiers who succeed at the Commando Training Course during their time at Commando School, Belgaum, is awarded the coveted Commando Dagger Badge. They are trained as “Ghatak,” or Specialized Infantry Commandos, and are trained in a variety of warfare techniques such as scaling, demolition, heliborne assault, and close-quarter battles.
SHOULDER TITLE:
The Special Forces person presently wear a maroon bended shoulder title with exceptional powers weaved in light blue, which supplanted the commando tab, which had been being used since its origin, in 2006.
REGIMENTAL BADGE:
The Parachute Regiment’s regimental identification is an open parachute halfway taken cover behind a circle with “PARACHUTE” at the top and a look with “REGIMENT” at the base; wings stretch out from the circle, and a knife is superimposed on the parachute and upper segment of the circle; the entire in silver metal.
HAWS Badge:
This High Altitude Warfare School identification is granted after the teacher level reviewing in the snow–specialty and winter fighting course.
NSG Badge:
This badge denotes that the wearer has been assigned to the NSG (National Security Guards) special response unit for urban warfare and hostage rescue.
Sky Marshal Badge:
The Sky Marshal Badge is worn by anyone who has been assigned to the NSG’s 52 Special Action Group (National Security Guards). This 52 SAG prepares staff to deal with attempted hijackings on international flights and is specially trained to do so.
HEADGEAR:
The standard headgear, as with most of the world’s parachute forces, is a maroon beret, while Sikh personnel can wear a maroon turban.
TIGER HILL BADGE:
Awarded to Para Commandos who assisted in the capture of Tiger Hill during the Kargil War in 1999.
MEDALS AND GALLANTRY AWARDS:
In addition to both of these patches, there are medals worn on the left side pocket.
NAMEPLATE: The nameplate displays the Para commando’s name.
INSIGNIA OF THE UNIT: This badge identifies the regiment that the para commando belongs to. This is worn below the nameplate on the right side
CHAKRATA BADGE: This is an unusual badge that looks like a winged square with a dagger encased in lightning and is worn over the ribbons. After the Sino-Indian war in 1962, this denotes service with the Special Frontier Force based in Chakrata.
OTHER BADGES: The Para Commandos may receive a variety of other badges for completing regular courses, such as an ATGM course or a Badge for being assigned to a Training Institute. Badges won during significant wars are also included.
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