ČSLA and ACR Airborne Forces
Paratrooper Distinguishing Badges
Metal distinguishing badges in parachute shape – ČSLA and ACR variants with uniform wearing regulations.
Paratrooper distinguishing badges in the Czech Republic — and formerly in Czechoslovakia — have a long tradition. The metal distinguishing badge is worn on the shoulder straps of the tunic, jacket, greatcoat, coat, shirt and field shirt. The badge has the shape of a parachute and is produced in several colour variants according to rank.
First Variant – 1950s
The earliest known variant of the paratrooper distinguishing badge, used in the 1950s. The parachute-shaped badge was produced in metal and served to identify membership of the ČSLA airborne units.
Variants used in the ČSLA
In the Czechoslovak People's Army the paratrooper distinguishing badge was produced in three colour variants according to the wearer's rank:
Silver badge
For warrant officers, students of military technical schools, non-commissioned officers on extended service and female soldiers on basic military service.
Gold badge
For officers and generals, students of military universities and staff courses, graduates of staff courses and higher military colleges.
Blued (mořený) badge
For soldiers on basic military service and reservists in walking-out dress, and for generals in field dress.
Variants used in the ACR
In the Army of the Czech Republic the paratrooper distinguishing badge is produced in two variants according to rank:
Silver badge
For enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers and warrant officers of the ACR.
Gold badge
For officers of the ACR.
Regulations for Wearing Distinguishing Badges
1. Designation of military specialisation
The distinguishing badge serves to designate military specialisation. Soldiers wear the badge corresponding to the military specialisation assigned to their established post. Where no distinguishing badge exists for the specialisation assigned to the post, the soldier wears a badge at the discretion of their superior. Students of military universities wear the badge designating the specialisation for which they are being trained.
2. Placement on the uniform
- a)In metal form in gold colour on the shoulder straps of the tunic, jacket, greatcoat, coat, shirt and field shirt, blouse and summer blouse — for generals and female generals, with the exception of the rank of Army General.
- b)In metal form in gold or silver colour on the collar of the Tunic 97, Service Jacket 97, Summer Tunic 2005, Women's Tunic 97 and Women's Summer Tunic 2005.
3. Chaplaincy service
Members of the chaplaincy service wear the distinguishing badge in gold colour on the right edge of the left breast pocket of Shirt 97, Field Shirt 97 and Shirt 2005.
