Posted by These days, it’s pretty uncommon to find someone in tactical gear without a cool Velcro patch. Whether we talk about military badges or patches with witty sayings – they’re everywhere! But did you know they aren’t just for show; they have a real job! They help you figure out who’s who, whether it’s ranking officers or personalizing your gear. Some even shine in the dark to tell friends from foes.
There are all sorts of tactical Velcro patches out there, but they all have one thing in common: they share important info with your team or yourself. Interesting much? Read this blog to find out more about the origin of Velcro emblems and their types!
But before diving into modern tactical badges, let’s rewind a bit and see where it all began!
Digging The Past: The Interesting History Of Military Patches And How They Evolved Over The Years
. The Initial Existence Of Military Patches
Representing rank or telling soldiers apart by their appearance is an age-old tradition. So, the initial use of a tactical patch goes back to the earliest days of armies when higher-ranking officers would have fancier armour and decorations.
However, using military emblems is a relatively recent innovation, just over 200 years old. It all started in 1810 when the British Army decided to use badges to show the rank of its officers.
. The Introduction Of Kearny Patch
As time went on, there was a growing need to create something distinct not just for officers but also for regular soldiers and different units. One of the earliest and most famous examples of these identifiers was the “Kearny Patch.”
It was nothing like the online Iron on patches we see today. Instead, it was a simple red piece of cloth that Brigadier General Phillip Kearny, leading the US Army’s 3rd Division, III Corps during the American Civil War (1861-65), had his officers wear on their caps.
Kearny introduced this emblem to make it easier to spot his troops during battle. Imagine being in chaotic combat or even in the middle of a foggy landscape; it would be tough to tell your own soldiers apart without some distinctive mark. So, the Kearny Patch served an important practical purpose.
Surprisingly, it turned out to be such a clever idea that other military units began to copy it and create their own versions. These emblems became known as “unit insignia patches.”
. 50 Years Later
Skipping ahead about fifty years, we hit another big moment in the history of tactical patches – the development of patches designed to boost troop morale. The very first of these was created for the US Army’s 81st Division, also known as the “Wildcats,” during World War I.
This morale-boosting badge was a massive hit with both the soldiers and officers. In fact, General of the Armies John J. Pershing, who led the American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front, was so impressed that he ordered all divisions to come up with their unique patches.
. During The World War II
Now, let’s jump to World War II. In the city of Burbank, California, there were two important places for the military. First, there was the Lockheed aircraft factory, which needed protection from vandals and enemy attacks. Second, there was the Walt Disney animation studio.
The US Army stationed troops at Lockheed to safeguard the factory, and Army officials frequently visited the Disney studio to oversee the production of vital war-related materials.
During the war years, Disney went above and beyond by creating over 1,200 vibrant unit insignia emblems, often featuring humour and famous characters from Disney cartoons. Remarkably, five of those 1,200 patches are still in use today!
. The Advent Of Velcro
Traditionally, soldiers used to attach patches to their clothing or gear by sewing them on, using glue, or pinning them in place. However, these methods had their downsides, including being time-consuming and posing a risk of injury. Plus, they weren’t suitable for mass production, where clothing and gear could come from the factory with patches already attached.
However, things got better with the rise of mechanization and the introduction of hook-and-loop fastener systems made from materials like Velcro, especially nylon and polyester blends.
Velcro turned out to be a perfect match for tactical patches. When patches were attached to a strip of Velcro, they stayed right where they were supposed to be but could also be quickly taken off and replaced. Plus, Velcro allowed for customized patch shapes, adding to its practicality. This also gave rise to a new business opportunity – custom Velcro Patches UK!
. Role Of NASA
However, the story of patches didn’t stop there. In the 1960s, they got a significant boost thanks to NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration). NASA began creating unique badges for each space exploration mission, giving them a whole new level of recognition and importance.
Another fascinating aspect of the history of tactical patches is their collectability. The older a patch is, the more valuable it becomes to those who avidly collect them. In fact, you’d be surprised to learn that many patches over the years have been handed down from operators to collectors, adding to their historical and sentimental value!
The 3 Unique Types Of Velcro Patches
. Covert
Covert tactical patches are designed to emit a unique glow when seen through special visual-aid instruments. These patches enable soldiers to quickly determine whether or not the troops they see in the distance are friendly. When observed with the naked eye, these patches don’t emit any visible glow.
The trick here is that they eliminate reflected light that falls within the visible spectrum but retain it in the infrared (IR) spectrum. This makes them practically invisible to regular vision but easily detectable with the right equipment.
. Non-Covert
Unlike covert badges, non-covert tactical emblems reflect significant white light, making them easily visible to the naked eye. Non-covert tactical patches come in handy in situations where staying hidden isn’t a priority.
These scenarios might include missions in urban environments, within military bases, or when lighting conditions are low, but identifying team members is crucial. They can also be used for casual purposes and can be obtained from various biker patches services.
. Informational
Operators often wear patches to share important information as well. These include insignia patches displaying their rank or military group, name tags with their last or first name (depending on the nation’s convention), blood-type patches for medical info, and allergy patches listing specific allergies or bad reactions to medicines like penicillin. These patches play a significant role in sharing essential info and keeping everyone safe!
Conclusion:
Velcro patches have certainly come a long way, and it appears they’re here to stay for the foreseeable future. And honestly, why wouldn’t they be? We believe these emblems are among the most practical badges available!
Whether for personal or commercial use, Velcro patches offer unmatched convenience. If you haven’t tried them yet, now is the perfect time. You’ll appreciate their durability, ease of attachment, and the wide range of customization options they provide. So, trust us and give them a shot, and you will definitely become a fan!