List of badges of the South African Army

The South African National Defence Force, like most around the world, has various insignia. The army badges authorised for wear are listed here. If members from other arms of service qualify for these badges, they are also permitted to wear them, The criteria are, in most cases, current but there is some historical information included.

This page provides an extensive list of various badges used by the South African Army to distinguish and identify different military units, branches, and ranks. It includes descriptions and images of badges such as shoulder titles, formation patches, trade badges, qualification badges, and others. Some of the badges listed have historical significance, such as those used during the apartheid era, while others are currently in use. It also includes information on the history and evolution of badges in the South African Army.

Background
New badges have been created to be worn on the camouflage combat dress. These badges are made of black, embossed plastic and are set against a thatch green background. According to dress regulations, only Parachute Qualification Badges may be worn on the left breast, above the pocket. On the right breast, members are expected to wear their name tag, followed by a maximum of two other badges.

Good Conduct Stripes
These are worn on the right (pocket), below the name badge on Dress No 1 – 4. There are three Levels - Awarded for good conduct. The criteria for the awarding of this badge are unknown at this stage.

Badge for Reserve Voluntary Service (BRVS)
THE CHIEF OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE’S BADGE FOR VOLUNTARY RESERVE FORCE SERVICE (BVRS)

The Badge for voluntary service is awarded to Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks of the Reserve Force of the South African National Defence Force who complete a period of five years of exemplary voluntary service in the Reserve Force of the South African National Defence Force.

The Badge is awarded by the Chief of the SANDF on the recommendation of the Chief of the Services, to whom the awarding powers of the C SANDF may be delegated.

The design of the Badge is that of the Badge of the South African National Defence Force in enamel, encircled by a gilt protea wreath, the whole 30 mm in height by 25 mm in width. A cloth emblem is also issued to a recipient in to be worn in accordance with the prescribed dress regulations.

As a National Defence Force distinction for exemplary voluntary Reserve Force service, the Badge takes precedence over and is worn above badges for proficiency, qualification, trades or identity.

Divisional, Formation and Unit commanders recommend to the next higher headquarters on the prescribed form, the award of the Badge in respect of each qualifying member of the Reserve Force.

The Badge may also be awarded for service in honorary appointments.

The institution, wearing, conditions, restrictions and procedures for the award is prescribed in CSANDF Instruction No 05/04 under reference HR SUP CEN/AWARDS/R/104/13/2/8/1/P dated 17 August 2004.

61 Mechanised Battalion Operational Service Badge
The unit awarded a small badge called the Operational Badge for those in or attached to the unit who deployed with the unit on operational duties. The initial version of this had a yellow backing and was awarded only for cross border operations into Angola. A subsequent version with a green backing was mooted, which was intended to be for internal duties. This green backed badge was never approved and the Yellow backed badge continued to be awarded for all operations in which 61 Mech was involved, including internal ones. The badge consists of a dagger with three diagonal lightning bolts in red across it. A subdued version was produced for wear on nutria (brown's) uniforms. With the introduction of camouflage, a new version was produced on green thatching.

Awarding Authority
The Awarding Authority is the GOC SA Army Infantry Formation, delegated to the Officer Commanding 44 Parachute Regiment. The qualification badge will be issued on completion of the course and will be controlled by means of a register kept at US 3

Physical Training Instructor's Qualification Badges
Awarding Authority: In all cases Director Physical Training Sport and Recreation, SAMHS

Fireman’s Qualification Badges

 * 1) Awarding Authority: SSO Fire & Rescue Services (Log Div) as the functional competency authority for Fire and Rescue Services in the DOD after completion of training at DOD Fire Training School and recommendation by the OC
 * 2) Limitations on Wearing by Officers: Only officers in posts directly connected with fire fighting may wear the identifications.

Qualification: Forward Air Controller
Please note that this award is made on completion of a Forward Air Controller's course. The course is an Air Force course, not an Army one. The awarding authority is thus most likely a senior officer in the air force.

Rank Insignia: Officers
Officer's rank is made up of a few components, including the "Star" and the "Crest" (A part of the National Coat of Arms)