Marksmanship badges (United States)

Marksmanship badges are awards issued by the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard to recognize varying degrees of skill and qualification in the use of different weapons. These badges are worn on military uniforms, typically above ribbons, and denote proficiency with rifles, carbines, pistols, machine guns, and other small arms.

The system of marksmanship badges in the U.S. military dates back to the late 19th century, evolving over time to reflect changes in weaponry and training doctrines. The current system typically features three levels of qualification: Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman, listed in order of increasing proficiency. Some services also have specialized badges for specific weapons or advanced marksmanship skills.

The requirements for earning a marksmanship badge involve demonstrating a certain level of accuracy and proficiency during weapons qualification courses. These courses often involve firing at targets from various distances and positions, under simulated combat conditions. The specific requirements vary depending on the service, the weapon system, and the level of qualification being sought.

In addition to the basic qualification badges, there are also Excellence-in-Competition (EIC) badges awarded for performance in shooting competitions. These badges are highly regarded and signify a high level of competitive marksmanship skill. The EIC program promotes marksmanship skills and esprit de corps within the military.

Wear of marksmanship badges is governed by service-specific regulations, which dictate the order of precedence for badges and the manner in which they are displayed on the uniform. These regulations ensure uniformity and adherence to military standards. The awarding and wearing of marksmanship badges serves as a symbol of competence, dedication, and contribution to combat readiness.