Army announces new veteran lapel pins

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 13:41:20 -0400

I checked out this quarter's Army Echoes and found this news about new lapel pins for veterans and retirees. We're "Soldiers for life," which I think is just right. And I like the new lapel pin as well, but my favorite retiree pin was the green and gold one.

What do you think of these new insignia for retirees and vets?

Here's a link to the Army Echoes newsletter:

http://soldierforlife.army.mil/sites/default/files/echoes_issues/Army%20Echoes%202014_Jan-2015_Dec.pdf

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 19 at 2014 1:53 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 13:53:28 -0400

Nice. Like you Chief, I like the "Soldier for Life". Just wish it had a more, traditional or ceremonial look to it, as there are so many items with this new look and feel out there.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 19 at 2014 2:10 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 14:10:35 -0400

I like the idea of 'Soldier for Life', but not sure they need to keep redesigning pins just because of a new 'catch phrase". I was presented with the lapel pin at my retirement in 2006, in 2007 I received a letter from DA with the (then) 'New' Lapel pin. Does this mean they are going to send me the NEW, new pin now? Really unnecessary in my opinion.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Oct 19 at 2014 2:16 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 14:16:39 -0400

They took the current pin, took off the rectangle tab, then put a circle around it. Profound.
I would rather the money they spent on this tweak to be put into the pay and benefits area of the budget. The last change was fine for me. That Army of ONE crud was embarrassing, I am glad they went to Army Strong, though I really liked Be All You Can Be.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2014 2:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 14:22:38 -0400

We are really riding this Army Star logo hard... One of the best thing the Marine Corp has done was not messing with the EGA.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 19 at 2014 2:46 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 14:46:40 -0400

"Flair" (from the classic movie Office Space). I like the term Soldier For Life, personally. Good intel CW5 Private RallyPoint Member Thanks, brother.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Oct 19 at 2014 2:50 PM

SSG Keven Lahde — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 14:50:53 -0400

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member Chief I like the "Soldier for Life" one. The Retired one looks like a throw back from the 70's or 80's. Kind of old school and not a bad idea really.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Oct 19 at 2014 5:21 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 17:21:45 -0400

I like the term 'Soldier for Life', it shows pride in service which I think is currently lacking!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 7:49 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 19:49:57 -0400

Agree with you...the gold one is nicer...is the "ID Badge" also the retired uniform shoulder patch?

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Oct 24 at 2014 12:25 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 12:25:28 -0400

What if you are not retired? I served 8 years and proud of my service, but I did not get to retire. I was RIFted.

Hate the single star since it came out with the slogan an Army of one. Completely opposite the concept of the team and brotherhood of soldiers.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 6:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 18:39:11 -0400

Good idea for both veterans and retired soldiers.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Oct 24 at 2014 7:46 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 19:46:43 -0400

I like and will take any of the retired ones.

Response by SFC Scott Macahan made Mar 24 at 2015 7:16 AM

SFC Scott Macahan — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 07:16:21 -0400

Don't think the dates listed are accurate, I retired in 2006 and received the one in the "current column" 2nd down...Cheers

Response by SSG Ken Schiffner made Jan 3 at 2018 1:03 PM

SSG Ken Schiffner — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 13:03:01 -0500

The army for life pin is ok but I don't know why we needed to replace the Arm Lapel Pin. It is classy and does not look commercial like the new pin. I always get asked about my ALP. It is definitely a conversation starter.

Response by SFC Bill Meeler made Mar 23 at 2018 12:59 AM

SFC Bill Meeler — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 00:59:35 -0400

I like the looks of it, better than the old minuteman pin.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2019 12:49 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 12:49:07 -0400

I prefer the older lapel and other badges. The newer pins/badge show (IMO) a want of imagination on the part of the Heraldry division. They seem more reminiscent of an advertising lapel pin worn by a salesperson. The green Retired Pin has always been my favorite until I discovered the following on RP: https://www.amervets.com/replacement/duck.htm

The Honorable Discharge ("Ruptured Duck") Lapel Pin Display and Lapel Pin

All Military Service branches, Active, Reserve and Guard are applicable:Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Apr 14 at 2019 1:45 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 13:45:26 -0400

I'm not retired but would like a Veteran one. Where can we get them?
I don't think they need to get rid of the older ones. I know a lot of older veterans like them and for many they have meaning and personal value. Round up the stock and keep them some place where these people can get them.