Chaplain Corps
Christian Faith: A silver color Latin Cross, one inch in height. The insignia was adopted in 1898.
Jewish Faith: A double table bearing Hebrew numerals from 1 to 10 surmounted by two equilateral triangles, all of silver color, one inch in height. The insignia for chaplains of the Jewish faith was adopted in 1918 and had Roman numerals on the table. The Roman numerals were changed to Hebrew numerals on 9 November 1981.
Buddhist Faith: A silver color dharma cakra, one inch in height. The insignia was adopted in 1990.
Muslim Faith: A silver color crescent, one-inch in height. The insignia was approved on 8 January 1993.
Branch Plaque: The plaque design has the emblem of the Office of the Chief of Chaplains in proper colors. (The rays and sun are yellow; the dove is white; the olive branch is green; and the book is garnet with white pages and yellow edges, the detail of the edges and straps are brown, the buckles and strap tips are yellow and the letters on the book are yellow). The background is oriental blue and the designation and border are gold.
Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches in height consisting of a shield, crest and motto blazoned: Azure (oriental blue) issuant in chief a demi-sun radiant to base or and in chief overall a dove, wings outstretched Argent, beak to base holding a sprig of olive Vert an open book of the second. Attached below the shield a blue scroll inscribed “PRO DEO ET PATRIA” in gold. The crest is blazoned: On a wreath of the colors Or and Azure (oriental blue), issuant in base a shepherd’s crook between the numerals “17” and “75,” all of the first in front of an expanse of the heavens proper issuing to base rays of gold, all enclosed by two palm branches of the first.
The regimental insignia was approved on 4 June 1986 and revised on 11 February 1993 to add the motto on the book in lieu of the Christian and Jewish insignia.
Regimental Coat of Arms: A coat of arms is not authorized for the Chaplain Corps. The regimental flag consists of the regimental insignia on a dark blue background with yellow fringe. Below the insignia is a yellow scroll doubled and inscribed “CHAPLAIN CORPS” in oriental blue.
Symbolism of Regimental Insignia: The sun and rays allude to the provision and presence of God in nature. The dove with olive branch, a traditional symbol of peach, embodies the Corps’ mission in the Army to deter war and strive for peace. The pages of the open Bible represent the primacy of God’s Word. The blue is representative of the heavens and alludes to the spiritual nature of the mission of the Chaplain Corps. The rays represent universal truth and the surrounding palm branches spiritual victory. The shepherd’s crook is emblematic of pastoral ministry and was the first symbol used to identify Chaplains in the Army. The numerals “1775” commemorate the date of the establishment of the Army Chaplain Corps. The motto “PRO DEO ET PATRIA” translates FOR GOD AND COUNTRY.
Branch Colors: Black – cloth 65018; yarn 67138, PMS Black.
Chaplains have used black since 1835. In regulations dated that year, a black coat was prescribed for Chaplains.
Birthday: 29 July 1775. The legal origin of the Chaplains is found in a resolution of the Continental Congress, adopted 29 July 1775, which made provision for the pay of chaplains. The Office of the Chief of Chaplains was created by the National Defense Act of 1920.
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