

Branch devices were removed from the chevrons of sergeants first class, sergeants and corporals that had used them before. It listed 32 insignia "of general application," which could be used by any branch. The biggest reform to enlisted grade insignia during the war came with "Changes No. The Chemical Service (later renamed the Chemical Warfare Service), Tank Corps, Corps of Intelligence Police and Corps of Interpreters were prescribed new insignia, based on those of the Medical Department, but with their own newly-authorized branch devices. 3" of 19 February 1918 was the first to address newly-organized wartime branches. For enlisted grades it addressed mostly musicians, but there were also new chevrons for the Ordnance Corps, after wartime authorization added the grade of sergeant first class to that branch. The first change to the uniform specifications was issued 29 December 1917. Musicians and specialists in all branches also wore distinctive devices, as did all privates first class. The line NCOs generally wore "plain" chevrons, while others had a branch device. Initial regulations still reflected the army organization of the late 1800s, with divisions between "line" or combat units that operated in the field (Infantry, Cavalry, Field Artillery, Coast Artillery and Engineers) and supporting units or staff that were usually attached to posts. 4 Dress blue insignia colors, 1917 regulations 3 In May 1918, soldiers were ordered to wear grade insignia only on the right sleeve. 2 On 26 June 1917 blue uniforms were suspended completely. On use of blue dress uniforms was suspended for the duration of the war, except for use at the White House. Ranks and insignia earlier in 1917 are essentially the same as in the August order.īefore the war, chevrons worn on blue dress uniforms were colored according to branch, while those of service uniforms were in dull colors like the olive drab or khaki uniform. 42: Specifications for the Uniform of the United States Army of 15 August, 1917, 1 and subsequent changes through 1919. The table is based on the War Department's Special Regulations No.

The following table presents all grades and insignia together, sortable by precedence, title, branch and date. The number of grades and the fact that not all branches had the same structure makes it difficult to present all the information in tabular form. The expansion of new branches and grades caused a proliferation of insignia which taxed the army's supply system and left room for reform, which would come in the grade consolidation of 1920. U.S Army enlisted rank insignia reached its greatest complexity in the First World War period. Table of Grades and Insignia | Artillery Ratings Army Enlisted Rank Insignia of World War I Uniforms & Insignia | Ranks & Organization | Misc.
