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Ivan Castro (soldier)
Encyclopedia
Captain Iván Castro is a U.S. Army officer who has continued serving on active duty in the Special Forces despite losing his eyesight. He is one of three blind active duty officers who serves in the U.S. Army and the only blind
officer serving in the United States Army Special Forces
. Castro currently serves on active duty at the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion as the Assistant Operations Officer /Total Army Involvement Recruiting Coordinator. He is an advocate of rehabilitation, employment and education for wounded warriors and participates in various races and marathons as a contestant.
to parents who were originally from Puerto Rico
. In 1979, when he was 12 years old, he moved to Puerto Rico with his mother. After graduating from Antilles Military Academy, Castro attended the University of Puerto Rico
on an athletic scholarship. During his student years he represented his alma mater in track and field and cross country competitions. After four years of college, Castro enlisted in the US Army as a Private First Class and reached the rank of Sergeant First Class before attending Officer Candidate School. Castro later earned his BBA from Campbell University
in North Carolina.
In 1992, Castro was re-assigned to E Co, 51st Infantry (Airborne) Long Range Surveillance Company in Darmstadt, Germany. While in Germany, Castro deployed twice to Bosnia in support of Operations Joint Endeavor and Joint Forge. In 1996, he reported to C Co, 3rd Ranger BN and in 1998, Castro served as a Drill Sergeant at A Co, 2/19 Infantry at Sandhill at Fort Benning
, Georgia
.
In 1999, he attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection and later that year began the Special Forces Qualification Course. Upon graduation in 2000, he reported to B Co, 3rd BN/7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg
, North Carolina. Castro's MOS
was Special Forces Weapons Sergeant. While there, he deployed to Colombia, Belize, and Ecuador.
Castro went to night school to complete a B.A.
degree, before attending the Army's Officers Candidate School. He attended Officer Candidate School in 2004, earning a second lieutenant
commission the same year. He then attended the Infantry Officer basic course at Ft. Benning, GA. In 2005, he reported to D co, 1st BN 325 (Airborne) Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC. While assigned to the 82nd, he deployed to Afghanistan
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom for the first parliamentary elections
.
, after a night of fighting.
As an officer, Castro was not required to personally provide fire support to fellow soldiers in the exposed housetop position. Nonetheless, he volunteered for the mission and was accompanied by Sergeant Ralph Porras and Private First Class Justin Dreese. A mortar round landed a few feet away from him, killing Sergeant Porras and PFC Dreese and severely wounding Castro. Shrapnel tore through his body, damaging a shoulder, breaking an arm, fracturing facial bones and collapsing his lungs. The blast also drove the frame of his protective eyewear into his face.
Castro was sent to the National Naval Medical Center
in Bethesda, Maryland
. The top half of his right index finger was ripped off and the doctors had to amputate the remaining part of the finger. His right eye was blown out and he had a metal fragment in his left eye. The extent of his injuries was such that doctors doubted whether Castro would survive the week. When Castro regained consciousness days later, his right eye was gone, but doctors hoped to salvage the vision in his left. The surgeons later removed one last piece of shrapnel from that eye. When they took off his bandages they flashed a light for Castro to see; however, when he did not respond to the light, he was told that he would never see again. Castro remained in the hospital for two months after his injury, with no idea of what he would do next. He then overheard a doctor and a nurse discussing the next Army Ten-Miler
and the Marine Corps Marathon
. He asked his doctor if the courses were flat or hilly, then made running both races his goal.
Upon his appointment, Castro became the only blind officer serving in the Special Forces and one of three blind officers who serve in the active-duty Army, though his managerial tasks are not directly involved with combat. In February 2008, Castro was promoted to the rank of captain, and served as the executive officer
of the 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg.
On December 15, 2009, Castro graduated from the Maneuver Captains Career Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. He is currently working as the Assistant Operations Officer/ Total Army Involvement Recruiting Coordinator at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Castro has remained active as an athlete. At Bragg he trained with Major Phil Young, who was his team leader in the Special Forces, and has participated in several long distance road races
, often being enthusiastically greeted by the audiences for his determination. He now trains with LT. Colonel Fred Dummar, who is his Battalion Commander. Together they have completed several marathons. Among the notable races and marathons in which Castro has participated, with a guide, as a member of the "Missing Parts In Action" team in 2007, are the Army Ten-Miler
and the Marine Corps Marathon
. In 2008, he participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in New Mexico
, the Boston Marathon
and the U.S. Air Force Marathon
.
In 2008, Castro and his wife Evelyn, as members and participants in Operation Peer Support, participated in the Blinded Veterans Association
's 62nd National Convention. In June 2009, Castro participated in the Midnight Boogie 50 mile ultramarathon.
in his quest. He was honored during a visit to the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia
with a plaque engraved in braille
, which thanked him for his continued service. He also mentors, coaches, and counsels wounded service members with various injuries. Recently, Castro was invited to be the keynote speaker at the 25th International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference.
Castro currently serves on active duty at the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion as the Assistant Operations Officer /Total Army Involvement Recruiting Coordinator. He has a 17-year-old son named Iván Eduardo.
Medals and Awards:
Badges:
Foreign badges:
Tabs:
Blindness
Blindness is the condition of lacking visual perception due to physiological or neurological factors.Various scales have been developed to describe the extent of vision loss and define blindness...
officer serving in the United States Army Special Forces
United States Army Special Forces
The United States Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets because of their distinctive service headgear, are a special operations force tasked with six primary missions: unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and...
. Castro currently serves on active duty at the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion as the Assistant Operations Officer /Total Army Involvement Recruiting Coordinator. He is an advocate of rehabilitation, employment and education for wounded warriors and participates in various races and marathons as a contestant.
Early years
Castro was born in Hoboken, New JerseyHoboken, New Jersey
Hoboken is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 50,005. The city is part of the New York metropolitan area and contains Hoboken Terminal, a major transportation hub for the region...
to parents who were originally from Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
. In 1979, when he was 12 years old, he moved to Puerto Rico with his mother. After graduating from Antilles Military Academy, Castro attended the University of Puerto Rico
University of Puerto Rico
The University of Puerto Rico is the state university system of Puerto Rico. The system consists of 11 campuses and has approximately 64,511 students and 5,300 faculty members...
on an athletic scholarship. During his student years he represented his alma mater in track and field and cross country competitions. After four years of college, Castro enlisted in the US Army as a Private First Class and reached the rank of Sergeant First Class before attending Officer Candidate School. Castro later earned his BBA from Campbell University
Campbell University
Campbell University is a coeducational, church-related university in rural North Carolina, USA. Its main campus is located in the community of Buies Creek; its law school moved from Buies Creek to a new campus in the state capital of Raleigh in 2009. Campbell has an approximately equal number of...
in North Carolina.
Military career
Castro’s military career began in the summer of 1987. He attended the Basic Airborne Course while enrolled in the ROTC program at the University of Puerto Rico. Castro also served as an Infantryman in the Puerto Rican National Guard from 1988-1990. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army, completing his first tour of duty in B Co, 1/87 Infantry. During this time, he was deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Upon his return, he served with 101st Pathfinder Detachment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.In 1992, Castro was re-assigned to E Co, 51st Infantry (Airborne) Long Range Surveillance Company in Darmstadt, Germany. While in Germany, Castro deployed twice to Bosnia in support of Operations Joint Endeavor and Joint Forge. In 1996, he reported to C Co, 3rd Ranger BN and in 1998, Castro served as a Drill Sergeant at A Co, 2/19 Infantry at Sandhill at Fort Benning
Fort Benning
Fort Benning is a United States Army post located southeast of the city of Columbus in Muscogee and Chattahoochee counties in Georgia and Russell County, Alabama...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
.
In 1999, he attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection and later that year began the Special Forces Qualification Course. Upon graduation in 2000, he reported to B Co, 3rd BN/7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg (North Carolina)
Fort Bragg is a major United States Army installation, in Cumberland and Hoke counties, North Carolina, U.S., mostly in Fayetteville but also partly in the town of Spring Lake. It was also a census-designated place in the 2010 census and had a population of 39,457. The fort is named for Confederate...
, North Carolina. Castro's MOS
Military Occupational Specialty
A United States military occupation code, or a Military Occupational Specialty code , is a nine character code used in the United States Army and United States Marines to identify a specific job. In the U.S. Air Force, a system of Air Force Specialty Codes is used...
was Special Forces Weapons Sergeant. While there, he deployed to Colombia, Belize, and Ecuador.
Castro went to night school to complete a B.A.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
degree, before attending the Army's Officers Candidate School. He attended Officer Candidate School in 2004, earning a second lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
commission the same year. He then attended the Infantry Officer basic course at Ft. Benning, GA. In 2005, he reported to D co, 1st BN 325 (Airborne) Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC. While assigned to the 82nd, he deployed to Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom for the first parliamentary elections
Afghan parliamentary election, 2005
Afghanistan held parliamentary and provincial council elections on 18 September 2005. The first results were declared on 9 October, with final results being delayed by accusations of fraud, and were finally announced on 12 November.-Results:...
.
Deployment to Iraq
By the time he was sent to Iraq as a scout platoon leader with 1/325 Infantry Regiment, Castro was already an experienced combat veteran. In 2006, Castro was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, which was in combat in Iraq at the time. In September 2006, Castro and his men had relieved other paratroopers atop a house in the town of Yusifiyah, some 20 miles southwest of BaghdadBaghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Governorate. The population of Baghdad in 2011 is approximately 7,216,040...
, after a night of fighting.
As an officer, Castro was not required to personally provide fire support to fellow soldiers in the exposed housetop position. Nonetheless, he volunteered for the mission and was accompanied by Sergeant Ralph Porras and Private First Class Justin Dreese. A mortar round landed a few feet away from him, killing Sergeant Porras and PFC Dreese and severely wounding Castro. Shrapnel tore through his body, damaging a shoulder, breaking an arm, fracturing facial bones and collapsing his lungs. The blast also drove the frame of his protective eyewear into his face.
Castro was sent to the National Naval Medical Center
National Naval Medical Center
The National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, USA — commonly known as the Bethesda Naval Hospital — was for decades the flagship of the United States Navy's system of medical centers. A federal institution, it conducted medical and dental research as well as providing health care for...
in Bethesda, Maryland
Bethesda, Maryland
Bethesda is a census designated place in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, just northwest of Washington, D.C. It takes its name from a local church, the Bethesda Meeting House , which in turn took its name from Jerusalem's Pool of Bethesda...
. The top half of his right index finger was ripped off and the doctors had to amputate the remaining part of the finger. His right eye was blown out and he had a metal fragment in his left eye. The extent of his injuries was such that doctors doubted whether Castro would survive the week. When Castro regained consciousness days later, his right eye was gone, but doctors hoped to salvage the vision in his left. The surgeons later removed one last piece of shrapnel from that eye. When they took off his bandages they flashed a light for Castro to see; however, when he did not respond to the light, he was told that he would never see again. Castro remained in the hospital for two months after his injury, with no idea of what he would do next. He then overheard a doctor and a nurse discussing the next Army Ten-Miler
Army Ten-Miler
The Army Ten-Miler is America's largest ten-mile race, held every October in Washington, DC and sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington....
and the Marine Corps Marathon
Marine Corps Marathon
The Marine Corps Marathon is an annual marathon held in Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC. The mission of the MCM is to promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill and showcase the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps....
. He asked his doctor if the courses were flat or hilly, then made running both races his goal.
Recovery
Castro spent 17 months in recovery before seeking a permanent assignment in the Army's Special Operations Command, at the 7th Special Forces Group's headquarters company in Fort Bragg. Through convalescence and rehabilitation, Castro struggled to regain a measure of independence and regularly worked out – both running and in the gym.New assignment
Before being appointed executive officer of the 7th Special Forces Group's headquarters company, he spent a weekend familiarizing himself with the group area where he was going to work by walking around and measuring the steps from his car to his office. He is quoted in the media as saying:"I am going to push the limits," "I don't want to go to Fort Bragg and show up and sit in an office. I want to work every day and have a mission." "I want to be treated the same way as other officers," Castro said. "I don't want them to take pity over me or give me something I've not earned."
Upon his appointment, Castro became the only blind officer serving in the Special Forces and one of three blind officers who serve in the active-duty Army, though his managerial tasks are not directly involved with combat. In February 2008, Castro was promoted to the rank of captain, and served as the executive officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
of the 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg.
On December 15, 2009, Castro graduated from the Maneuver Captains Career Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. He is currently working as the Assistant Operations Officer/ Total Army Involvement Recruiting Coordinator at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Athletic endeavors
Road running
Road running is the sport of running on a measured course over an established road . These events would be classified as long distance according to athletics terminology, with distances typically ranging from 5 kilometers to 42.2 kilometers in the marathon. They may involve large numbers of runners...
, often being enthusiastically greeted by the audiences for his determination. He now trains with LT. Colonel Fred Dummar, who is his Battalion Commander. Together they have completed several marathons. Among the notable races and marathons in which Castro has participated, with a guide, as a member of the "Missing Parts In Action" team in 2007, are the Army Ten-Miler
Army Ten-Miler
The Army Ten-Miler is America's largest ten-mile race, held every October in Washington, DC and sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington....
and the Marine Corps Marathon
Marine Corps Marathon
The Marine Corps Marathon is an annual marathon held in Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC. The mission of the MCM is to promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill and showcase the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps....
. In 2008, he participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon in New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, the Boston Marathon
Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon hosted by the U.S. city of Boston, Massachusetts, on Patriots' Day, the third Monday of April. Begun in 1897 and inspired by the success of the first modern-day marathon competition in the 1896 Summer Olympics, the Boston Marathon is the world's oldest...
and the U.S. Air Force Marathon
United States Air Force Marathon
The United States Air Force Marathon is an annual event held on the Saturday closest to the birthday of the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It was established in 1997.The marathon includes a half...
.
In 2008, Castro and his wife Evelyn, as members and participants in Operation Peer Support, participated in the Blinded Veterans Association
Blinded Veterans Association
The Blinded Veterans Association is a U.S non-profit organization that was established to "help veterans and their families meet and overcome the challenges of blindness"....
's 62nd National Convention. In June 2009, Castro participated in the Midnight Boogie 50 mile ultramarathon.
Community service
Castro is an advocate of rehabilitation funding for the blind, visiting members of CongressUnited States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
in his quest. He was honored during a visit to the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia
Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is a consolidated city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located along the Savannah River. As of the 2010 census, the Augusta–Richmond County population was 195,844 not counting the unconsolidated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe.Augusta is the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County...
with a plaque engraved in braille
Braille
The Braille system is a method that is widely used by blind people to read and write, and was the first digital form of writing.Braille was devised in 1825 by Louis Braille, a blind Frenchman. Each Braille character, or cell, is made up of six dot positions, arranged in a rectangle containing two...
, which thanked him for his continued service. He also mentors, coaches, and counsels wounded service members with various injuries. Recently, Castro was invited to be the keynote speaker at the 25th International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference.
Castro currently serves on active duty at the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion as the Assistant Operations Officer /Total Army Involvement Recruiting Coordinator. He has a 17-year-old son named Iván Eduardo.
Awards and decorations
Among Castro's military decorations are the following:Medals and Awards:
Purple HeartPurple HeartThe Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal (United States)The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
Joint Services Commendation MedalCommendation MedalThe Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may...
Army Commendation MedalCommendation MedalThe Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may...
Army Achievement MedalAchievement MedalThe Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the United States military. The Achievement Medal was first proposed as a means to recognize the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel who were not eligible to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service...
Army Good Conduct RibbonGood Conduct MedalThe Good Conduct Medal is one of the oldest military awards of the United States military. The Navy Good Conduct Medal was first issued in 1869, followed by a Marine version in 1896. The Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal was issued in 1923 and the Army Good Conduct Medal in 1941. The Air Force was...
National Defense Service MedalNational Defense Service MedalThe National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
Armed Forces Expeditionary MedalArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalThe Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy...
Southwest Asia Service MedalSouthwest Asia Service MedalThe Southwest Asia Service Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by order of President George H.W. Bush on March 12, 1991. The award is intended to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War...
Kosovo Campaign MedalKosovo Campaign MedalThe Kosovo Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces established by Executive Order 13154 of President Bill Clinton on May 3, 2000...
Afghanistan Campaign MedalAfghanistan Campaign MedalThe Afghanistan Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004. The Afghanistan Campaign Medal was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry....
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalThe Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is a United States armed forces military award created by George W. Bush on March 12, 2003 by Executive Order 13289. It recognizes those military service members who have deployed overseas in direct service to the War on Terror from September 11,...
Global War on Terrorism Service MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalThe Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003...
Army Overseas Service RibbonOverseas Service RibbonAn Overseas Service Ribbon is a service military award of the United States military which recognizes those service members who have performed military tours of duty outside the borders of the United States of America. There are different versions of the Overseas Service Ribbons for the U.S. Army,...
Non-Commissioned Officer Development RibbonNon-Commissioned Officer Development RibbonA Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon is an award issued by the United States Army and Air Force to recognize those non-commissioned officers who have completed a prescribed leadership course at an NCO training school.-Army:...
Army Service RibbonArmy Service RibbonThe Army Service Ribbon is a military decoration of the United States Army that was established by the Secretary of the Army on 10 April 1981 as announced in Department of the Army General Order 15, dated 10 October 1990....- NATO Medal
NATO MedalThe NATO Medal is an international military decoration which is awarded to various militaries of the world under the authority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization . It is manufactured by Eekelers - Centini, International, of Hemiksem, Belgium... - Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabian)
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)The Naut Tahrir al-Kuwait was instituted by King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.- Background :... 
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)The Wisam Al-Tahrir was issued by the government of Kuwait for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.-Description:The Kuwait Liberation Medal was approved by the Kuwait Council of Ministers for award in five classes, generally according to the rank of the recipient...
- Presidential Unit Citation
Joint Meritorious Unit AwardJoint Meritorious Unit AwardThe Joint Meritorious Unit Award is a military award that was established on June 4, 1981 by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and was implemented by Department of Defense Directive 1348.27 dated July 22, 1982...
Meritorious Unit CitationMeritorious Unit CitationThe Meritorious Unit Citation is a collective group decoration awarded to members of Australian military units. It recognises sustained outstanding service in warlike operations...
Valorous Unit CitationValorous Unit AwardThe Valorous Unit Award is the second highest unit decoration which may be bestowed upon a U.S. Army unit and is considered the unit equivalent of the Silver Star...
Badges:
Combat Infantryman Badge with StarCombat Infantryman BadgeThe Combat Infantryman Badge is the U.S. Army combat service recognition decoration awarded to soldiers—enlisted men and officers holding colonel rank or below, who personally fought in active ground combat while an assigned member of either an infantry or a Special Forces unit, of brigade size...
Expert Infantryman BadgeExpert Infantryman BadgeThe Expert Infantryman Badge, or EIB, is a military badge of the United States Army. Although similar in name and appearance to the Combat Infantryman Badge , it is a completely different award: while the CIB is awarded for participation in ground combat, the EIB is presented for completion of a...
Master parachutist badgeParachutist BadgeThe Parachutist Badge or Parachutist Brevet is a military badge awarded by the Armed Forces of most countries in the world to soldiers who receive the proper parachute training and accomplish the required number of jumps. It is difficult to assess which country was the first to introduce such award...
Pathfinder Badge
Air Assault BadgeAir Assault BadgeThe Air Assault Badge, pictured to the right, is awarded by the U.S. Army for successful completion of the Air Assault School, a two-week course. The course includes three phases of instruction involving U.S. Army rotary wing aircraft: combat air assault operations; rigging and slingload...- Military Freefall Parachutist Badge
Drill Sergeant Identification BadgeDrill Sergeant Identification BadgeThe Drill Sergeant Identification Badge is a military badge of the United States Army which was first issued on January 15, 1958. It is also nicknamed the "pumpkin" patch due to its appearance when worn in the non-subdued pin-on version and in the color sew-on version worn before insignia was...
Foreign badges:
German Parachutist BadgeParachutist Badge (Germany)The German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge is the badge awarded to and worn by qualified parachutists of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany...- Dutch Parachutist Badge
- Columbian Jumpmaster Badge
Tabs:
Special Forces TabSpecial Forces TabThe Special Forces Tab is a service school qualification tab of the United States Army, awarded to any soldier completing either the Special Forces Qualification Course, or the Special Forces Detachment Officer Qualification Course , at the U.S. Army John F...
Ranger tabRanger TabThe Ranger Tab is a service school military decoration of the United States Army signifying completion of the 61-day long Ranger School course in small-unit infantry combat tactics in woodland, mountain, and swamp operations. In December 2009 a British NCO earned the Ranger tab...
Army Special Forces shoulder sleeve insignia / Combat Service Identification BadgeCombat Service Identification BadgeA United States Army Combat Service Identification Badge is a metal heraldic device worn on the right pocket of the new Army Service Uniform that uniquely identifies combat service with major U.S...
See also
- List of Puerto Ricans
- List of Puerto Rican military personnel
- Army Wounded Warrior Program