Morale Patches Guide

If you are a member of the armed forces, you probably already know what a morale patch is and why it matters. Originated by pilots during WWII, airplane art on the nose of the craft led to the first morale patches being worn by airmen. From there, the patches migrated from pilots to soldiers on the ground. Since the use of morale patches was seen as unprofessional because most tended to be tongue in cheek or use profanity, the use of Velcro became the standard which made them more accepted. This allowed members of the armed forces to attach the patch and then remove it in a hurry if needed. This tradition of moral patches continued into the present day with even more in your face boldness and humor aimed specifically at the men and women of the armed forces. Here are a few tips to help you find the best moral patches to bring some levity to the very serious nature of the job.

Use Velcro

The whole point of morale patches is to be able to remove them from your uniform in a hurry. While you may find patches made with buttons or in pin styles, this defeats the whole purpose of morale patches. In fact, Velcro has become such a standard in the field that many uniforms are already equipped with Velcro areas for patches.

Choose a Branch

While morale patches originated from a place of humor, they can also be used to signify important matters. One of the best ways to use morale patches is to have some lighthearted fun at the other branches to show your branch is the best. This is a common way to let off some steam and have fun with an otherwise serious profession. You can also choose patches that are related to your role in the field such as gunner or paratrooper to show pride in a job well done. Morale patches can also be used by veterans to denote the branch they served in or their station or profession.

Stitched or PVC?

There are two main types of morale patches. The first one is a stitched or embroidered design. These are durable for the most part, but they can start to show signs of wear and tear after a few years of use. They also hold water and take a longer time to dry than PVC patches. In contrast, PVC patches are long-lasting, durable, and water just rolls right off them. The type of material you prefer is a matter of preference for the most part.

Express Some Humor

The last thing to keep in mind about morale patches is to remember the name. The whole purpose of the morale patch is to boost morale. The easiest way to do this is with a little tongue in cheek humor. If you have ever served, you already know the type of humor you can expect to find on morale patches. While you want to remain professional when needed, feel free to find the patch that expresses your sense of humor even if it is a bit on the loud, crass side of the fence.