25 Infantry Division
For 4th Brigade Combat Team Only
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
Description
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On a red taro leaf, 2 7/8 inches (7.30 cm) in height, and 2 inches (5.08 cm) in width at the widest point, with stem up, surrounded by a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border, a yellow lightning flash per pale 1 13/16 inches (4.60 cm) in height.
For wear by the 4th Brigade Combat Team only: Attached above the insignia is a tab consisting of a black scroll 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in length and 11/16 inch (1.75 cm) in height, with the inscription “AIRBORNE” in yellow letters.
Symbolism
The taro leaf is indicative of the descent of the 25th Division from the Hawaiian Division, while the lightning flash is representative of the manner in which the Division performs its allotted assignments.
Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was authorized on 25 September 1944. It was amended to authorize wear of the airborne tab by the 4th Brigade Combat Team only on 29 March 2012.
(TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-92 for Division Patch and TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-1069 for 4th Brigade Combat Team)
For 4th Brigade Combat Team Only
Combat Service Identification Badge
Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 2 inches (5.08 cm) in height consisting of a design similar to the shoulder sleeve insignia.
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description
Centered on a black volcano emitting a gold cloud a vertical lightning flash divided red above and gold below all enclosed by a pair of green palm branches with stems crossed in base and leaves terminating at either side of the cloud above.
Symbolism
The lightning flash, adopted from the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 25th Infantry Division and the enclosing palm branches allude to the Division nickname “Tropic Lightning”. The erupting volcano is an allusion to the State of Hawaii.
Background
The distinctive insignia was approved on 21 April 1965. It was amended on 18 May 1972, to correct the nickname of the 25th Infantry Division in the symbolism.