Parachutist Badge

The Parachutist Badge, also known as ‘Jump Wings’, was introduced in 1941 and awarded to soldiers who had completed the five jumps required to obtain their parachutist qualification as part of the US Army Airborne Basic Course, which was usually held at Fort Benning.

This badge was designed by Captain (later Lieutenant-General) William P. Yarborough.

There are two variants of this badge.

The Senior Parachutist Badge, awarded to those who meet the following three criteria:
- have completed 30 jumps, including at least 15 in combat gear, 2 night jumps (one of which as a jumpmaster), and 2 mass tactical jumps culminating in an airborne assault as part of a battalion-sized unit or larger.
- obtain jumpmaster certification from the Airborne Department or the Jumpmaster School, or have served as a jumpmaster on at least one combat jump or 15 regular jumps.
- have served in a parachute unit for a total of at least 24 months.

The Master Parachutist Badge, awarded to those who meet all three of the following criteria:
- Have completed 65 jumps, including 25 in combat gear, 4 night jumps (one of which as a jumpmaster), and 5 mass tactical jumps culminating in an airborne assault as part of a battalion-sized unit or larger.
- obtain jumpmaster certification from the Airborne Department or the Jumpmaster School, or have served as a jumpmaster in at least one combat jump or 33 regular jumps.
- Have served in a parachute unit for a total of at least 36 months.