The army medical insignia does not only signify power as part of a nation’s army. It also acts as a symbolic message in any affair that the person wearing it is focused on providing medical assistance instead of fighting. An insignia conveys the country a person is serving, his position, and his specialization.
In the United Kingdom, for example, the rank of a medical officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps, or any officer for that matter, can be readily deduced from his insignia. The dark blue beret, being the default colour of the army, is worn by units that have no distinctive colour insignia. Members of 16 Medical Regiment wear maroon.
Each of the components of an army medical insignia is symbolic, as well as historic. Designs usually do not come up simply because they look good, and colours are not chosen because they would easily blend well with a uniform. You can visit Army Medical History for a full account of what each component of a particular insignia stands for.
The Army Medical History also shows the changes and evolution of each army medical insignia included in the site. There are also interesting stories that explain the modifications, as well as the list of people in the medical army who are allowed to wear a particular badge or signet accessory.
Lastly, take note that in the military, wearing an insignia is equal to wearing someone’s honour. Hence, it goes without saying an insignia, whatever it is, has a great personal and professional value.
