Squadron Patch Design

Started by Leesemarie, May 13, 2017, 01:56:25 PM

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Leesemarie

Does anyone know the guideline for designing a squadron patch?  I skimmed through 39-1, but I didn't see much about it. Thank you!

AlphaSigOU

Groups, wings and higher headquarters use the modified heater shield for their emblems. Squadrons and below use a disc for their emblem. Granted, many older squadrons use the shield as their squadron emblem, as it wasn't until recently that CAP adopted the U.S. Air Force's heraldry and emblem design guidelines.





Texas Wing Group III emblem (yes, I designed the emblem!)





Prince William Composite Squadron emblem, complying with current Air Force (and CAP) emblem guidelines.


Attached is the heraldic blazon for the Group III emblem, which was submitted for approval.



Lt Col Charles E. (Chuck) Corway, CAP
Gill Robb Wilson Award (#2901 - 2011)
Amelia Earhart Award (#1257 - 1982) - C/Major (retired)
Billy Mitchell Award (#2375 - 1981)
Administrative/Personnel/Professional Development Officer
Nellis Composite Squadron (PCR-NV-069)
KJ6GHO - NAR 45040

AlphaSigOU

Here's a thread from CAPTalk about approval of patches: http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=16086.0

Lt Col Charles E. (Chuck) Corway, CAP
Gill Robb Wilson Award (#2901 - 2011)
Amelia Earhart Award (#1257 - 1982) - C/Major (retired)
Billy Mitchell Award (#2375 - 1981)
Administrative/Personnel/Professional Development Officer
Nellis Composite Squadron (PCR-NV-069)
KJ6GHO - NAR 45040

Okayish Aviator

Our squadron is currently in the process of a squadron patch design competition. The idea is to get the cadets used to looking up guidelines, and being creative to express what the squadron means to them. Air Force Heraldry guidelines are the basis for the design, and they have to submit several short paragraphs in writing with the design to explain the design and significance of the patch.

After the end date of the competition, command staff, Squadron CC, Deputy, DCC and DCS will narrow to 3, then the entire squadron will have some say on the winner. After that, we will send it up the chain per approval of Group and Wing CC. We don't have any kind of supplements that I've found for the Wing that would suggest it needs to go anywhere but to Wing CC for final approval. Our current patch is getting a bit long in the tooth and doesn't meet current guidelines which is partly what has triggered the desire to change it.
Always give 100%, unless you're giving blood.


Eclipse

Whatever the process in whatever the wing, establish the approval chain before you begin,
and if you can get that in writing (email, etc), all the better (assuming it's not a supp already).

There are lots of people in every wing with "opinions" - they matter not if they aren't the approver.

Once the process is established, you can occasionally throw your ideas or drafts up that route to insure you don't walk
too far down a road that simply won't get approved.

For example, some wings won't even consider approving playing cards, a fairly common symbol on military insignia,
while others don't care, etc., etc.

Per 39-1, Page 109, there are still no "requirements", only "guidelines" and the final arbiter is your respective Wing CC
or his designate.


"That Others May Zoom"

Mitchell 1969

#5
Quote from: DocJekyll on May 14, 2017, 03:35:39 AM
Our squadron is currently in the process of a squadron patch design competition. The idea is to get the cadets used to looking up guidelines, and being creative to express what the squadron means to them. Air Force Heraldry guidelines are the basis for the design, and they have to submit several short paragraphs in writing with the design to explain the design and significance of the patch.

After the end date of the competition, command staff, Squadron CC, Deputy, DCC and DCS will narrow to 3, then the entire squadron will have some say on the winner. After that, we will send it up the chain per approval of Group and Wing CC. We don't have any kind of supplements that I've found for the Wing that would suggest it needs to go anywhere but to Wing CC for final approval. Our current patch is getting a bit long in the tooth and doesn't meet current guidelines which is partly what has triggered the desire to change it.

With "all hands" design competitions, especially involving (but by no means limited to) cadets, just be prepared for a deluge of items lifted from military designs from all services, all eras, all countries. That means you could get a lot of castles, swords, lions, skulls, dice, cartoon characters, crowns and obtuse/obscure Latin. Every rejected contribution should be explained gently to the contributor.

Be careful of crowding. I've seen heraldic art so crammed with doodads that they can't be made out clearly when the design is shrunk to patch size or letterhead. (Case in point - I'll bet the CAP Commander badge looked great in 8x10 drawing format. But once shrunk to actual size... see what I mean? ) Simple is better.

Don't copy anybody else's. Adapting or incorporating may be ok as long as the difference is apparent.

Don't worry about the meaning of colors.  Just because red is used to signify something on one design doesn't mean that it cannot be used to represent something else on yours. But be realistic.

Also on colors - do. be aware of the "rules of tincture." Simply put, try to avoid placing color on color or metal on metal. For example, a blue item on red violates the rule. Or a gold item on a silver part violates it. Silver on red is ok, because it is metal on color. Etc. (Silver, "argent," is often represented by white or sometimes grey. Gold, "or," is often represented by some version of yellow. So if your design includes white elements and silver elements, and/or gold elements and yellow, try to show the difference by different shades).

Some things just don't work well. For example, if River City Cadet Squadron wants to put a depiction of a river on a patch, good luck with that. A true representation just won't look right, especially embroidered. That's why heralds use symbols for rivers and other bodies of water. Somebody versed in heraldry would recognize them, but the average viewer might have no clue that "River City" is being depicted. Another one that doesn't work well - bears. They never look right. And I'm from California, I wore one for years. With other animals, some work, some don't. There are also different ways to show them - "erased," with just the head. "Rampant," or rearing up (note, ramPANT, not ramPART, as often gets written). Some animals convey meanings that may not suit CAP, or they might. It all depends. But three lions can convey specific meaning that might make a design look pretentious. 

Be careful of copyright and trademark restrictions.

There are online heraldry guides, but it's easy to get swallowed up in them. If you know a heraldic artist who can review the design along the way and prior to final submission, that could help a lot.
_________________
Bernard J. Wilson, Major, CAP

Mitchell 1969; Earhart 1971; Eaker 1973. Cadet Flying Encampment, License, 1970. IACE New Zealand 1971; IACE Korea 1973.

CAP has been bery, bery good to me.

Okayish Aviator

Quote from: Mitchell 1969 on May 14, 2017, 10:06:41 AM

With "all hands" design competitions, especially involving (but by no means limited to) cadets, just be prepared for a deluge of items lifted from military designs from all services, all eras, all countries. That means you could get a lot of castles, swords, lions, skulls, dice, cartoon characters, crowns and obtuse/obscure Latin. Every rejected contribution should be explained gently to the contributor.

Don't copy anybody else's. Adapting or incorporating may be ok as long as the difference is apparent.

Be careful of copyright and trademark restrictions.

There are online heraldry guides, but it's easy to get swallowed up in them. If you know a heraldic artist who can review the design along the way and prior to final submission, that could help a lot.

Those are just some of the things that were explained to the cadets and seniors together when we announced the competition. The symbols and design should be in keeping with what our mission is/what represents us. No need for a radiological symbol if we don't deal with radiation / nukes right? Same idea goes. We don't fly F-16's, nor do we have them anywhere near us, so why would those be on the patch... however my previous squadron was located at a base that had Vipers, so it would make a little more sense with them.

I don't want them [the cadets] to get wrapped around the wheel, but we did give them the resources they need, and the guidance. We already have a couple of submissions and they are pretty outstanding. Building Esprit de Corps one day at a time I guess!
Always give 100%, unless you're giving blood.


AlphaSigOU

#7
This is a write-up of the description of my college fraternity's coat of arms:
Composed of three major elements, the crest, shield and motto. The Alpha Sigma Phi coat of arms was authorized in 1909; designed by Joseph D. Hood (Cornell 1909) in 1910 as amended by an expert in heraldry.

The heraldic blazon is the description of the coat of arms in the traditional language and terminology of heraldry (derived from Old English and French). Sinister and dexter refer to the wearer's left and right, respectively; as one faces the shield, the directions are reversed.

Crest: On a wreath argent and sable, a phoenix rising or.

Shield: Quarterly argent and or, on a bend sable, three mullets (stars) or, all within a diminutive of a border or. On sinister chief a book open argent, pen and five hieroglyphics or, on dexter base a laurel wreath or, a Greek column minus capital argent, an ancient lamp or with rays sable.

Motto: On a ribbon or, the Latin motto "Causa : Latet : Vis : Est : Notissima" and the numerals 18 and 45 sable.

In the traditional heraldry of the American college fraternity and sorority system, the coat of arms symbolically denotes many of the principles and ideals of the fraternity or sorority, traditionally secret and revealed only during the initiation ceremonies. Moreover, the right to use the fraternity's coat of arms is limited only to initiated members.

[cleaned up formatting]
Lt Col Charles E. (Chuck) Corway, CAP
Gill Robb Wilson Award (#2901 - 2011)
Amelia Earhart Award (#1257 - 1982) - C/Major (retired)
Billy Mitchell Award (#2375 - 1981)
Administrative/Personnel/Professional Development Officer
Nellis Composite Squadron (PCR-NV-069)
KJ6GHO - NAR 45040

ProdigalJim

Cool to see our patch here!  8)

We came up with the Prince William patch a few years ago while I was CC. Unlike our previous patch, there is symbolism and linkage to the history of the squadron in this patch that was meaningful for many of our members, especially our longer-serving ones. What we did was revive the emblems and symbology of the PWCS patch that VAWG approved in 1989. We incorporated the majority of the heraldic elements designed by former VA-102 CC Lt. Col. B.T. Marking, but updated the design to conform with USAF heraldry standards.

Here's the background and story to this emblem (developed by a committee led by Lt. Col. Tim Day, who was Deputy at the time and is now CC at Prince William):

The essential design of the Prince William Composite Squadron crest emulates a royal coat of arms and is derived heavily from our previously approved crest, updated to reflect current USAF patch guidance. Adopting this style pays tribute to the unit's namesake, Prince William, the Duke of Cumberland (1721-1765) and to the county in Virginia named for him which is the unit's home. The depiction of a knight's helmet in the lower sector of the crest reminds us of a heritage of chivalry.

The central feature of the crest is the chevron. Dividing the crest into sectors, it resembles an arrow pointing skyward, and symbolizes the unit's continuing efforts toward betterment. The checkered pattern of the chevron is reminiscent of the checkered flag marking the end of a race for a triumphant competitor. As a competitive spirit is the cornerstone of Prince William's strategy for achievement, this pattern is very significant.

Three stars adorn the upper sector of the crest. These symbolize the three missions of Civil Air Patrol: Aerospace Education, the Cadet Program, and Emergency Services. The combination of the chevron and the stars captures the essence of the unit's adopted motto: "Ad Astra Per Aspera." Translated from Latin, this means: "To The Stars We Aspire." Shortened and translated from Latin, our motto "To The Stars" indicates the high standards expected of Prince William's members.

The stars also reflect Prince William's commitment to excellence in all three endeavors. They are patterned after the ancient mariner's compass rose in the hope that we may never lose our way in the arduous journey toward these lofty goals.

The original squadron crest, which was based on an orange and gray color scheme, was designed by Lt Col B.T. Marking, and was approved for use as a squadron patch by the Virginia Wing uniform committee on May 5, 1989.

The colors of the patch are inherited from the CAP emblem and USAF colors. Blue signifies the sky, which is the primary theater for Air Force operations as well as Civil Air Patrol's underpinning aerospace orientation. Yellow signifies the excellence that is expected of all Civil Air Patrol personnel. The red and white of the chevron signify the boldness and truthfulness which marks our members' pursuit of excellence.
Jim Mathews, Lt. Col., CAP
VAWG/XP
My Mitchell Has Four Digits...

Eclipse

Quote from: Mitchell 1969 on May 14, 2017, 10:06:41 AM
Don't worry about the meaning of colors.  Just because red is used to signify something on one design doesn't mean that it cannot be used to represent something else on yours. But be realistic.

I have to disagree with this, again because of "opinions".

Pick the colors you want, but just make sure you can support their use in the "story" of the insingnia.

As an example, 'Black" (sable) can be positive or negative.  The use is up to you, but don't be caught
off-guard on the second question.

USAF Historical Research Agency summary guidance doc, Page 13:
http://www.afhra.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Organizational-Records/AFD-130506-005.pdf

"BLACK (heraldic SABLE). Positive: constancy, dignity, determination, divine doctrine,
fertilized land, humility, mighty, night, prudence, regality, planet Saturn, sophistication, sorrow,
and starkness.

Negative: death, despair, evilness, grief, morbidity, nothingness, penitence, sickness, sin, and void."


Also, AFI 84-105:
http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_ho/publication/afi84-105/afi84-105.pdf
Contains some approval letter submission examples.


"That Others May Zoom"

Leesemarie

Thank you all for your help!

Mitchell 1969

Quote from: ProdigalJim on May 14, 2017, 02:14:50 PM
Cool to see our patch here!  8)

We came up with the Prince William patch a few years ago while I was CC. Unlike our previous patch, there is symbolism and linkage to the history of the squadron in this patch that was meaningful for many of our members, especially our longer-serving ones. What we did was revive the emblems and symbology of the PWCS patch that VAWG approved in 1989. We incorporated the majority of the heraldic elements designed by former VA-102 CC Lt. Col. B.T. Marking, but updated the design to conform with USAF heraldry standards.

Here's the background and story to this emblem (developed by a committee led by Lt. Col. Tim Day, who was Deputy at the time and is now CC at Prince William):

The essential design of the Prince William Composite Squadron crest emulates a royal coat of arms and is derived heavily from our previously approved crest, updated to reflect current USAF patch guidance. Adopting this style pays tribute to the unit's namesake, Prince William, the Duke of Cumberland (1721-1765) and to the county in Virginia named for him which is the unit's home. The depiction of a knight's helmet in the lower sector of the crest reminds us of a heritage of chivalry.

The central feature of the crest is the chevron. Dividing the crest into sectors, it resembles an arrow pointing skyward, and symbolizes the unit's continuing efforts toward betterment. The checkered pattern of the chevron is reminiscent of the checkered flag marking the end of a race for a triumphant competitor. As a competitive spirit is the cornerstone of Prince William's strategy for achievement, this pattern is very significant.

Three stars adorn the upper sector of the crest. These symbolize the three missions of Civil Air Patrol: Aerospace Education, the Cadet Program, and Emergency Services. The combination of the chevron and the stars captures the essence of the unit's adopted motto: "Ad Astra Per Aspera." Translated from Latin, this means: "To The Stars We Aspire." Shortened and translated from Latin, our motto "To The Stars" indicates the high standards expected of Prince William's members.

The stars also reflect Prince William's commitment to excellence in all three endeavors. They are patterned after the ancient mariner's compass rose in the hope that we may never lose our way in the arduous journey toward these lofty goals.

The original squadron crest, which was based on an orange and gray color scheme, was designed by Lt Col B.T. Marking, and was approved for use as a squadron patch by the Virginia Wing uniform committee on May 5, 1989.

The colors of the patch are inherited from the CAP emblem and USAF colors. Blue signifies the sky, which is the primary theater for Air Force operations as well as Civil Air Patrol's underpinning aerospace orientation. Yellow signifies the excellence that is expected of all Civil Air Patrol personnel. The red and white of the chevron signify the boldness and truthfulness which marks our members' pursuit of excellence.

Lots of references to "crest" there, but the word is not used correctly. Neither the Prince William rendering nor the Texas Group III rendering are crests. Nor do they have crests.

An "heraldic achievement" or "armorial bearings" consists of several parts, including a shield (which can be depicted as round, and is sometimes replaced by a "lozenge," especially when used for women - the basis for WASP wings of WWII being lozenge (diamond) shaped), a crest, a helm (helmet - but in a different place and with different purpose than depicted on the Prince William patch), mantling, torse, supporters... (motto scrolls can be included, but aren't required).

The "crest" is the part that goes above the shield. In a full achievement it usually goes on top of the helmet, but it can also be displayed above the shield, on top of a "torse," which is a twisted piece of the mantling. (In the CAP seal, the eagle is the crest. It is placed on a blue and white torse).

With unit patches, what is really being depicted is the shield part of an armorial achievement, regardless of shape, without the crest. My point being that "coat of arms" and "crest" are not the same thing, therefore unit patches do not generally depict crests.


_________________
Bernard J. Wilson, Major, CAP

Mitchell 1969; Earhart 1971; Eaker 1973. Cadet Flying Encampment, License, 1970. IACE New Zealand 1971; IACE Korea 1973.

CAP has been bery, bery good to me.

Mitchell 1969

Quote from: Eclipse on May 14, 2017, 04:41:24 PM
Quote from: Mitchell 1969 on May 14, 2017, 10:06:41 AM
Don't worry about the meaning of colors.  Just because red is used to signify something on one design doesn't mean that it cannot be used to represent something else on yours. But be realistic.

I have to disagree with this, again because of "opinions".

Pick the colors you want, but just make sure you can support their use in the "story" of the insingnia.

As an example, 'Black" (sable) can be positive or negative.  The use is up to you, but don't be caught
off-guard on the second question.

USAF Historical Research Agency summary guidance doc, Page 13:
http://www.afhra.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Organizational-Records/AFD-130506-005.pdf

"BLACK (heraldic SABLE). Positive: constancy, dignity, determination, divine doctrine,
fertilized land, humility, mighty, night, prudence, regality, planet Saturn, sophistication, sorrow,
and starkness.

Negative: death, despair, evilness, grief, morbidity, nothingness, penitence, sickness, sin, and void."


Also, AFI 84-105:
http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_ho/publication/afi84-105/afi84-105.pdf
Contains some approval letter submission examples.

I don't think you've disagreed as much as elaborated. But elaboration could go on forever. A short example -  suppose a unit wanted to incorporate colors from the local town's flag or coat of arms and the town has already assigned meaning to those colors. It would be perfectly acceptable to use those definitions. Etc. etc. etc.
_________________
Bernard J. Wilson, Major, CAP

Mitchell 1969; Earhart 1971; Eaker 1973. Cadet Flying Encampment, License, 1970. IACE New Zealand 1971; IACE Korea 1973.

CAP has been bery, bery good to me.

LATORRECA

   Now, anyone knows any website in which depict all (close enough to all) CAP patches since the 80's. Looking for a image of my first cadet unit patch back 25 years ago.


R/S
Top Latorre

Okayish Aviator

A quick note, it states in the 39-1 Ch 6 Sec B (Page 115)

In ref to Squadron Patches:

"Immediately upon manufacture, one of any type patch approved by wing/region must be forwarded
to CAP NHQ, Attn: National Curator, for inclusion in the CAP historical archives."

May want to add that to the approval checklist.
Always give 100%, unless you're giving blood.