Introducing the Army's New Mariner and Mountaineer Badges: Recognizing Specialized Skills

Introducing the Army’s New Mariner and Mountaineer Badges: Recognizing Specialized Skills

The Army finally did right by its mariners and mountaineers—two communities that have been grinding in the shadows for years without the recognition they’ve damn well earned.

In a significant move to acknowledge the specialized skills of its personnel, the U.S. Army has unveiled two new badges: the Mariner Badge and the Mountaineer Badge. These additions aim to formally recognize soldiers who have undergone rigorous training in maritime and mountainous operations, respectively.

The Mariner Badge: Honoring Army Mariners

Historically, the U.S. Army has maintained a fleet of watercraft operated by skilled mariners. However, formal recognition for these soldiers‘ unique expertise was limited. The introduction of the Mariner Badge addresses this gap, providing a tangible acknowledgment of their vital role.

Qualifications for the Mariner Badge

The Mariner Badge is structured into three distinct levels: Basic, Senior, and Master. Each level reflects the mariner’s experience, training, and accumulated sea time.

Basic Mariner Badge: Awarded to soldiers who have completed initial maritime training and have accrued a minimum of one year of sea duty. This foundational level signifies proficiency in essential maritime operations.
Senior Mariner Badge: To attain this level, a soldier must have at least five years of sea duty, demonstrating advanced skills and leadership in maritime environments.
Master Mariner Badge: Reserved for those with over a decade of sea service, this prestigious badge recognizes exceptional expertise and a deep commitment to Army maritime operations.

The Army’s Maritime Qualifications Division (MQD) plays a pivotal role in tracking and verifying sea service records, ensuring that only qualified personnel receive these badges. The MQD maintains comprehensive records of each mariner’s sea time, serving as the authoritative source for badge eligibility verification.

The Mountaineer Badge: Recognizing Alpine Expertise

Mountain warfare demands a unique set of skills, and the Army has long recognized the importance of specialized training for operations in rugged terrains. The newly introduced Mountaineer Badge serves to formally acknowledge soldiers who have undergone such training.

Evolution from the Ram’s Head Device

Previously, graduates of the Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS) in Jericho, Vermont, were awarded the Ram’s Head Device. However, its wear was primarily authorized for soldiers in the New England National Guard units. The new Mountaineer Badge replaces the Ram’s Head Device, offering Army-wide recognition for qualified personnel.

Qualifications for the Mountaineer Badge

To be eligible for the Mountaineer Badge, soldiers must complete the Basic Military Mountaineer Course (BMMC) at the AMWS. This intensive two-week program covers:

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Mountain Navigation: Training in land navigation under extreme weather conditions. Climbing Techniques: Instruction in both ascending and descending mountainous terrains. High-Angle Marksmanship: Developing shooting skills in steep and uneven terrains. First Aid and Evacuation: Preparing soldiers to handle medical emergencies and evacuations in remote areas. Upon successful completion, soldiers are awarded the Skill Qualification Identifier (SQI) “E,” designating them as Military Mountaineers. 🚨 New Badge Alert 🚨 The Army announced the establishment of the Army Mariner and Mountaineer badges. Read the ALARACTs below for more information ⤵️ Mariner badge: https://t.co/1Qqyz5cc0Y Mountaineer badge: https://t.co/BOUVHwNntl pic.twitter.com/bqDlA7KOcp — U.S. Army (@USArmy) March 19, 2025 Significance of These Badges The introduction of the Mariner and Mountaineer Badges signifies the Army’s commitment to recognizing specialized skills that are crucial in diverse operational environments. By formally acknowledging these competencies, the Army boosts morale while emphasizing the importance of expertise in maritime and mountainous operations. These badges serve as proof of the dedication and proficiency of soldiers who undertake challenging roles, ensuring that their unique contributions are visibly honored.