HISTORY OF THE MORALE PATCH
WWII era 8th Air Force Flying Jacket Patch
Origin
If you served in the armed forces, you already know what a morale patch is and its significance. Morale patches are a strong part of our Military history and are deeply connected with the soldiers that have served. The origin can be traced back to World War I, the advent of the morale patch and British Army who called them Battle Patches. They were mainly used to identify friendly from enemy forces with each unit having its own distinctive design. During WWII, aircrews would paint artwork on the nose of the aircraft, this practice led to the first morale patches being worn by airmen. Eventually, ground forces started to create and wear their own patches. The term Morale Patch wasn't coined until the Vietnam War Era, this is when it became a widespread practice for individual soldiers to make sarcastic, rude or critical statements on a patch attached somewhere on their uniform. Since the use of morale patches was seen as unprofessional because most tended to be tongue in cheek or use profanity, the use of Velcro became the golden standard which made them widely accepted. The morale patch skyrocketed in popularity again during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan especially with Special Forces units. Since Velcro allowed the attachment of the patch and the ability to remove it in a hurry if needed. The tradition of moral patches continues into the present day with boldness and humor aimed specifically at service or bring attention to an social issue.
If you served in the armed forces, you already know what a morale patch is and its significance. Morale patches are a strong part of our Military history and are deeply connected with the soldiers that have served. The origin can be traced back to World War I, the advent of the morale patch and British Army who called them Battle Patches. They were mainly used to identify friendly from enemy forces with each unit having its own distinctive design. During WWII, aircrews would paint artwork on the nose of the aircraft, this practice led to the first morale patches being worn by airmen. Eventually, ground forces started to create and wear their own patches. The term Morale Patch wasn't coined until the Vietnam War Era, this is when it became a widespread practice for individual soldiers to make sarcastic, rude or critical statements on a patch attached somewhere on their uniform. Since the use of morale patches was seen as unprofessional because most tended to be tongue in cheek or use profanity, the use of Velcro became the golden standard which made them widely accepted. The morale patch skyrocketed in popularity again during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan especially with Special Forces units. Since Velcro allowed the attachment of the patch and the ability to remove it in a hurry if needed. The tradition of moral patches continues into the present day with boldness and humor aimed specifically at service or bring attention to an social issue.
1980s Italian AFSOUTH rubber patch
Embroidered vs PVC
There are two main styles of morale patches produced. The first type is embroidered construction, these are durable for the most part, however embroidered patches will start to show signs of wear and tear with normal use. Additionally they aren't water resistant and take a longer time to completely dry. The second type is PVC construction, these are very durable, long lasting and water resistant. The type of material would be a matter of personal preference.
Enter Velcro
The purpose of morale patches is being able to remove them quickly. While there are many styles of patches made including sew on, iron on, buttons or pins, these defeat the purpose of morale patches. Enter Velcro, which has become the standard in the field that many uniforms and gear are already equipped with Velcro loop fastener areas for patches.
Collecting Morale Patches
Morale patches originated from a place of humor, the most common use for morale patches is to have some fun at the expense of others, this is a common way to let off some steam and have a little fun. You can choose morale patches to show pride in your occupation, job or even your favorite pastime hobby. You can customize your gear in a creative way or make a BOLD statement all with the help of morale patches. The morale patch is no longer exclusive to the Military, they have skyrocketed in popularity with First Responders to many other occupations and groups including soccer Moms.
There are two main styles of morale patches produced. The first type is embroidered construction, these are durable for the most part, however embroidered patches will start to show signs of wear and tear with normal use. Additionally they aren't water resistant and take a longer time to completely dry. The second type is PVC construction, these are very durable, long lasting and water resistant. The type of material would be a matter of personal preference.
Enter Velcro
The purpose of morale patches is being able to remove them quickly. While there are many styles of patches made including sew on, iron on, buttons or pins, these defeat the purpose of morale patches. Enter Velcro, which has become the standard in the field that many uniforms and gear are already equipped with Velcro loop fastener areas for patches.
Collecting Morale Patches
Morale patches originated from a place of humor, the most common use for morale patches is to have some fun at the expense of others, this is a common way to let off some steam and have a little fun. You can choose morale patches to show pride in your occupation, job or even your favorite pastime hobby. You can customize your gear in a creative way or make a BOLD statement all with the help of morale patches. The morale patch is no longer exclusive to the Military, they have skyrocketed in popularity with First Responders to many other occupations and groups including soccer Moms.
Modern PVC rubber patch
Got Humor?
The last thing to keep in mind about morale patches is the name since the purpose of the morale patch is to boost morale. If you're are familiar with morale patches then you know the type of humor that can be found on them. So feel free to find patches that expresses your own sense of humor even if it is a bit loud for others.
The last thing to keep in mind about morale patches is the name since the purpose of the morale patch is to boost morale. If you're are familiar with morale patches then you know the type of humor that can be found on them. So feel free to find patches that expresses your own sense of humor even if it is a bit loud for others.