Earlier this month, the Honorable Raymond T Oroho, acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, signed a memorandum establishing the Master Gunner Identification Badge. It is intended to be worn on the ASU as well as ACU.
Although there are Master Gunners at all Divisions, the badge is limited to graduates of these seven courses:
-Field Artillery Master Gunner Course
-Master Gunnery-M1/M1A1 Tank Course
-Infantry Fighting Vehicle Master Gunner Course
-Avenger Master Gunner Course
-M1A2 SEP Master Gunner Course
-Stryker Master Gunner Course
-Patriot Master Gunner Course
Enlisted soldiers must have been awarded Additional Skill Identifier A7, A8, J3, K7, K8, R8 or T4. Warrant officers require ASI H8. The Master Gunner Badge must be awarded by the authority who hosts the qualification course.
Retirees and Veterans may also apply for retroactive award. Click here for full details.
Word on the street is that Army will be establishing even more badges this year.