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Senior Army Aviator Badge

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Parent: United States Army Aviation Branch Hop 4
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Senior Army Aviator Badge
NameSenior Army Aviator Badge
Awarded byUnited States Department of the Army
TypeBadge
EligibilityUnited States Army Aviators
ForAdvanced aviation skill and experience
StatusCurrently awarded
First award1983
HigherMaster Army Aviator Badge
LowerArmy Aviator Badge
RelatedArmy Aviation Branch

Senior Army Aviator Badge is a military badge of the United States Army awarded to aviators who have achieved a significant level of experience and proficiency in Army Aviation. It represents an intermediate level of achievement between the basic Army Aviator Badge and the highest-level Master Army Aviator Badge. The badge is a symbol of professional expertise and a career milestone for officers and warrant officers within the United States Army Aviation Branch.

History and establishment

The Senior Army Aviator Badge was established in 1983 as part of a broader revision of the Army's aviation badge structure. This change was implemented to better recognize the increasing complexity of Army Aviation missions and the career progression of its aviators. Prior to this, the United States Air Force had a similar tiered system for its aeronautical ratings, which influenced the Department of the Army's decision. The creation of the badge coincided with the post-Vietnam War modernization efforts under the Training and Doctrine Command and the growing importance of helicopter warfare as demonstrated in conflicts like the Invasion of Grenada.

Design and symbolism

The badge is a oxidized silver or dull finished badge, measuring approximately 2 inches in width. Its central design features a stylized shield derived from the Department of the Army seal, superimposed over a pair of stylized wings. The shield symbolizes defense and the Army's heritage, while the wings denote aviation qualification. A single star is centered above the shield, distinguishing it from the Army Aviator Badge which has no star and the Master Army Aviator Badge which features a wreath encircling the star. The overall design was created and is maintained by the United States Army Institute of Heraldry.

Criteria for award

Personnel are eligible for the Senior Army Aviator Badge after seven years of aviation service and the accumulation of 1,300 flight hours. Additional requirements include successful completion of a designated Aviation Center course, such as the Aviation Captain's Career Course, and maintaining a record of professional performance and technical competence as evaluated by senior Aviation Branch officers. The award authority typically rests with the commander of the Human Resources Command or a major general in the aviator's chain of command.

Wear and precedence

The badge is worn centered on the left breast pocket flap of the Army Service Uniform and the Army Combat Uniform. On the Army Green Service Uniform, it is worn above ribbons and below unit awards. In the order of precedence for Army badges, it is worn below the Master Army Aviator Badge and above the Army Aviator Badge. It is also authorized for wear on the dress uniforms of other U.S. military services when prescribed by their respective regulations from the Department of Defense.

Notable recipients

Many senior Army leaders have been recipients of the badge, including former Chiefs of Staff General Eric Shinseki and General James C. McConville. Other notable aviators who have earned the badge include Medal of Honor recipient Major James P. Fleming for actions in the Vietnam War, and Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays, the first female general officer in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Senior Army Aviator Badge is part of a family of U.S. Army aviation badges. The basic qualification is the Army Aviator Badge, while the highest level is the Master Army Aviator Badge. Parallel career tracks for non-pilots include the Army Aviation Observer Badge and the Senior Army Aviation Observer Badge. Equivalent badges in other services include the Air Force Senior Pilot Badge, the Naval Aviator insignia, and the Marine Corps Aviator insignia.

Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States Army Category:United States Army aviation