Service Stripe
After the 1782 Badge of Distinction, the service stripe reappeared in 1832.

By 1851 a diagonal half chevron in branch color indicated an enlistment.

With the absence of the dress uniform in 1920, a smaller service stripe appeared for the service coat.

 

A goldenlite, rayon-embroidered diagonal stripe, 3/16 inch wide and 1-5/16 inches long,

on an Army green background that forms a 3/32-inch border around the stripe.

All soldiers are authorized to wear the large service stripes on the green

background on the Army green uniform. Soldiers must wear the large service stripes with large rank insignia.

 

One stripe is authorized for each 3 years of honorable active Federal service;

active Reserve service creditable for retired pay for non-regular service;

or a combination. There is no limit to the number of stripes worn; however,

service stripes will not cover the chevrons. Service need not have been

continuous, and the 10 ^th stripe is authorized after 29½ years.

Individuals authorized more than 10 service stripes may elect whether or not to wear them.