Who approves insignia designs such as DUI, RDI, SSI and badges?

• A. Secretary of the Army
• B. Chief of Staff of the Army
• C. National Guard Bureau
• D. Assistant Secretary of the Army

Answer: (D)

Insignia designs and badges are handled through Army policy and symbol control, with the authority to approve who can authorize wear resting with a civilian official who oversees such matters. The Institute of Heraldry designs the insignia, but the final approval to wear those insignia is given by the Assistant Secretary of the Army, acting for the Secretary of the Army in this area. This civilian oversight ensures consistency across the Army’s symbols and badges. The Chief of Staff of the Army isn’t the approving authority for insignia; the National Guard Bureau handles Guard-specific matters, while the Secretary of the Army delegates this function to the Assistant Secretary for these insignia approvals.