Custom Military Patches
Unit, deployment, and morale patches. OCP and multicam-friendly subdued color. ABU and dress uniform options. Velcro standard.
Unit and Deployment Patches
Unit patches identify the specific unit a service member belongs to - the most fundamental form of military patch. They incorporate the unit's heraldic crest, mission focus, motto banner, and lineage imagery. Worn on the shoulder and chest panels of the uniform, they signal assignment to anyone reading the uniform - command, peer units, allied forces.
Deployment patches sit alongside unit patches and commemorate a specific operation, location, or rotation. They are often designed by the unit itself during the deployment and produced in a limited run for everyone who served on the rotation. After the deployment they become keepsakes - traded, framed, mounted on shadow boxes, passed to family.
We produce both. Send the artwork or a unit crest reference and we will color-match exactly. For unit programs we keep digitized files on hand for reorders at the same per-piece price.
Subdued Colors for OCP, Multicam, and ABU
Modern utility uniforms call for subdued patches that integrate with camouflage rather than stand out. We produce in the standard subdued palettes:
- OCP / Multicam-friendly: Coyote brown, ranger green, dark olive, black, dark gray. Pairs with Army OCP and Air Force OCP uniforms.
- ABU subdued: Tan, gray, dark green palette for the Airman Battle Uniform and remaining ABU-pattern gear.
- AOR-1 / AOR-2: Subdued Navy and SOF palettes for desert and woodland operational environments.
- Full-color dress: Saturated heraldic colors for dress uniforms, mess dress, and ceremonial wear.
We will color-correct any submitted art to the requested palette without changing the design itself. If you need both full-color (for dress uniform) and subdued (for OCP) versions of the same patch, we will produce them from a single digitized master.
ITAR and Compliance
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is a US export control regime that covers defense articles and technical data, including some military unit insignia, weapon system imagery, classified program marks, and mission codenames.
Our policy:
- We flag any submitted art that appears to involve ITAR-controlled content (classified unit insignia, restricted program marks, sensitive imagery).
- We will verify customer authorization (unit purchase order, supervisor confirmation, or government contract) before producing.
- We do not produce active-program patches for unauthorized individuals.
- Routine open-source unit patches, deployment patches, and morale patches generally do not implicate ITAR.
When in doubt, contact us and we will walk through the compliance side before production starts.
Velcro - The Modern Standard
Velcro backing is the standard for modern military patches. Utility uniforms ship with hook velcro panels at the chest, shoulder, and pocket positions specifically to accept patches. Loop velcro backing on the patch allows the wearer to:
- Swap patches between uniforms without tailoring.
- Remove identifying patches for sensitive assignments.
- Rotate morale patches on and off as desired.
- Replace worn patches without uniform damage.
We default to velcro backing for unit, deployment, and morale patches unless the project specifies sew-on. For dress uniforms and ceremonial wear, sew-on is more appropriate and we produce both.
Pricing
| Patch Type | Size | Per Piece (10+) |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Patch (Embroidered + Velcro) | 3" | $14 |
| Deployment Patch | 3.5" | $15 |
| Subdued OCP/Multicam | 3" | $14 |
| ABU Subdued | 3" | $14 |
| Unit Patch (PVC + Velcro) | 3" | $17 |
Velcro included. PVC patches require one-time mold fee. Bulk pricing at quantity 25+.
Military Patch FAQ
What is a military unit patch?+
A unit patch identifies the specific military unit a service member belongs to - regiment, battalion, company, squadron, or detachment. It is worn on the uniform sleeve, shoulder, or chest velcro panel and changes with assignment. Unit patches typically incorporate the unit's heraldic crest, motto, or mission iconography.
What is a deployment patch?+
A deployment patch is produced for a specific deployment or operation and worn by the unit members who served on it. Often custom-designed for the deployment, with location, mission codename, dates, or commemorative imagery. They function as both unit identifiers during the deployment and keepsakes after.
How do OCP and multicam-friendly subdued colors work?+
Subdued patches use a muted palette designed to blend with the OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern) and multicam family of uniform fabrics - typically combinations of coyote brown, ranger green, dark olive, black, and dark gray. Full-color patches stand out against camouflage; subdued patches integrate. We produce both based on the uniform spec.
Why is velcro standard for military patches?+
Modern military uniforms (ACU, OCP, AOR) are designed with hook velcro patch panels on the chest, shoulders, and elsewhere. Patches are produced with loop velcro backing so they can be swapped between uniforms, removed for sensitive assignments, replaced when worn, or stowed when not in use. Sew-on patches require tailoring on every uniform change.
What is ITAR and how does it affect patch production?+
ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) is a US export control regime covering defense articles and technical data. Some unit insignia, weapon system imagery, mission codenames, and classified program marks fall under ITAR. We will flag any submission that appears to trigger ITAR and verify authorization before producing. Routine unit and morale patches generally do not implicate ITAR.
Can you produce subdued ABU patches?+
Yes. ABU (Airman Battle Uniform) patches use a specific subdued palette - typically tan, gray, and dark green - that matches the ABU camouflage pattern. We produce subdued ABU patches for active Air Force, Air National Guard, and Reserve members alongside the more common OCP-friendly designs.
Do you produce patches for retired and veteran groups?+
Yes. Veteran association patches, retiree group patches, reunion patches, and commemorative service patches are all common projects. We have produced patches for veteran motorcycle clubs, alumni associations of former units, and commemorative anniversary patches for major operations.
Related
Unit Patch Programs
Send unit crest or deployment artwork. We quote both full-color and subdued options.
Or call (631) 458-3842