7 Most Notable Military Symbols And Their Meanings
Military symbols are logograms or graphic representations used on maps, displays, or diagrams in order to represent a particular military unit, activity, installation, tactical task, or other items that are related to or of military relevance. These types of military symbols have no symbolic meanings, but there are emblems employed by the military – most notably the United States military – that have significant representations.
Statements are also used as representations of certain military organizations. For instance, the famous Latin phrase “Semper Fidelis” – which means “Always Faithful” – is the statement or motto of the Marines and is featured on the Marine Corps emblem. The Coast Guard flag, on the other hand, is graced with the statement, “Semper Paratus” – the Latin for “Always Ready.”
So, without further ado, here’s a list of some of the most notable symbols used in the military.
7 Most Notable Military Symbols And Their Meanings
1. Eagle
Eagles are known for their keen vision, tenacity, and fearlessness. They are one of if not the highest flyer of all birds, being capable of flying up to an altitude of about 10,000 feet. They are caring and nurturing to their young. Eagles also do not scavenge for food.
As the symbol of the United States, the Eagle is one of the most recognizable symbols used in the military. It is in the emblem of the US Marine Corps and perhaps the best associated with the country. In the Marine Corps flag, this mighty bird of prey proudly carries in its beak a banner with the Corps’ famous motto:“Semper Fidelis.”
The eagle symbol is also used as insignia in military ranks in most Western armies, especially in the United States. Silver Eagle emblem is for colonels while the Gold Eagle is for infantry colonels.
In Roman times, the eagle – or aquila – was a prominent symbol used as the standard of a Roman legion, which was carried by a legionary called the eagle-bearer (aka aquilifer). Every legion of the Roman Empire carried an aquila.
2. Double-headed Eagle
The two-headed eagle is a beast comprised of a body, claws, and wings of an eagle – but with two heads.
What the symbol exactly means is unclear as it has been forgotten in time, but double-headed eagles are believed to have been the badges of military or civil officials of the supreme commander or of the supreme commander himself.
As a military symbol, the double-headed eagle signified the rank of a caesar in the Roman military and were used by rulers under the Roman Empire. It was also used by various other empires as a symbol of power and dominion.
The double-headed eagle appears in the Byzantine art during the medieval period and much later as an imperial emblem. It has been adopted in the Muslim world and also by Christians, Jews, and even pagans. Today it is the most important element of various coats of arms and/or national flags and insignia of Russia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania.
The double-headed eagle was believed to be the representative of God that saved good people from a difficult situation and helped them.
3. Fouled Anchor
A fouled anchor with a chain wrapped around it graces a number of military emblems, such as the Rate of Chief Petty Officer of the US Navy, where it stands for “Unity, Service, and Navigation.”
The fouled anchor is an anchor that’s been caught on an obstruction under the sea, which represents the trials and tribulations that the US Navy’s Chief Petty Officer must endure daily.
The symbol is also featured on the emblem of the US Public Health Service. The fouled anchor is displayed on ships, indicating to officers on shore that sick persons are on board in order to prompt necessary quarantine and investigation.
4. Thunderbolt
Depicted on the US Air Force flag, both the eagle and the thunderbolt symbols signify the air striking power of the United States.
In Special Forces, thunderbolts symbolize land, air, and sea — the three ways in which the Special Forces infiltrate an area.
The thunderbolt design used on the shield of the Air Force Seal is derived from heraldic representations of the mythological Jupiter’s thunderbolt.
5. Chevron
The chevron symbol is one of the most recognizable signs used in various militaries and armed forces around the world. It is made of upward pointed arrows, one on top of the other. These arrows can be as much as four in a row.
Chevrons are indicative of military ranks or how many years the individual has been in the armed forces. One Chevron symbol signifies the private or lance corporal rank. Two Chevrons symbol is given to corporals and Three Chevrons to sergeants. Four Chevrons symbol indicates a higher-ranking sergeant.
The chevron symbol dates back to the ancient Greco-Roman civilizations and was not derived directly from the military standpoint. It is the fourth letter in the Roman alphabet, or the fourth number.
While chevrons were also painted on pottery for decorations, the Greek Spartans took the symbol seriously by engraving them on their weapons — particularly on the shields. This paved the way for the symbol to be a part of the world’s military culture, which made it symbolize defense or protection.
Another notable type of chevron is cottice-shaped, which is used in Celtic symbolism and often showcased on coats of arms to represent a warrior or hunter as well as a protector or builder in the community.
6. Oak Leaf
The mighty oaks are large and strong trees, their leaves providing shade from the sun. The oak tree can endure heavy weight of storms and wind, serving as a symbol of strength, endurance, and hardiness. In this manner, the oak has also come to represent survivorship.
The oak tree has been revered in many cultures since ancient times. For instance, the tree symbolized salvation of life among ancient Romans. A crown of oak leaves was given to people who had saved someone else’s life. In Scandinavia, oak trees are a symbol of life.
The oak leaf is symbolic of the tree and— in turn — strength as well as longevity. It has long served as a motif in the Navy and Navy Medicine. The crown of these leaves represents heroism, which makes the Golden Oak Leaf and the Silver Oak Leaf appropriate as insignia for Major and Lieutenant Colonel ranks in the militay, respectively.
Oak leaves also represent stability and nobility.
7. Star
Stars throughout history have symbolized divine guidance and protection. They are most notable in the military — with ranks in the Army, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, and the Navy being represented by star symbols. They are as follows:
One Star – brigadier general and rear admiral
Two Stars – major general, counter admiral, divisional general, and air vice-marshal
Three Stars – lieutenant general, vice admiral, and air marshal
Four Stars – general and admiral
Five Stars – General of the Army (no longer given)
Most military vehicles used by the United States are painted with a star insignia. This is known as the invasion star which helps in distinguishing friend from foe.
In the military star flag created as a symbol of having a child in the US military service, the colors of the stars bear an important symbolic meaning. Blue stars mean hope and pride, while gold ones denote a sacrifice for liberty and freedom.
