The New Air Force OCP Unit Patches
When the battle dress uniform was introduced in the Air Force back in 2007, unit patches mostly disappeared. But now they’re back!
The new Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniforms allow Airmen to wear unit patches on their right sleeve. Since the initial rollout of the uniforms last October, Air Force units that have gone without patches are working hard to create new unit patches from their existing emblems.
Unit patches have always served as a symbol of heritage, team spirit and pride, and our Signature Patches team has been helping armed service members create custom unit patches in every shape and size you can imagine. Now that Airmen are finally allowed to wear their own OCP unit patches, we think it’s the perfect time to cover the basics of OCP patch design and give you everything you need to create your own uniform compliant unit patches.
Inspection Ready OCP Patches: Getting the Details Just Right
Guidelines for official OCP unit patches are created by the Institute of Heraldry and the Air Force Historical Research Agency. So, before you order a set of OCP uniform patches for your team, be sure to consult with your command about the design and color scheme.
For a long time, subdued unit patches and flag patches in the Air Force have been black and green, but the new thread colors approved for Air Force OCP unit patches are spice brown, Bagby green, olive drab and black.
These new subdued colors pair nicely with the OCP uniforms and will be required come April 1, 2021. For now, units are permitted to wear the current black and green subdued patches until the design is converted to the new color scheme and approved or the 2021 deadline is reached, whichever comes first.
If the OCP unit patch for your team has already been approved by the Institute of Heraldry and the Air Force Historical Research Agency, all we need are the official design guidelines to get started on your new OCP patches. We reference the Pantone colors approved for OCP patches and find the corresponding thread color that provides the closest match to create the design.
The new OCP uniforms require an inverted American flag patch as well as the OCP unit patch. It will go on the right sleeve above the OCP unit patch, and the spice brown variant of the flag patch will be required starting June 1st, 2020. Until then, the green and black flag patches are acceptable, but if you want to get a head start, we’ve got you covered.
OCP Patch Placement and Attachment Options
Initially, there was some confusion about Air Force OCP patch placement. The Air Force announced that OCP unit patches would be placed on the left sleeve, but after receiving feedback from Airmen all throughout the service, it was decided to move the placement of OCP patches to the right sleeve along with the U.S. flag. The higher headquarters patch moved to the left sleeve.
When it comes to securing patches to Air Force OCP uniforms, there is some wiggle room for the attachment of name tapes and rank patches. Airmen can choose to sew on name tapes and rank patches, or they can opt for a hook and loop backing. However, OCP unit patches are required to have a hook and loop backing.
A hook and loop backing provides a sturdy bond, while also allowing the patches to be removed and replaced at a moment’s notice. When you order OCP patches with us, they will all be ready to go right out of the box. Just remove the softer loop portion of the hook and loop attachment from the back of each patch, and secure the patches to the right sleeve of any Air Force OCP uniform.
Cultivating Esprit De Corps with OCP Patches
Unit emblems are symbols of heritage and honor. Brining unit patches back to the Air Force with the introduction of the OCP uniforms brings back a sense of team pride and esprit de corps that the service has been missing for a long time.
Whether you’re in need of a set of Air Force OCP patches, morale patches or any other type of custom design, we’re here to help. We have experience designing military uniform patches for every branch of service, as well as custom patches that celebrate camaraderie and team spirit. Give us a call today, and get started on your custom patches today!
