I. DESCRIPTION: An oxidized silver badge 1 13/64 inches in height and 1 1/2 inches in width, consisting of an open parachute on and over a pair of stylized wings displayed and curving inward. A star and wreath are added above the parachute canopy to indicate the degree of qualification. A star above the canopy indicates a Senior Parachutist; the star surrounded by a laurel wreath indicates a Master Parachutist. Small stars are superimposed on the appropriate badge to indicate combat jumps as follows:

One jump: A bronze star centered on the shroud lines 3/16 inch below the canopy.

Two jumps: A bronze star on the base of each wing.

Three jumps: A bronze star on the base of each wing and one star centered on the shroud lines 3/16 inch below the canopy.

Four jumps: Two bronze stars on the base of each wing.

Five jumps: A gold star centered on the shroud lines 5/16 inch below the canopy.

II. SYMBOLISM: The wings suggest flight and, together with the open parachute, symbolize individual proficiency and parachute qualifications.

III. AWARD ELIGIBILITY: Master and Senior Parachutist badges are awarded to individuals rated excellent in character and efficiency who have met the following requirements:

MASTER Parachutist: Participated in 65 jumps to include 25 jumps with combat equipment; four night jumps, one of which is as a jumpmaster of a stick; five mass tactical jumps which culminate in an airborne assault problem with a unit equivalent to a battalion or larger, a separate company/battery, or organic staff of a regiment size or larger; graduated from the Jumpmaster Course; and served in jump status with an airborne unit or other organization authorized parachutists for a total of at least 36 months.

SENIOR Parachutist: Participated in a minimum of 30 jumps to include 15 jumps with combat equipment; two night jumps, one of which is as jumpmaster of a stick; two mass tactical jumps which culminate in an airborne assault problem; graduated from the Jumpmaster Course; and served on jump status with an airborne unit or other organization authorized parachutists for a total of at least 24 months.

PARACHUTIST: Awarded to any individual who has satisfactorily completed the prescribed proficiency tests while assigned or attached to an airborne unit or the Airborne Department of the Infantry School; or participated in at least one combat parachute jump.

IV. DATE APPROVED: The Parachutist Badge was formally approved on 10 March 1941. The senior and master parachutists were authorized by HQDA in 1949 and were announced by C-4, AR 600-70, dated 24 January 1950.

V. SUBDUED BADGES: Subdued badges are authorized in metal and cloth. The metal badge is black. The cloth badge is of olive green base cloth with the wings, parachute, star and wreath embroidered in black.

VI. MINIATURE BADGES: Dress miniature badges are authorized in the following sizes: Master - 13/16 inch in height and 7/8 inch in width; Senior - 5/8 inch in height and 7/8 inch in width; Parachutist - 15/32 inch in height and 7/8 inch in width.