An Cosantóir

48 UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA OF THE AIR CORPS A red background example was worn by apprentice classes from the mid to late 1950's. In 1994 the blue background became darker and the wings changed to silver to match the blue uniform. Cap badge The cap badge worn between 1922 and 1994 was the standard Army Pat- tern. In 1994 new cap badges were intro- duced for the blue uniform which in- corporated the Air Corps eagle and the army badge. Two versions of cap badge were intro- duced for enlisted ranks, one in plain thread for forage cap and beret and one in silver thread for the peak cap. In addition, three grades of cap badge de- sign were introduced, Airman/Corporal, Sergeant/Flight Quartermaster/Flight Sergeant, RQMS/RSM. Officers also had two badges - thread and silver. The officer pattern changed in 2004 when a bullion badge was in- troduced for both Peak Cap and Forage Cap, with the thread version for the Beret. There was no variation of badge to identify the rank of Colonel and General as was the case in the army. Initially the badge was sewn onto a red back- ing with ¼" showing as a border (see photo) and this remained until the red badge was introduced for senior of- ficers in 2004. Buttons Unlike the Army button the Air Corps buttons are stamped with the collar badge image. Rank insignia The rank insignia worn by enlisted ranks from 1922 has been the same as that worn by the army. In 1922 a green braid was worn on the cuff. In 1923 a green braid was worn on the left sleeve. In 1924 the full series from corporal to sergeant major in red tape was introduced and initially worn on the left sleeve. In 1949 the ranks from one star airman to sergeant major were introduced and they were composed of stars and chevrons. In 1963 the chev- rons were re-designed and were worn until 1994. With the introduction of the new blue uniform, new insignia were required, and the author designed the new en- listed rank insignia to be worn on the cuff, and not on the sleeve as previous- ly worn. The design idea was loosely based on various European Air Force insignia. The RSM and RQMS red tape had to be on the cuff as there are no epaulettes on the uniform. The insignia worn by officers from 1922 until 1994 has also been the same as that worn by the army and the bars and diamonds of their ranks went through a number of changes such as flat metal, raised metal and cloth. In 1994 new rank insignia for officers was introduced. There are two types of insignia, cuff insignia for wearing on the tunic and overcoat and a slider for shirts and other forms of dress. Howev-

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