An insignia (Latin: īnsignia, nominative plural of insignium, "emblem, token, symbol"), plural insignias, is a symbol or token of personal power, status or office, or of an official body of government or jurisdiction. An insignia is usually the emblem of a specific or general authority.
Official insignia are often protected by law as to allow their use only by people holding a specific office or staff members acting on behalf of such a person. Misuse, defacement and destruction of such symbols is considered an offense in many countries.
Typical examples of insignia include:
BadgesCockadesCoats of arms and HeraldryEnsignsFlags of a country or stateMilitary aircraft insigniaMilitary rank and unit markings:British Army officer rank insigniaBritish Army Other Ranks rank insigniaBritish Royal Air Force officer rank insigniaBritish Royal Air Force other rank insigniaBritish Royal Navy officer rank insigniaBritish Royal Navy ratings rank insigniaCroatian military ranks insigniaNazi Party rank insigniaPolish Armed Forces rank insigniaUnited StatesUnited States Army officer rank insigniaUnited States Army enlisted rank insigniaUnited States Marine Corps enlisted rank insigniaUnited States Marine Corps officer rank insigniaUnited States Navy officer rank insigniaUnited States Navy enlisted rate insigniaUnited States Coast Guard enlisted rank insigniaUnited States Coast Guard officer rank insigniaUnited States Air Force enlisted rank insigniaUnited States Air Force officer rank insigniaMilitary ranks of UkraineOther National EmblemsRegaliaCrownsSceptresRoundelsSealsShoulder patch, or shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI)
