The Integrated Undersea Surveillance System breast insignia is a military badge of the United States Navy which was officially created by OPNAVINST 1020.5 on 24 December 1990. The insignia is awarded to those personnel who have been trained and qualified in naval sonar and undersea surveillance technology.
History
Originally, formal designation as an IUSS specialist signified that eligible officer or enlisted personnel acquired specific IUSS knowledge, skill, and experience and had demonstrated proficiency at the professional level of competence required for satisfactory performance of assigned duties. Designated IUSS specialists were authorized to wear the IUSS breast insignia.
Currently, in order to be awarded the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System breast insignia, a service member must:
- be permanently assigned to an IUSS command
- be fully qualified in their assigned billet
- be recommended by the chain of command, with approval of the Commanding Officer
- complete 24 months of military service and also 12 months at an IUSS command
- achieve the rank of E-4 or above
- have no trait grades below 3.0 for two consecutive reporting periods prior to starting qualifications
- complete the qualification program within 18 months
The IUSS Qualification Guide is used in completing all knowledge-based prerequisites.
The insignia, itself, consists of a gold or silver colored metal pin with a trident and seahorse twined on a globe superimposed on a breaking wave. The insignia is issued in two degrees: silver for enlisted personnel and gold for officers.
Enlisted sailors who are awarded the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System Specialist breast device are authorized to place the designator (IUSS) after their rate. For example, if John Doe is a designated IUSS Specialist, Sonar Technician (Surface) First Class Petty Officer, then his title would be STG1 (IUSS) Doe.