/ Published August 09, 2006
Chief Master Sgt. Malcolm McVicar explains the history of the circled U.S. lapel insignia to Tech. Sgt. Sharee Hileman at the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Ala., on Aug. 8. A recent change to Air Force Instruction 36-2903 returned the circled insignia to the enlisted service dress uniform. The origin of the insignia can be traced back to 1902. The current reauthorized insignia was worn by Airmen until the early 1990s when the lapel insignia was removed from both officer and enlisted uniforms. Airmen can return to their heritage and begin wearing the circled insignia now, but must have it on by Jan. 1. In addition, senior NCOs will no longer wear the shoulder board rank effective Oct. 1. Chief McVicar is director of the heritage institute, and Sergeant Hileman is the NCO in charge. (U.S. Air Force photo/Melanie E. Rodgers)