The Symbolism Behind Official and Unofficial Ukrainian Military Chevrons

Ukrainian military chevrons, also known as shoulder patches, are decorative and informational insignia worn on еру uniform of servicemen. In the past, they were relatively standard in design. However, since 2014, new volunteer battalions, military organizations, and units have emerged—each with their own unique chevrons.

The primary function of chevrons is to distinguish between friendly and enemy forces at a distance. This is why chevrons typically have no more than four colors and four symbols or emblems—this allows them to be easily recognizable even with the naked eye. Chevrons also convey information about the wearer's affiliation to a particular unit, formation, or military branch. Additionally, they can indicate the specific duties and specialties of the serviceman. For instance, chevrons can distinguish between marines, infantry troops, and other branches.

Beyond their practical purpose, these patches often carry significant historical and symbolic meaning. They can represent the role of a particular military unit within the army, its values, historical events, and inspirational figures.

A Ukrainian soldier's right sleeve bears an emblem indicating their branch or type of military service. The left sleeve displays the insignia of the military unit in which they serve.

In essence, the chevrons on a military uniform can reveal much more about the wearer than simply their regimental or battalion affiliation. They serve as visual narratives, embodying the history, values, and identity of Ukraine's military forces.

Here are some of the official and unofficial insignias of the Ukrainian Army:

Official:

UA Special Operations Forces:

The symbol of the main structure of the UA SOF is a silver werewolf with golden eyes. According to legend, Ukrainian Cossacks were able to turn into wolves and catch arrows with their hands.

A3955 Military Unit:

This official sleeve insignia of the A3955 military unit was developed by Ukrainian graphic designer and artist Roman Shostya in February 2020. The color scheme of the chevron indicates that the military formation belongs to pontoon-bridge units that can operate not only on land but also on the water. The beaver symbolizes the unit's engineering skills, efficiency, vigilance, and devotion.

73rd Naval Center of Special Operations:

In 2019, the official sleeve insignia of the 73rd Naval Center of Special Operations—named after Chief of Staff Antin Holovaty—was created. The seahorse on the patch symbolizes the marine nature of the center and its adaptability to the aquatic environment. The sword symbolizes devotion to military affairs, the ability to perform tasks under any conditions, and the center's connection to military intelligence.

32nd Rocket Artillery Regiment:

The official sleeve insignia of the 32nd Rocket Artillery Regiment depicts a dragon with flames erupting from its mouth above water. It is believed that these flames are an analogy to the missiles fired by rocket artillery. 

801st Separate Submarine Anti-Sabotage Detachment:

As the servicemen themselves explain, there is no particular symbolism in the emblem of the official sleeve insignia of the 801st Separate Submarine Anti-Sabotage Detachment, although the shark does seem to represent the bad guys they have to fight.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense:

Perhaps the most spine-tingling is the emblem of the The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (HUR MO) that depicts an owl clutching a sword that pierces the territory of Russia. The motto of the Ukrainian intelligence service is written in Latin: "Sapiens dominabitur astris" (which translates to "The wise will rule the stars"). The owl is a predator that feeds on bats—a symbol of Russian intelligence. The symbolism is also evident in the motto of the Ukrainian intelligence service: "The wise will rule the stars." The motto of the Russian intelligence service is: "Only the stars are above us."

Medical Forces:

The brown color of the trident for the classical Chevron of the Medical Forces was chosen not without reason. It resembles the color of cinnamon or bark, and in the Ukrainian People's Army (UNR Army), it was even called not brown, but cinnamon. This color was chosen for marking military personnel—medics. Cinnamon was considered a common medicinal remedy. Another version shows a snake coiled with its head upward around the Rod of Asclepius, which is one of the most recognized symbols of medicine.

Unofficial:

LGBTI Military:

Some of the most recognised unofficial patches include the patches of LGBT military personnel, which show a unicorn with military ammunition surrounded in flames. Irina Nirsha, the coordinator of the NGO "Ukrainian LGBT Military for Equal Rights," explains: "In heraldry, the unicorn is likened to a brave soldier who is more ready to die than to fall alive into the hands of the enemy."

Ukrainian Battle Witches:

At the beginning of full-scale war, Ukrainian volunteer, Rina Starcheus, sent two of her children and other family members to western Ukraine while she herself joined the ranks of the Territorial Defense Forces. She complimented her military uniform with floral scarves and elf-like ears. Soon, other volunteers adopted her unique style. It was then that the unofficial unit of Ukrainian Battle Witches emerged with their distinctive sleeve insignia.

“Donbas” Volunteer Territorial Defense Battalion:

The chevron of the “Donbas” Volunteer Territorial Defense Battalion, formed in April 2014, depicts a picture of an eagle over the sun rising above the water. The imagery often includes the unofficial slogan: “The sun will rise over free/liberated Donbas.”

Communications and Cybersecurity Forces:

The Communications and Cybersecurity Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine use the imagery of lightning and radio waves in their chevrons, which is pretty self-explanatory.

Zakarpattia Volunteer Special Unit "Sonechko":

The chevron of the Zakarpattia Volunteer Special Unit "Sonechko" depicts a sun lovingly gazing upon Ukrainian wheat fields. The unit commander explains the meaning of the patch: "The depiction of the sun was chosen to show that tough special forces soldiers can also bring rays of kindness and light."

International Legion of Defense Forces of Ukraine:

This is one of the variations of the chevron for the International Legion of Defense Forces of Ukraine.

Others:

There are hundreds of unofficial patches Ukrainian soldiers wear for many different reasons, but the main reason is probably to uplift spirits, of course, using a little bit of humor and irony:

A chevron “Donbasonia,” a word play using “Donbas” and famous clothing brand “Patagonia”.

A chevron with the imagery of the Holy Mary holding a rifle, as religion and spirituality takes on a new form on the frontline.

This one seemingly depicts a deminer with difficult-to-translate wordplay, but if we had to, it would say something like:

“Hope it doesn’t blow the hell up.”