Guardians of the Pentagon
An authoritative overview of the insignia signifying service within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, detailing its history, award criteria, and cultural significance.
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Overview
The OSD Identification Badge
The Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge is a distinguished military award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces. It signifies permanent assignment to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and its associated subordinate offices, as well as certain Defense Agencies and Department of Defense Field Activities.
Symbol of Service
This badge serves as a tangible recognition of dedicated service within the highest echelons of the Department of Defense. Its issuance underscores a commitment to the strategic and administrative functions that support the nation's defense apparatus.
Official Recognition
Established to standardize identification and acknowledge the unique responsibilities held by personnel within OSD, the badge represents a formal acknowledgment of their critical roles in national security operations and policy implementation.
Historical Evolution
Genesis of the Badge
The origins of this identification badge trace back to 1949 when it was initially conceived as the "National Military Establishment Identification Badge." This early designation reflected the post-World War II reorganization of the U.S. military structure.
Name Changes
Following the establishment of the Department of Defense in 1949, the badge underwent its first name change in 1950, becoming the "Department of Defense Identification Badge." Its current nomenclature, the "Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge," was formally adopted on December 20, 1962, solidifying its specific association with the OSD leadership.
Award Criteria
Eligibility Requirements
The OSD Identification Badge is awarded as a permanent decoration, intended to be worn throughout an individual's military career. To qualify, service members must meet specific service duration criteria:
- A minimum of one year of service within or in direct support of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
- For Reserve component personnel not on active duty, a minimum of two years of qualifying service is required.
This criterion ensures that recipients have demonstrated sustained commitment and contribution to the OSD's mission.
Designated Organizational Elements
Military personnel are eligible for the badge when assigned on a permanent basis to any of the following key organizational elements within the Department of Defense:
- The immediate offices of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense.
- Offices of the Under Secretaries of Defense.
- Offices of the Assistant Secretaries of Defense.
- The Office of the General Counsel of the Department of Defense.
- The Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense.
- Offices of the Assistants to the Secretary of Defense or Deputy Secretary of Defense.
- The Office of the Defense Advisor, U.S. Mission to NATO.
- Offices of the Directors of Net Assessment.
- The Office of the Director of Administration and Management (DA&M).
- The Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E).
- Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO).
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
- Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Notable Recipients
Distinguished Individuals
Over the years, numerous distinguished military leaders and personnel have been recognized with the OSD Identification Badge. Their service has significantly contributed to the Department of Defense's mission. Notable recipients include:
- Daniel "Chappie" James Jr.
- Hal Moore
- Colin Powell
- Norman Schwarzkopf
- Andria Slough
- John F. Kelly
- James Mattis
- William N. Jackomis, PhD, MS
Cultural Resonance
Depiction in Media
The OSD Identification Badge has made appearances in popular culture, symbolizing the authority and operational context of high-level defense personnel. A notable instance is its inclusion in the 1969 film Easy Rider. The leather jacket worn by Peter Fonda's character, Wyatt (also known as "Captain America"), prominently featured the OSD Identification Badge affixed to the left breast, integrating the symbol into the film's counter-culture narrative.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not official military guidance or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official Department of Defense regulations, directives, or consultation with qualified military personnel or historians. Always refer to official sources for definitive information regarding military awards, criteria, and history.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.