I'm an Air Force memberwho's just been approved for Blue to Green program, and will be transfering to the Army soon.

I was permanently awarded the Basic Aircrewmember Badge during my Air Force Service. From what I've been able to read in this forum, this will transfer over with me, but do I wear the Army version of the badge, or keep the AF version?

What about the ACU's. Is there somewhere I can purchase black AF badges, or is there some method for me to do it myself?

Thanks for all your help.

My understanding is you wear the AF Aircrew Badge unless you come in to the Army in to the Aviatoin and are awarded the Army Aviation Badge. Then the Army badge would take the place of the Air Force badge. As far as where you could by subdued, pin-on AF badges, check around on the internet--I'm sure you could find something.

From AR670-1 Paragraph 29-13 'Badges authorized for wear on Army uniforms':

g. In accordance with AR 600–8–22, personnel must obtain authority from HQDA before wearing badges on the
uniform that were awarded by other U.S. Services, or by the Director of Civilian Marksmanship. The following rules
apply when wearing badges from other U.S. Services.
(1) Military combat or special skill badges awarded by other U.S. Services that are similar to U.S. Army combat or
special skill badges are worn on the Army uniform in the same manner as U.S. Army combat or special skill badges,
only if no Army badges are authorized for wear in the same group. For example, a soldier who had no group 3 badges
could wear aviation badges awarded by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) as group 3 badges (as Army Aviation and Aviator
badges are worn). However, if the individual was authorized to wear an Army badge in group 3, the soldier would not
be authorized to wear the group 3 badge from the USAF.
(2) Skill badges awarded by other U.S. Services that are not similar to Army skill badges are worn as group 4
badges.
(3) Badges from other U.S. Services that indicate career fields are not authorized for wear, such as USAF medical
insignia, or badges used to identify the duty, function, or classification of the wearer. Some examples are USAF fire
protection, air training command instructor, security police, or the Naval aviation warfare specialist.

From AR 600-8-22 paragraph 8-3 'Special Guidance':
a. Effective 30 September 1986, locally established special skill badges are no longer authorized for wear. Authority
for major commanders to approve local badges is rescinded.
b. AR 670–1 governs the wear of badges issued by other Services. For issues involving wear of badges, submit
written request to Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1, (ODCS, G-1) Uniform Policy, ATTN: DAPE–HR–S, 300
Army Pentagon Washington, DC 20310–0300.
c. Written authority must be obtained from USA HRC (AHRC–PDO–PA) before wearing badges awarded by other
U.S. Services and the Civilian Marksmanship Program on the Army uniform

Sounds like you can wear the AF Badge unless you are actually awarded the Army equivalent. Your Personnel clerk/NCO should be able to guide you through the approval procedure, it seems pretty standard.

This very question was asked on AKO's S-1 Personnel forum about a navy badge; The answer is from a retired CW5 and facilitator of the S1 net:

"Look at para 8-3, AR 600-8-22 for the address to send the request to. I would use a DA Form 4187"

I'm in the same boat. I haven't been able to find it in subdued metal anywhere, but you can make your own. Look for a small bottle of paint at clothing sales, usually sold on the insignia racks called "STA-BLACK" by Ira Green Inc. I've painted both aircrew wings and the new space badge (which is now available from Vanguard in black metal) with excellent initial results. I don't know how they'll wear, but it's pretty easy to re-apply.

-Sean

I actually emailed Vanguard and asked it they actually make black AF badges or could do a limited run...their reply was "they're not authorized".

I ended up doing the same thing with the "STA-BLACK". I also did a set of my badges with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black with an overcoat of Crystal Clear. Might be a tad to glossy with the clearcoat though, but I was afraid of the paint scratching off without it.

Still got about a month and a half before I wear ACUs, so I still have some time to figure out a better solution.

I've heard of people getting the badges powdercoated and also people using that black enamel they use on grills.