Irish Defence Forces Badge

The badge was originally adopted by the Irish volunteers in October 1914 as the official badge of the organisation. The Centrepiece is formed of the letters "FF". These letters signify "Fianna Fáil". The word "Fianna" is the name of the ancient military organisation (Circa 3rd century A.D.) forming what then corresponded to he standing Army of the country. The word "Fáil" means "Destiny". One of the ancient names of Ireland was "Innisfail" (The Isle of Destiny) and "Fianna Fáil" thus signifies the "Fianna (or Army) of Ireland". The two letters aree surrounded by the representation of an ancient warrior's sword belt and a circle of flames which represent the "Sunburst" the traditional battle symbol of the Fianna. The words "Oglaigh na h-Eireann" inscribed around the sword belt mean "Soldiers of Ireland.  The Defence Forces Badge is worn by all members of the ARW on their "Green Berets"

Fianóglach (Ranger) Flash

The Fianóglach flash is the pride of all unit members and is presented to all successful candidates who finish the Selection Course of the ARW. The flash is based on the original US Army Ranger Flash. During the 1970's and 80's Ranger Courses were conducted through out the various Commands of the Defence Forces. Successful students on these courses earned their Fianóglach flash. It is worn on the uppermost left shoulder. The Fianóglach flash with a red background signifies that the wearer is or was a member of the Army Ranger Wing.

Irish Defence Forces Headquarters Flash

Operational control of the ARW is conducted through the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations. All unit members wear the badge of the Defence Forces Headquarters on their left shoulder. 
 

Army Ranger Wing
Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm

A black shield with gold wreath, sword and scroll. The Claoimh Solais (Sword of Light) in red.
This is the unit flash of the ARW and is worn on the right shoulder of the service dress.

Silver Parachute Wings

All members of the  ARW  must undergo parachute training . On successfully completion of five static line jumps unit members are presented with Silver Parachute Wings.  Qualified members can then progress onto freefall jumps. Some unit members also wear foreign wings where qualified.

ARW Combat Diver Badge

The ARW Combat Diver badge is awarded to members of the unit who successfully complete the Combat Diving Course. The course is conducted in conjunction with the Irish Naval Service Diving Section. Once qualified on SCUBA equipment the divers then progress on to the Re-Breather systems used by the ARW.  Again due to the training involved in qualifying as an ARW Combat Diver the badge is worn with pride by all divers.

ARW Sniper Badge

The Army Sniper badge is awarded to members of the unit who successfully complete the ARW Sniper Course. The course is conducted by Sniper instructors from within the unit. There is a strict qualifying process for all snipers so the badge is worn with pride.

Tunic Button

The button design is common to all corps and services  and to all orders of dress, it is derived from and is a replica of the buttons used on the uniforms of the Irish Volunteers. (1914) The letters "I.V." incorporated in the design stand for the "Irish Volunteers" and the Harp is long-established Irish national emblem.

DPM Fianóglach

This version of the Fianóglach appeared when the ARW first deployed to the jungles of East Timor with INTERFET.

National Colours

This miniature "Tri Colour" badge is worn on the left shoulder of the DPM combat uniform.  Used for identifying purposes while on overseas missions.

DPM Cloth Wings

The cloth wings are worn by all parachute qualified  personnel of the unit.