In the United States Army, soldiers may wear insignia to denote membership in a particular area of military specialism and series of functional areas. Army branch insignia is similar to the line officer and staff corps officer devices of the U.S. Navy as well as to the Navy enlisted rating badges. The Medical, Nurse, Dental, Veterinary, Medical Service, Medical Specialist, Chaplains, and Judge Advocate General's Corps are considered "special branches", while the others are "basic branches".
Military awards have been in use from time immemorial in all the world's cultures. Warriors have been recognized for distinguished service by their country's leaders and singled out for special treatment and rewards. Participation in wars or conflicts gave rise to specific medals and campaign ribbon's signifying participation in that specific battle or conflict. Veterans in a country's military can instantly recognize the wearer's military history by scanning the display of service ribbons and individual awards on a uniform.
Each country has its own distinguishable awards and medals that
serve the same purposes as stated above. It is not uncommon for a country to present one of its own military awards to foreign participants for distinguished and notable service towards the presenting country's benefit.
