Saudi Law of Military Insignias and Its Implementing Regulations, established on April 23, 1987, outlines the criteria for awarding military medals and badges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This law consists of six articles and applies specifically to military personnel who merit recognition for their service. Insignias are worn on military uniforms, with each one signifying a particular classification. The law defines the types of military insignias, their descriptions, and the conditions for awarding them, based on the individual’s qualifications, eligibility, and demonstrated skills in practical or technical work.
Military rank insignias
As stated in Article One of the Saudi Law of Military Insignias and its Implementing Regulations, insignias serve as distinctive symbols of honor and encouragement, worn on military uniforms in specified forms. They are awarded to individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievements or excel in military service and strategy. The alternative insignias, miniature versions of the military medal, are worn on civilian attire. The insignia consists of a ten by thirty-five mm strip of cloth in the colors of the medal ribbon, affixed to the left side of the chest above the pocket.
Military insignias are awarded by the decision of the relevant minister to those who fulfill the eligibility criteria outlined in the law and its regulations, along with any additional instructions issued. The Implementing Regulations specify the procedures for nominating, awarding, wearing, and possibly revoking or temporarily suspending these insignia. All related rules are issued through a decision by the Council of Ministers.
Military insignias awarding mechanism
Insignias are awarded to Saudis, with several specifically dedicated to them, including the Leadership Insignia, Military Administration Insignia, Rescue Insignia, Proficiency Insignia, Shooter Insignia, and Military Service Insignia. In addition, other medals, such as the Courage Insignia, Battle Insignia, Honor Insignia, Security Insignia, Teacher Insignia, InsigniaInsignia, Hajj Insignia, and Training Insignia, are awarded to Saudis and participants from other countries.
Military personnel receive these insignias for their distinguished actions during military or security operations, such as raids, rescuing captives and hostages, or fighting terrorism. They may also be awarded based on the decision of the relevant minister within any military sector.
Criteria for awarding military insignias in Saudi Arabia
Military insignias, as well as their descriptions and conditions for awarding them, are determined as follows:
- Leadership Insignia: Awarded to distinguished Saudi military personnel who have served in leadership roles for at least three years. Recipients must demonstrate excellence in decision-making and planning, leading to improved performance in training or the execution of military or security operations.
- Courage Insignia: Awarded to Saudi military personnel and their allies from friendly nations for acts of courage, such as valor on the battlefield, heroic deeds during military or security missions, including raids, rescuing captives and hostages, and combating terrorism.
- Battle Insignia: Given to Saudi military personnel and civilians who participated in a military battle, along with those from allied and friendly countries. Recipients are recognized in a certificate signed by the commanding officer, specifying the date, location, and mission details.
- Honor Insignia: Awarded to Saudi military personnel and their allied fighters who are injured while performing their duty.
- Military Administration Insignia: Bestowed upon military personnel who demonstrate creativity in military or security administration, enhance unit readiness, represent the country with distinction and pride abroad, or excel in developing strategic plans for military or security operations, recognizing exceptional management of military, engineering projects, and construction projects.
- Shooter Insignia: Awarded to Saudi military personnel for successfully hitting enemy targets, excelling in military and security training for two consecutive years, or being selected to represent the country abroad in shooting competitions.
- Security Insignia: Granted to military and civilian personnel in the military sectors, as well as their allies in friendly nations, for providing intelligence or reconnaissance on enemy activities or performing tasks that benefit public safety and security.
- Rescue Insignia: Recognizes military personnel and civilians who have participated in life-saving efforts during relief, rescue, or disaster operations.
- Teacher Insignia: Awarded to Saudi military personnel, civilians, and their allies in friendly countries who have taught at military colleges, institutes, schools, or training centers for at least three years, with an outstanding performance rating in their role.
- Proficiency Insignia: Given to military personnel and civilians operating in military sectors who demonstrate exceptional technical skill, mastery of their specialization, and contribute to raising the operational readiness of forces. This includes excellence in the maintenance and operation of weapons, equipment, and ammunition, as well as in security and safety practices. Recipients must have at least one year of experience in their field.
- Innovation Insignia: Awarded to Saudi military personnel, civilians, and allied forces from friendly countries for achievements in innovation, scientific or technical inventions, or for presenting studies or research. These contributions must benefit the development of weapons, equipment, or military and security technology.
- Military Service Insignia: 1. As per executive procedures, awarded to Saudi military personnel who have completed ten years of continuous active service, as long as they have not received any of the following penalties during this period: legal punishment, imprisonment for more than forty-five days in total, salary deductions exceeding forty-five days, or a combination of imprisonment and salary deductions totaling more than forty-five days. After the first award, the insignia is granted every five years, with each service period treated independently regarding penalties.
2. If a military member is reinstated after resignation or non-disciplinary termination, their prior continuous service is counted toward the Military Service Insignia.
- Hajj Insignia: Awarded to military and civilian personnel, as well as participants from allied and friendly countries, who contributed to Hajj activities and served the pilgrims. The award is based on exceptional service that positively impacted the overall Hajj plan. It can be awarded again after five years, based on merit, without the requirement of consecutive participation.
- Training Insignia: Awarded to Saudi military personnel and their counterparts from allied and friendly countries who participate in live ammunition exercises. A certificate signed by the formation commander or authorized representative, detailing the exercise name, location, and date, accompanies the insignia. It can be awarded again after five years without the need for consecutive participation.
An amendment to Article Two of the law authorized the creation of the "Tabuk 1" Insignia for participants in the joint exercise between the Royal Saudi Land Forces and the Egyptian Armed Forces, and the "Friendship 1" Insignia for those involved in the joint exercise between the Royal Saudi Land Forces and U.S. forces, awarded as a one-time honor.
Forms of military insignias in Saudi Arabia
The military insignia is a circular pendant attached to a multi-colored ribbon, typically featuring colors like red, yellow, green, brown, black, and blue. These insignias come in specific sizes and various shapes, often adorned with symbols such as the Saudi emblem, a pen, or an illustration of Masmak Palace. Other designs might include a bow and arrows, a map of the Islamic world, or palm fronds and a sword, depending on the insignia's classification and significance. Some insignias also display their names.
The alternative insignia is a smaller version of the original military insignia, designed to be worn on civilian clothing.
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