U.S. Border Patrol Authorized Devices
U.S. Border Patrol Authorized Devices recognize and identify employees who have attained qualifications and specific skills in specialized fields. Authorized Devices are divided into two categories: Qualification Devices and Specialty Devices.
Qualification Devices - Insignias which identify that the employee is qualified to wear the device and is active in the specialty. Qualification Devices convey expectations and advertises that the employee possess skills that may only be exercised while in an active status. Therefore, an employee may wear Qualification Devices only while they are active members within the governing program.
Specialty Devices - Insignias that recognize that an employee has met the established criteria to be awarded the device. Once awarded, employees may wear Specialty Devices for the remainder of their career, as long as they remain in good standing with the Headquarters managing division.
Several of the devices were designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry (TIOH). Follow the links to view the TIOH spec sheets:
Some devices are presented in polished version for wear on dress uniforms and subdued for wear on rough duty uniforms. Most devices are presented in sets with two or three different sizes:
In 2018, Interim Wear Guidance for U.S. Border Patrol Authorized Devices was issued. Those changes were incorporated into the 2021 Uniform Policy. Furthermore, on April 23, 2024, the USBP issued updated interim guidance for wearing Authorized Devices and USBP Honorary Awards.
Qualification Devices - Insignias which identify that the employee is qualified to wear the device and is active in the specialty. Qualification Devices convey expectations and advertises that the employee possess skills that may only be exercised while in an active status. Therefore, an employee may wear Qualification Devices only while they are active members within the governing program.
Specialty Devices - Insignias that recognize that an employee has met the established criteria to be awarded the device. Once awarded, employees may wear Specialty Devices for the remainder of their career, as long as they remain in good standing with the Headquarters managing division.
Several of the devices were designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry (TIOH). Follow the links to view the TIOH spec sheets:
- BORTAC Device (September 26, 2001)
- Chaplain Device (September 5, 2001)
- Honor Guard Device (April 26, 1999)
Some devices are presented in polished version for wear on dress uniforms and subdued for wear on rough duty uniforms. Most devices are presented in sets with two or three different sizes:
- Full size for wear on the Ike Jacket, Honor Guard coat and Pipes and Drum coat.
- Miniature size for wear on dress uniform and rough duty shirts.
- Lapel pins for wear in civilian clothes.
In 2018, Interim Wear Guidance for U.S. Border Patrol Authorized Devices was issued. Those changes were incorporated into the 2021 Uniform Policy. Furthermore, on April 23, 2024, the USBP issued updated interim guidance for wearing Authorized Devices and USBP Honorary Awards.
The insignia below are not to scale with one another.
Qualification Devices
USBP Chaplain Device
These devices are generally off-the-shelf purchases. Although this example shows gold letters, the design worn by agents will be influenced by state law and local norms.
These devices are generally off-the-shelf purchases.
National Border Patrol Council Representative Device
USBP Peer Suppor Device
These medical specialty devices were recently posted on official USBP social media accounts. HonorFirst.com has no additional information concerning them.
Specialty Devices
USBP BORTAC Device
USBP BORSTAR Device
These devices are generally off-the-shelf purchases. Agents may wear the gold polished device in dress uniform or a subdued version while in rough duty uniform.
CBP Marine Program Devices.
These insignia are managed by Air and Marine Operations. There are four levels of qualification within this specialty.
USBP Honor Guard Device
USBP Horse Patrol Device. This device comes in two variants: subdued (shown) for wear in rough duty uniform and a gold polished variant for wear in dress uniform.
U.S. Border Patrol Authorized Devices
A special thanks to USBP HQ and MIGRAJOE for supplying many of the images. Please visit MIGRAJOE's U.S. Border Patrol Qualification Badges/Devices page for additional photos including historic insignia and his main page for information on purchasing his USBP history book.
