How to apply for the development of a shoulder sleeve insignia: Step-by-step guide:

The development and introduction of shoulder sleeve insignia are carried out in accordance with a clear and consistent procedure. This ensures the unity and recognizability of the military insignia of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, observance of historical and traditional heraldic canons, and strict compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

The procedure guarantees that each shoulder sleeve insignia:

• Reflects the unit’s unique history and combat record;
• Adheres to a cohesive artistic style and color scheme consistent with the respective branch or arm of service;
• Is developed in line with established heraldic principles, reflecting Ukraine’s heritage, and is then reviewed by a designated commission consisting of historians, technologists, and artists. The process includes continuous coordination with the respective military unit, followed by submission to senior leadership for final approval.

The implementation of this algorithm ensures the consolidation of unit identity, reinforces the morale and psychological resilience of service members, and contributes to the advancement of military culture in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

1. Regulatory framework

The procedure for creating and approving shoulder sleeve insignia is regulated by the ‘Methodological Guidelines on Certain Aspects of the Development and Implementation of Military Insignia in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, approved by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine on 14 January 2020.

2. Submitting an application

Each military unit, body of military command and administration, higher military educational institution, establishment, and organization is entitled to its own shoulder sleeve insignia.

For the purpose of developing a shoulder sleeve insignia, the commander (chief, director) submits an application to the Central Directorate for the Development of Logistics Support of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

The application shall be accompanied by an information brief containing:

• historical background;
• simplified organizational structure;
• location of permanent stationing (garrison);
• type of military unit; the higher command to which it is subordinated; and its operational specifics;
• if available, proposed elements for the shoulder sleeve insignia, presented in graphic or textual form.

3. Preliminary assessment

The application and its attachments are reviewed within the specified timeframe (up to 10 days). At this stage, the following are verified:

• Adherence to heraldic principles and insignia requirements;
• No duplication of already approved insignia;
• Adherence to a unified artistic style;
• Absence of plagiarism.

4. Design development

Upon approval, a group of specialists (historians, artists, technologists) produces a sketch of the shoulder sleeve insignia, subject to preliminary coordination with the relevant military unit or body of military command and administration.

Key design principles:

• adherence to historical traditions and regional distinctiveness;
• use of the established color scheme for the respective branch or arm of service;
• emphasis on the operational functions of the military unit or command body;
• simplicity and clarity of design elements;
• no inscriptions, letters, numbers, or overloaded compositions.

5. Expert examination and endorsement

The sketch is forwarded to the Expert Council on Military Insignia, whose membership includes historians, artists, and technologists.

6. Approval

The final decision is made by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine or the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to the unit’s subordination. Only after this approval does the shoulder sleeve insignia acquire official status.

7. Use

Once approved, the shoulder sleeve insignia is mandatory for service members of the respective military unit. Pursuant to Order No. 606 of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, dated 20 November 2017, the use of military insignia not officially approved is prohibited within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.