
The old Navy covers the founding of the military branch and its innovation in using ironclads in the 1860s. Most military historians divide the history of the Navy into two distinct periods. Navy was founded during a session of the Second Continental Congress on Oct. Some of the badges and insignia issued to Navy service members before and during World War II are no longer in use. The badges and insignia that the Navy issues has changed somewhat over the years, in part because jobs, roles, and ranks have changed over time. Naval badges are limited to identification badges and those awarded for marksmanship, while "insignia" is the term for everything else, including things that are pinned onto formal uniforms and the tape strips sewn onto Navy work uniforms. The Navy draws a distinction between badges and insignia. Naturally, these badges and insignia have changed over time. Most badges and insignia from the Navy are also worn by members of the Marine Corps.

Both reserve and active duty personnel wear them. The Navy issues them to honor service members who obtain certain honors or earn selected accomplishments or qualifications. Navy wear badges and insignia issued by the Department of the Navy.
