Badges and Insignia
Upon the creation of the Security and Intelligence Branch a new design of cap badge was approved. A badge of uniquely Canadian design was adopted with a Thunderbird as it's central image:
Within a garland of Maple Leaves or, a cartouche argent edged or charged with a Thunderbird Proper, affronte head turned to dexter, beneath the cartouche a motto ribbon or, the whole ensigned by Royal Crown Proper.
In October 1982, the Intelligence Branch was separated from the Security Branch and separate badges and insignia were approved for that service.
![]() The First Pattern of unification CF General Officer's cap badge was introduced about 1967. A unique Canadian design, it consists of the Royal Crest of Canada surmounting the crossed sword and baton, all surrounded by laurel leaves. It was worn by Army and Air Force General Officers and by Admirals until it was replaced by the current CF General's cap badge in the mid 1970s. A smaller version was produced as a beret badge. |
![]() The current pattern of General Officer's cap and beret badges. |
![]() First Pattern Officer's Cap Badge |
![]() Second Pattern Officer's Cap Badge |
![]() Approved First Pattern Officer's Beret Badge |
![]() Privately Manufactured Officer's Beret Badge |
The first pattern of Officer's cap badge was hand embroidered and was adopted around 1978. This pattern has since been replaced by an wire embroidered badge with a removable enamel center. Several variations of a smaller, wire embroidered beret badge have been privately produced.
During Basic Military Qualification training all Canadian Forces recruits wear the CF Universal Pattern Cap Badge, commonly known as the "cornflake". Upon graduation, members are posted to their chosen Branch or Regiment for trades training and wear cap badges and other insignia according to Branch or Regimental custom. Military Police candidates are authorized to wear the MP Branch cap badge but without the red Branch identifiers.
The first pattern cap badge is gilt and enamel. Introduced about 1970, it was originally worn by all ranks, although many former members of the Canadian Provost Corps and the RCAF could be seen wearing their old cap badges until the mid 1970's.
![]() C1978 - C1985 |
![]() 1985 - Present |
![]() First Pattern |
![]() Second Pattern |
These trades badges are not worn by officers.
![]() Level 1 |
![]() Level 2 |
![]() Level 3 |
![]() Level 4 |
![]() Level 1 |
![]() Level 2 |
![]() Level 3 |
![]() Level 4 |
The trade badges worn by the Army are similar to the ones worn by the Canadian Provost Corps. Two patterns exist, one for the Army DEU, and a pattern for the discontinued Garrison Dress Jacket. The badges show both occupation and qualification level and are worn by NCMs of the rank of Sergeant and below.
Upon the adoption of DEU in the early 1980s, metal shoulder titles were authorised with the branch motto SECURITAS. These were issued in right and left pairs and were worn on the epaulettes by all ranks.
Following the redesignation of the Security Branch to Military Police, new DEU titles were brought into wear. They are of gilt metal and are either MP or PM depending on the working language of the unit.
MP or PM titles embroidered in dull yellow gold on a green slip-on are worn on the DEU shirt epaulettes.
![]() Non Commissioned Members |
![]() Commissioned Officers |
Subdued insignia is worn on the Combat and new CADPAT uniforms. Subdued cap badges were worn on the combat cap and, rarely, on the green toque. Shoulder titles are sewn onto epaulette slip-ons and on the olive green combat brassard. In general, Regular Force MP platoons have a single number or simply MP on the shoulder title. "MP" is also found embroidered directly onto late 1970s - early 1980s vintage epaulette slip-ons.
New MP titles are currently being produced for the CADPAT uniform, in both TW and Arid patterns.
Reserve Force MP platoons have double digit numbers or wear the MP title. There is no known title for 3 MP Platoon and it is believed that the title of the parent formation (3 Service Battalion) was worn. Military Police assigned to duty as Regimental Police with Infantry Battalions (for example, the Royal Canadian Regiment)wear a miniature MP title above the Battalion title on the epaulette.
A combat title with the MP motto "Securitas" was developed and issued in small numbers for user trials in Halifax, but was not approved.
![]() First Pattern Combat Cap Badge |
![]() Variant First Pattern Combat Cap Badge |
![]() Late Pattern Combat Cap Badge |
![]() Variant Late Pattern Combat Cap Badge |
![]() Late 1970s Embroidered Epaulette |
![]() MP serving with the Royal Canadian Regiment |
Universal Canada Title
Combat
Universal MP Combat Title
English
Universal MP Combat Title
French
1 MP Platoon
1 MP Platoon (variant)
2 MP Platoon
Believed to be worn
by 3 MP Platoon c1970s
4 MP Platoon
5e Peleton de Police Militaire
First Pattern
5e Peleton de Police Militaire
error
5e Peleton de Police Militaire
later version
55 Peleton de Police Militaire
Canadian Forces School Of
Intelligence And Security
Security Branch
Trial Prototype
Military Police
Airfield Security Force
30 MP Platoon
30 MP Company
Service Batallion
Universal Canada Title
CADPAT TW
Universal Canada Title
CADPAT AR
Universal MP CADPAT TW Title
English
Universal MP CADPAT TW Title
French
Universal MP CADPAT AR Title
English
Universal MP CADPAT AR Title
French
1 Military Police Regiment
CADPAT TW
2 Military Police Regiment
CADPAT TW
5e Peleton de Police Militaire
CADPAT TW
Air Force Military Police
CADPAT TW
(Obsolete)
Air Force Police Militaire
CADPAT TW
(Obsolete)
Air Force Military Police
OG 107
During the 1980's and early 1990's a Garrison Uniform was issued to all Branches of the Canadian Forces. Known by the junior ranks as the "Paint By Numbers Jacket" it proved to be unpopular and was withdrawn by 1995. Special insignia was worn on the jacket, generally similar in pattern to Combat insignia but in a subdued old gold and green. Below are a few typical examples of Garrison Uniform Insignia.
![]() 18 MP Platoon Garrison Shoulder Title |
![]() 28 MP Platoon Garrison Shoulder Title |
![]() Security Branch Garrison Shoulder Title |
1 MP Platoon title and Corporal's rank insignia worn on the CF Work Dress or Garrison shirt.