Shoulder cords are typically worn with dress uniforms by members of a variety of military-oriented organizations, as well as by personnel in law enforcement and firefighting. There is considerable variation in the designations associated with the variously colored shoulder cords, with manuals often giving local Commanders and Instructors leeway to assign colors as they wish or to use them as rewards for academic performance or involvement in special teams such as drill or honor squads.
According to Cadet Command Regulation 145-2, for example, white shoulder cords are worn by members of the Army JROTC Color Guard (these regulations also point out individual JROTC programs may create single- and multi-color cords to designate the host institution so long as they are approved by U.S. Army Cadet Command).
In the Air Force and Navy Junior ROTC programs, shoulder cords with a brass or silver tip indicate the wearer is serving on staff. Consult your organization’s uniform regulations on any special guidance of shoulder cords by those in staff positions.
We also carry white closed-end shoulder cords (without metal tips) here.
