United States Navy & Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia
Criteria: The Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia (formerly the Naval Parachutist Insignia) is an insignia depicting an open parachute with outstretched wings. It is authorized for officers and enlisted personnel who were awarded the Basic Parachutist Insignia and, under competent orders, have completed a minimum of five additional static-line or P3 jumps, to include:
(1) combat equipment day jump, two (2) combat equipment night jumps, and employ at least two (2) different types of military aircraft.
In 1963 Chief of Naval Operations Admiral George W. Anderson, on the recommendation by Major Bruce F. Meyers of the Marine Corps Test Unit, authorized the adoption of a new, distinctively naval badge modeled after the insignia of the Paramarines and naval aviation from World War II.
While all Marines can be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Badge, its wear in conjunction with the Combatant or SCUBA Diver insignia identify Battalion Recon and Force Recon Marines. Recon Marines not yet qualified for the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia continue to wear the Basic Parachutist Insignia.