Our Heritage

Session VII

The Symbols

The FLAGThe trinity is seen in the colors of the flag.

– Field of Red - Blood of Jesus

– Yellow Star - symbolizing the Holy Spirit

– Field of Blue - purity and holiness of God

Army’s Motto: “Blood and Fire”

– Blood of Jesus

– Fire of the Holy Spirit

The CREST•The “crown of glory” sits above the sun.

•Army’s Motto: “Blood and Fire”

•The cross is surrounded by “S” for salvation

•Two swords criss-cross– they represent the sword of the Spirit -

the Bible

•Seven Gospel shots:– Gospel shots were verses of Scripture

– called out in the open air meeting.

– There are no known specific verses.

•The Army colors are represented - red, yellow and blue

The SHIELD

•This is a copyrighted trademark.•It must always appear in red coloring.

Uniform Insignia

An Army is defined by it’s uniform. As an act of membership and recruitment into the war against Satan, Salvationists wear a uniform. On the uniform are “insignia.” The insignia tell you who and what the soldier is in the “ranks.”

Everyone begins (and continues) as a SOLDIER.

The SOLDIER•Blue epaulets on the shoulder and a blue patch with “S” on the chest

• Band & Songster add white piping on the epaulet.

• Corps names may be attached to the epaulet.

•Some soldiers becomes CADETS

The CADET•Blue epaulets with one or two cross bars on the epaulet and a blue patch with “S” on the chest.

• One cross bar signifies first year of a two year training.

• Two cross bars signify the second year of a two year training.

•A cadet is commissioned as an OFFICER

The OFFICER•Red epaulets on the shoulder and a red patch with “S” on the chest.

•The insignia on the officer red epaulet will tell you their rank.

One Star = Lieutenant

The rank of Lieutenant is received at one’s commissioning and ordination. An officer holds the rank of Lieutenant for 5 years. Continuing education is required for promotion.

Two stars = Captain

The rank of Captain is received after completing 5 years of service and completing all continuing education requirements. An officer remains a Captain until their 20th year of service.

Plain red epaulet = Auxiliary Captain

This is a “field” commission. The A/Captain has the full rights of officership and ordination. After successfully completing 5 years, the A/Captain can receive full status as a Captain, wearing two stars on the epaulets.

Crest = Major

An officer receives the rank of Major after completing 20 years of service.

All officers will hold this rank into retirement unless they are appointed to a staff position and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

Crest with Silver piping = Colonel

A Lt. Colonel has silver piping around the epaulet.

A “full” Colonel has silver piping around the epaulet, chest patch and shild on the hat/cap.

Maroon velvet with Silver Crest=Commissioner

Only those promoted by the General hold the rank of Commissioner. This rank is reserved for Territorial Commanders and high ranking positions at International Headquarters.

Maroon velvet with Gold Crest and “S” = General

There is only one active General in the world. This rank comes with election of the High Council. If the General is a married man, his wife is holds her own rank of Commissioner. As a couple, the General and his wife are referred to as “The General and Commissioner.” For example, “The General John Gowans and Commissioner Gisèle Gowans.”

End of Session VII