Description
Irish Army Irish Naval Service cap Badge
Complete with lugs and slider
Irish Defence Forces Cap Badge (Common Design)
The basic badge used across the Irish Defence Forces (Army, Naval Service, and Air Corps) features a sunburst/starburst emblem with the Gaelic letters “FF” in the centre, surrounded by a sword belt and often the words Óglaigh na h-Éireann (Irish for Soldiers of Ireland).
This design was originally created in 1913 and adopted by the Irish Volunteers and later the Defence Forces.
☘️ Irish Army Cap Badge
In the Army, this sunburst FF-badge is the standard cap badge worn by all ranks on berets and other headgear.
It’s sometimes called the “Army Badge” in official regulations but is part of the Defence Forces’ shared insignia.
Variants exist in different metals/finishes depending on rank (e.g., stay-brite brass for enlisted, larger bronze for officers).
⚓ Irish Naval Service Cap Badge
The Naval Service uses the same basic FF Defence Forces badge,
Officers’ and petty officers’ badges can include embroidered gold bullion and additional detailing specific to naval dress.
🛡 Badge Symbolism
“FF” stands for Fianna Fáil, meaning “Soldiers of Destiny” — symbolic of Ireland’s ancient warrior tradition.
Óglaigh na h-Éireann is Irish for “Irish Volunteers/Soldiers of Ireland” and is the Irish Defence Forces’ official Irish-language name.
