Chevron (insignia)

[1] Many comparatively recent examples appear from approximately 1800 BC onward, beginning as part of an archaeological recovery of pottery designs from the palace of Knossos on Crete in the modern day country of Greece.

Branch and tradition results in variations in rank titles (corporal of horse being the equivalent of sergeant in the Household Cavalry) and spellings (serjeant in The Rifles).

It was worn on the cuffs, forearms and tails of their coats, embroidered in gold bullion for the guards and silver for dragoons regiments.

After 1768, a similar pattern uniform as worn the King was introduced to general officers, with the number and spacing of the chevrons denoting rank.

The Israel Defense Forces use chevrons in various orientations as organizational designators on their vehicles, specifically which company within a battalion they belong to.

[8] NATO armed forces use the "Λ" chevron as insignia to represent the alliance between different armies, during peacekeeping missions.

The US-led coalition that took part in Operation Desert Storm used a black "Λ" chevron in a similar manner as NATO forces use it on their ground vehicles.

The design was created by a soldier from the 3rd Armored Division after the US military sought markings to identify coalition vehicles due to increased fratricide incidents.

[citation needed] Its symbolism, according to the artist SGT Grzywa, was meant to be a V for Victory, a tribute to WWII Coalition Forces.