[2] The original Army Parachutist Badge was designed in 1941 by Captain (later Lieutenant General) William P. Yarborough and approved by the Department of War in March of that year.

LTG Yarborough also designed the Senior and Master Parachutist Badges and the addition of stars to portray the number of combat jumps.

The original airborne background trimming was also a contribution of Captain Yarborough, who attempted to address a concern that the Parachutist Badge was too small and did not stand out on the uniform.

[10] The use of stars as combat jump devices gained official approval after the 1983 invasion of Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury).

Due to popular demand, the Air Force decided to revert to issuing the Army style parachutist badges in 1963.

[18] When a US Navy enlisted member initially qualifies as a static line parachutist, an entry shall be made on NAVPERS 1070/613 (commonly referred to as a "Page 13" entry) of the US Navy enlisted service record indicating the date of qualification, type(s) of aircraft in which qualified, and unit at which the training was received.

[18] A qualified static-line parachute jumper who successfully completes the prescribed program of instruction while attending a formal, interservice training facility including a minimum of 10 military free-fall parachute jumps, at least 2 of which must have been conducted carrying full combat equipment (1 day/1 night), may qualify.

Navy enlisted members are authorized the military free-fall parachutist (FPJ) designator added to their rating.

[18] For both Static Line and Military Free Fall Parachutist qualified personnel, a service record entry shall also indicate whether or not the member is HALO-qualified.

Currently, due to a recent change, newly pinned Navy EOD technicians are required to attend the U.S. Army's Basic Airborne School upon graduation.

As well, a number of SWCC personnel earn the Military Parachutist Badge in conjunction with their assignment to a Special Boat Team detachment that uses the Maritime Craft Air Delivery System (MCADS).

During WWII, U.S. Marine Corps paratroopers issued the silver U.S. Military Parachutist Badge commonly wore—against regulations—the gold "Rigger wings" because the believed it looked better on their uniform.