Civilian Defense Armbands

OCD Armband Specifications

As no uniform was issued to Civilian Defense Corps volunteers, for many, wearing an armband (or brassard) constituted their main identifying insignia.

The armbands were durable, washable white cloth bands, five inches deep and 10 to 18 inches in length, with emblems 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter in the center of the armband. They were usually attached to the upper left arm using a safety pin, but shorter style armbands have tie strings.

The logo of each unit was printed, embroidered, sewn dye cut felt or stencilled in blue and red on a white armband.

State and Local Staff Corps armbands differ from the foregoing as follows: the basic "CD" insignia, not including "U.S.", 4 inches in diameter, was attached to the armband at the top edge, center. Initials, or state abbreviations such as "S.C" for South Carolina, or "Mass." for Massachusetts, appeared below the basic "CD" insigne, such letters running in a horizontal line on the armband.

State designations may be applied to all other designs where State Defense Councils had decided they were applicable but were not required by the Office of Civilian Defense (OCD).

It was unlawful to wear a civil defense armband if not a member of the unit.