Parachute Rigger Badge (US Navy)

The U.S Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist badge was originally known as theU.S. Navy Certified Parachute Rigger badge and designed by American Insignia Company in 1942 for graduates of the U.S. Navy Parachute Rigger School. During WWII, despite being against uniform regulations it became common for U.S. Marine Corps paratroopers who were issued the silver U.S. Army Basic Parachutist badge to wear the gold Navy Certified Parachute Rigger badge because they believed the gold "Rigger wings" looked better on their uniform.[2]  This out of regulations wearing of the Parachute Rigger badge became so common that in July 1963 the Commander of United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance Bruce F. Meyers sent a request to Chief of Naval Operations Admrial [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Anderson_Jr. George W. Anderson Jr.] via Marine Corps Commandant General David M. Shoup requesting to officially make the Navy Parachute Rigger badge the parachutist badge for the Navy and Marine Corps. The request was approved by Admiral Anderson on July 12, 1963 per BuPers Notice 1020.[3]  Since 1963, being a graduate of the U.S. Navy Parachute Rigger School is no longer a requirement to earn the badge. The badge is authorized for officers and enlisted personnel who were awarded the basic parachutist insignia and, under competent orders, have completed a minimum of five additional static-line or premeditated personnel parachute jumps, to include a combat equipment day jump, two combat equipment night jumps, and employ at least two different types of military aircraft.

Training is accomplished by successful completion of the prescribed course of instruction while attending one of:
 * U.S. Army basic airborne course
 * U.S. Army basic military free-fall parachutist course
 * Other training certified by Chief of Naval Education and Training or approved by the Chief of Naval Operations