The new patch, denoting qualification for service in Arctic conditions, was added to the list containing such well know ones as Airborne, Ranger, Sapper or Special Forces.

According to the policy approved in February 2020 by USARPAC commander, General Paul J. LaCamera, soldiers qualified for Arctic operations assigned to the USARPAC (US Army Pacific) units can now wear the Arctic Tab while serving in the USARPAC. The patch, however, cannot be worn when the soldier is temporarily stationed outside of the USARPAC theater or on a foreign mission.

The original version of the Arctic Tab badge can be seen in the photo above, worn by Colonel Adam Lange, Deputy Commander, US Army Alaska.

Soldiers that completed the Cold Weather Leaders Course (CWLC) in January 17, 2020 at the Black Rapids training center in Alaska were the first to receive a new patch.

CWLC is a fifteen-day course where team and squad leaders improve their knowledge and skills required to perform operations of small units in cold, snowy terrain. Soldiers learn from the basics of standing and navigating on skis and snowshoes to the full range of Arctic survival skills.

Cold Weather Orientation Course (CWOC) is a four-day course for commanders and staff officers, aimed at familiarizing with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective planning and conducting operations in the Arctic environment. Emphasis is placed on the effects of low temperature on personnel and equipment, the impact of the environment on operations, and planning considerations specific to a winter battlefield and cold regions. Risk management procedures at low temperatures are emphasized throughout the course.

After completing the above mentioned courses, soldiers are entitled to implement basic programs for operating in low temperature conditions and ski training in their own units.

However, there are comments that equating with the Arctic Tab, which you get after a 15-day training course, withSpecial Forces, Ranger or Airborne Tabs, which are a real achievement to get, is silly, to say the least...

Source: soldiersystems.net, wikimedia.org, sofrep.com, usar.army.mil, army.mil