The Arrowhead Device is a military award device that recognizes a service member’s participation in a combat parachute jump, combat helicopter assault, combat glider landing, or amphibious assault landing. Unlike devices that indicate additional awards or acts of valor, the Arrowhead Device identifies direct participation in one of these hazardous assault operations.
Although it is a relatively uncommon military award device, the Arrowhead carries significant meaning. It highlights service members who were among the first to enter hostile areas during military operations, often facing considerable danger while establishing an initial foothold for follow-on forces.
What Is the Arrowhead Device?
The Arrowhead Device is a small bronze arrowhead attached to certain military medals and service ribbons.
It signifies that the recipient took part in a qualifying assault landing during a military campaign or operation.
The device recognizes participation in one of four types of assault landings:
- Combat parachute jump
- Combat helicopter assault
- Combat glider landing
- Amphibious assault landing
Only service members who personally participated in the assault may wear the device.
What Does the Arrowhead Device Represent?
The Arrowhead Device represents direct involvement in an assault force entering enemy-controlled or hostile territory.
These operations are often the opening phase of a military campaign and require personnel to enter dangerous environments before larger forces arrive.
The device recognizes the unique risks associated with these missions and distinguishes those who participated in the initial assault.
Which Awards Authorize the Arrowhead Device?
The Arrowhead Device is authorized only on specific campaign and service medals.
Examples include:
- Army service medals that authorize the device
- Campaign medals approved for qualifying assault landings
The device is not authorized for every military medal or ribbon.
Eligibility depends on the regulations governing the specific award and the military operation.
Who Can Receive the Arrowhead Device?
The Arrowhead Device is most commonly associated with the United States Army.
To qualify, a service member generally must:
- Be assigned to a unit participating in an officially recognized assault landing.
- Personally exit an aircraft, helicopter, glider, or landing craft during the assault.
- Participate in the initial assault phase of the operation.
- Meet all requirements established by military regulations.
Simply serving in the operational area does not qualify someone for the device.
Types of Qualifying Assault Landings
Several types of military assaults may qualify.
Combat Parachute Assault
Service members parachute into hostile territory as part of the initial assault force.
These missions are designed to seize key objectives before larger forces arrive.
Combat Helicopter Assault
Troops are inserted by helicopter into hostile areas during the opening phase of a military operation.
Personnel must be part of the assault force rather than follow-on support elements.
Amphibious Assault Landing
Military personnel arrive by landing craft or amphibious vehicles during an assault against enemy-controlled shorelines.
These operations are often among the most dangerous phases of military campaigns.
Combat Glider Landing
Although no longer common in modern warfare, combat glider operations during earlier conflicts also qualified for the Arrowhead Device when authorized.
Who Approves the Arrowhead Device?
Approval requires official verification that the service member participated in the qualifying assault.
Military commanders review:
- Unit records
- Operational reports
- Mission documentation
- Personnel assignments
- Official orders
The qualifying assault must have been officially recognized by the military.
How Is the Arrowhead Device Worn?
The Arrowhead Device is centered on the suspension ribbon of the medal and on the corresponding service ribbon.
Only one Arrowhead Device may be worn on a ribbon, regardless of the number of qualifying assault landings for the same award.
Military uniform regulations specify the exact placement.
Arrowhead Device vs. V Device
Although both devices relate to military operations, they recognize different accomplishments.
Arrowhead Device
- Recognizes participation in a qualifying assault landing.
- Indicates involvement in the initial assault force.
- Does not necessarily signify individual heroism.
V Device
- Recognizes valor or heroism during combat.
- Indicates courageous actions under hostile conditions.
- May be worn on certain personal decorations.
A service member may qualify for both devices under different circumstances.
Common Misunderstandings
Many people mistakenly believe the Arrowhead Device means:
- Combat wounds
- Airborne qualification
- Membership in airborne units
- Special operations service
- Multiple combat deployments
In reality, the device specifically recognizes participation in a qualifying combat assault landing.
Why the Arrowhead Device Matters
Assault landings are among the most demanding military operations.
The Arrowhead Device honors those who entered hostile territory during the critical opening stages of a mission, often facing intense enemy resistance.
For veterans, historians, and collectors, the device provides valuable insight into the service member’s operational experience and role during military campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Arrowhead Device represent?
It signifies participation in a qualifying combat parachute, helicopter, glider, or amphibious assault landing.
Can every military medal have an Arrowhead Device?
No. Only certain authorized campaign and service medals may display the Arrowhead Device.
Does the Arrowhead Device mean the recipient was airborne qualified?
No. It recognizes participation in a qualifying assault operation, not completion of airborne training.
Can someone wear more than one Arrowhead Device on the same ribbon?
No. Only one Arrowhead Device is authorized on an individual medal or ribbon.
Conclusion
The Arrowhead Device is a distinctive military award device that recognizes service members who participated in qualifying assault landings during military operations. Whether entering hostile territory by parachute, helicopter, glider, or amphibious landing craft, recipients played a critical role in the opening phases of combat missions. Although relatively uncommon, the Arrowhead Device represents courage, readiness, and participation in some of the military’s most challenging operations.