UAE Military: Significant Insignia

Etihad Museum houses a rare collection of insignia that represents and celebrates the various ranks and positions that have existed over the various chapters of the UAE Military.

Officers Head Insignia Trucial Coast Force (1951-1971)Etihad Museum

This collection is a testimony to the historic Trucial Coast Force that was formed in 1951 by royal order of the British Crown, with its headquarters in Sharjah.

Head InsigniaEtihad Museum

The primary role of the force was to maintain internal and external security in the Trucial emirates, in addition to protecting the interests of oil companies that were exploring in the region at the time.

Union Defence Force Insignia (1971-1974)Etihad Museum

From the Trucial Coast Force of the early 1950s, through the Union Defence Force following the unification of the seven emirates in 1971, and up to the Federal Armed Forces, the UAE Military has a rich history adorned with accomplishment, accolades and progress.

Head Insignia Trucial Coast Force (1951-1971)Etihad Museum

Head Insignia, Trucial Coast Force (1951 - 1971)

A dagger shaped head insignia of the Trucial Coast Force.

Officers Head Insignia Trucial Coast Force (1951-1971)Etihad Museum

Officers Head Insignia, Trucial Coast Force (1951 - 1971)

An officers head insignia of the Trucial Coast Force, shaped as an emblem with a pair of daggers in saltire,

placed on two cannons,

below which is a parchment inscribed with the words Quat Sahil Oman in Arabic meaning Oman Coast Force.

Shoulder Insignia Trucial Coast Force (1951-1971)Etihad Museum

Shoulder Insignia, Trucial Coast Force (1951 - 1971)
A pair of Trucial Coast Force shoulder title insignia.

One part of this Trucial Coast Force shoulder title insignia, features the letters 'TOL’ standing for Trucial Oman Levies.

While the second part, is inscribed with the words Quat Sahil Oman in Arabic meaning Oman Coast Force.

Collar Insignia Trucial Coast Force (1951-1971)Etihad Museum

Collar Insignia, Trucial Coast Force (1951 - 1971)
A dagger shaped collar insignia of the Trucial Coast Force.

Major Rank Trucial Coast Force (1951-1971)Etihad Museum

Major Rank, Trucial Coast Force (1951 - 1971)

A crown shaped shoulder insignia with red enamel.The crown is styled as the traditional St. Edwards Crown of Queen Elizabeth II.

It has two fleurs-de-lis (stylized Lily that is used as a decorative design), and three crosses pattée. The base of the crown has depictions of semi-precious jewels.

supporting dipped arches topped by a Monde (world) and a cross pattée, the arches and monde signify an imperial crown.

Lieutenant Rank Trucial Coast Force (1951-1971)Etihad Museum

Lieutenant Rank, Trucial Coast Force (1951 - 1971)

A pair of shoulder insignia of the Lieutenant rank of the Trucial Coast Force styled as the Bath Star.

It features three crowns in the center, surrounded by the Order of the Bath's motto: TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO, translating to ‘Three joined in one’ in English. This is in turn flanked by two laurel branches, all overlaying a Maltese Cross which is mounted on the Bath Star.

Cufflinks Trucial Coast Force (1951-1971)Etihad Museum

Cufflinks, Trucial Coast Force (1951 - 1971)
A circular cufflink, bearing embossed pair of daggers in saltire.

Head InsigniaEtihad Museum

Head Insignia, Union Defence Force (1971-1974)

A silver head insignia of the Union Defence Force shaped as its emblem, with an open winged falcon holding on to a pair of daggers in saltire,

placed on a parchment inscribed with the words Quat Difa'a Al Etihad in Arabic in Kufic style meaning Union Defence Force.

Shoulder Insignia Union Defence Force (1971-1974)Etihad Museum

Shoulder Insignia, Union Defence Force (1971-1974)

A silver shoulder title insignia of the Union Defence Force, shaped as a listel inscribed with the words Quat Difa'a Al Etihad in Arabic in Kufic style meaning Union Defence Force.

Collar Insignia Union Defence Force (1971-1974)Etihad Museum

Collar Insignia, Union Defence Force (1971-1974)
A silver dagger shaped collar insignia of the Union Defence Force, embossed with designs.

Major Rank Union Defence Force (1971-1974)Etihad Museum

Major Rank, Union Defence Force (1971-1974)
A metal badge of the Major rank of the Union Defence Force, shaped as an open winged falcon on a pedastal.

Leiutenant Rank Union Defence Force (1971-1974)Etihad Museum

Leiutenant Rank, Union Defence Force (1971-1974)

A Lieutenant rank Union Defence Force insignia, styled as a gilted 7 pointed star badge surmounted by another 7 pointed star.

Uniform Cufflinks Union Defence Force (1971-1974)Etihad Museum

Uniform Cufflinks, Union Defence Force (1971-1974)
A circular cufflink used in the Union Defence Force, bearing an embossed pair of daggers in saltire.

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