usmma shoulder boards

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy insignia: Cadet Corps & Regiment of Midshipmen shoulder boards

The Cadet Corps originally did not have the class and rank structure as found in today’s Regiment of Midshipmen; this is reflected in the shoulder board comprising of simply the U.S. Maritime Commission federal shield. When the Cadet Corps was led by Captain Tomb – formerly of the New York State Maritime Academy – it took on a battalion structure as found at the U.S. Navy Academy and adopted the insignia of NYSMA. This has continued up to the present day – albeit with modifications to match the culture of the Regiment.