The only exception to the Staff Specialist Corps branch insignia is the Chaplain Candidate. Chaplain Candidates wear a similar insignia consisting of an open book, two laurel branches crossed at the stems with a shepherd’s crook. Chaplain Candidates were transitioned from the Staff Specialist Branch to the Chaplain Branch which left the candidates without an authorized branch insignia. The Chief of Chaplains submitted a request for collar insignia which was approved by HQDA, G-1 on 23 February 2012. The design for the collar insignia was authorized on 18 June 2012.[1]
