Integrated Undersea Surveillance System insignia

The Integrated Undersea Surveillance System insignia is a military badge of the United States Navy which has been in existence since the 1970s. The insignia is awarded to those personnel who have been trained and qualified in naval sonar and undersea surveillance technology.

A direct result of the Cold War, the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System insignia was originally created due to the rise in Soviet submarine technology during the 1960s and 1970s. With the fall of the Soviet Union, the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System insignia became a symbol of the “brown water” submarine threats of such nations as North Korea and China.

To be awarded the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System insignia, a service member must have completed initial sonar technology training followed by 18-24 months of field experience in naval undersea surveillance. The Integrated Undersea Surveillance System insignia is only presented following completion of prescribed personal qualification standards (PQS), as well as a successful completion of a written and oral examination board.

The insignia, itself, consists of a seahorse superimposed on a winged globe. The insignia is issued in two degrees: silver for enlisted personnel and gold for officers. The Integrated Undersea Surveillance System insignia is one of the rarest insignia of the Navy as it is only presented to enlisted sailors who hold sonar ratings and to limited duty and restricted line officers trained in sonar operations.

An enlisted member who receives the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System Specialist warfare qualification are authorized to place the designator (IUSS) after his/her rating designator. For example, if Bob Jones is an IUSS-qualified Sonar Technician Surface First Class Petty Officer, then his written name would be STG1(IUSS) Jones or if he is a Sonar Technician Submarine First Class Petty Officer, then his written name would be STS1(IUSS) Jones.