The Australian Army has many iconic and recognisable emblems including the Rising Sun badge, and corps and unit emblems. They represent the Australian Army’s history, tradition, values and people, both past and present. Misuse of Australian Army emblems can lessen their significance and be offensive to current and ex-serving members.
Use and application
All Australian Army emblems are protected by section 83 of the Defence Act 1903 (Commonwealth). The Rising Sun badge and all corps emblems are also registered trademarks under the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Commonwealth).
Using an emblem without permission from the Minister for Defence is a breach of the legislation. Applications for permission to use an Army emblem should be made through the online application form after reading through the guidelines provided below.
Before submitting an application, intended use of the emblem should be considered. Inclusion of other Service emblems to appropriately recognise the contribution of Navy, Air Force or the Australian Defence Force is also worth considering.
Information on using the Australian Defence Force, Royal Australian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force emblems can be found by emailing the following contacts:
- Australian Defence Force Brand Manager: adf.emblems@defence.gov.au
- Royal Australian Navy Brand Manager: navy.brand@defence.gov.au
- Royal Australian Air Force: raaf.brandmanager@defence.gov.au.
Misuse
The Australian Army does not allow its emblems to be:
- modified, cropped or altered
- used in part or overlaid with imagery or text
- used as a watermark (reduced opacity) or background image
- used as a part of a new logo.
Intentional or not, misuse of Australian Army emblems is common. Misuse can be:
- reproducing the emblem without permission
- a design that incorporates elements of, or stylises, an emblem
- using an emblem in association with products, activities or brands that are not aligned with Army’s values.
Any suspected misuse of Australian Army emblem should be reported to the Army Brand Manager at army.brandmanager@defence.gov.au.
The most common circumstance where the public may wish to use an Australian Army emblem is for commemorative or ceremonial purposes.
The following can be considered as an alternative to using an Australian Army emblem:
- a poppy
- rosemary
- a slouch hat or soldier resting on reversed arms
- the words ‘lest we forget’ or ‘we will remember them’
These images and words are not protected by legislation and do not require permission from the Minister for Defence for use.