A soldier receives the coveted “Jungle” tab during a ceremony at Aeronaval Base Cristobal Colon in Panama in July 2026. The “Jungle” tab is one of five specialized skill tabs awarded by the US Army. (US Army/Pfc. Carolyn Dodge)

US Army Expands Wearing of ‘Jungle’ Tab

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During the War on Terror, the US Army deprioritized training for jungle warfare. Now that its focus has shifted to the Pacific, that training is making a comeback.

As of last month, the United States Army approved the wearing of the “Jungle tab” as an official skill badge. The change was noted in a July 22 memorandum, signed by Jules W. Hurst III, Assistant Secretary of the Army Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Task & Purpose first reported.

Soldiers who were graduates of the Jungle Operations Training Center (JOTC) at Fort Sherman, Panama, between 1990 and 1999, when the school closed, or completed the JOTC course in Hawaii since 2013, can wear the tab if they were assigned to the United States Army Pacific area of responsibility.

Beginning last month, the tab is authorized for wear “Army-wide.” It is awarded to all........

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