A silver colored metal badge, 1 31/32 inches (5.00 cm) in width, consisting of a dagger and arched tab superimposed over wings and a deployed 7-cell ram-air square parachute. The addition of a star and wreath are used on the jumpmaster badge. Small stars are superimposed on the appropriate badge to indicate combat jumps as follows:

One jump: A bronze star centered on the dagger.
Two jumps: A bronze star on each wing.
Three jumps: A bronze star on each wing and one star centered on the dagger.
Four jumps: Two bronze stars on each wing.
Five jumps: A gold star centered on the dagger.

The dagger, a Fairbairn-Sykes knife used by the Rangers and Office of Strategic Services in World War II, symbolizes infiltration techniques used by Special Operations Forces. The arched tab symbolizes the tabs worn by Special Operations units. The wing suggests flight and airborne capabilities. The parachute is a depiction of an MT1-X, the first square parachute to be adopted by all military services as the standard military free fall canopy.

See Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards.

The Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge designed by Mr. James Phillips of the Special Forces Association was approved by General Dennis J. Reimer, former Chief of Staff of the Army on 7 July 1997.

Subdued badges are authorized in a flat black metal finish.

A miniature badge, 1 inch (2.54 cm) in width is authorized.