How should the shoulder board be oriented for cadet officers?

• A. The pointed end faces toward the edge of the shoulder.
• B. The pointed end faces toward the collar and the flat end toward the edge of the shoulder.
• C. The flat end faces toward the collar.
• D. The side with the pointed chevron faces toward the collar.

Answer: (B)

Placing the pointed end toward the collar and the flat end toward the outer edge is the standard orientation because it lines the shoulder board up with the natural shoulder seam and collar line, making the insignia sit level and centered when viewed from the front. The pointed end acts as the top of the board, guiding alignment so the rank device remains clearly readable and symmetrically displayed across all cadet officers. The flat end toward the edge provides a stable base that prevents the board from tilting or catching on fabric, keeping the overall look neat and uniform. Other orientations would tilt or misalign the insignia, making the rank harder to read and the appearance inconsistent.