How should the shoulder board be oriented for enlisted cadets?

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

Answer: (D)

On enlisted cadet shoulder boards, keeping insignia oriented the same way is essential for a neat, uniform look. The side that carries the pointed chevron should face toward the collar, so the chevron’s point is directed inward toward the neck. This places the base of the chevron toward the outer edge of the shoulder and creates a consistent line across everyone’s uniforms, making rank readable at a glance. If the board were oriented so the angled chevron pointed toward the edge of the shoulder, the insignia would look misaligned and disrupt the uniform’s symmetry. So the correct approach is to position the shoulder board with the pointed chevron facing the collar.