It’s clear at this point that lanyards do it all. The lanyard, generally, is great at organizing your small valuables, while also promoting your brand and offering a vehicle for self-expression. But lanyards weren’t always that way. Once upon a time, the military lanyard was the order of the day.
A Brief History of Lanyards
The word “lanyard” is believed to have its roots in the French word “lanière,” meaning strap or thong. In historical contexts, lanyards, with the help of the clip attached, were often used to secure items such as swords, whistles or pistols, ensuring easy accessibility while also keeping the hands free.
Over time, lanyards moved beyond their utilitarian purpose, finding their way into various industries and everyday life. They became popular accessories for displaying badges and ID cards and holding onto other small valuables. Today, lanyards have evolved to serve a dual purpose of functionality and personal expression. From breakaway lanyards to sunflower lanyards, the range and functionality of these nifty little helpers are limitless.
In the military, a lanyard serves various purposes, often depending on the specific branch and the role of the individual wearing it. Here are some common ways lanyards are used in the military:
Rank Identification
On some military uniforms, particularly dress uniforms, lanyards can be used to display an individual’s rank or position. The design and color of the lanyard attached to the soldier may vary based on the rank or unit. These lanyards might incorporate distinct knots, braids or insignia that correlate with different ranks, with more complex designs signifying higher ranks.
The function of the military lanyard extends beyond its visual purpose of attaching a corresponding lanyard to personnel of various ranks. It also carries symbolic weight. Beyond its practical identification role, the lanyard is a tangible representation of an individual’s accomplishments within the military structure.
Weapon or Equipment Retention
Lanyards can be used to secure important equipment – such as weapons or communication devices – to the wearer’s uniform. The firing lanyard is a great example of this, as it serves to keep the soldier weapon attached at all times. This ultimately prevents the equipment from being lost or dropped, especially in situations where the individual needs to use their hands for other tasks.
In demanding operational environments, military personnel often need to maintain control over their weapons and essential gear to prevent loss or accidental drops. Lanyards provide a practical solution to this by securely attaching these items to the uniform or gear. This ensures they remain within reach at all times.
Whistle Lanyards
Military personnel, especially those in leadership roles, may use lanyards to hold a whistle. This allows them to quickly and easily signal commands or attention without needing to search for the whistle. Whistle lanyards provide a convenient and hands-free way to carry and access this vital tool.
The lanyard is typically designed to securely hold the whistle around the neck or attach it to the uniform. This ensures that the whistle is readily available and doesn’t get lost during fast-paced activities. In training scenarios, instructors can use the whistle to initiate drills, mark transitions or call attention to specific instructions. By having a whistle easily accessible on a lanyard, military personnel can respond promptly to signals, enhancing coordination, discipline, and overall operational effectiveness
Decorative Tradition
Some military units also incorporate lanyards as part of their uniform for decorative or traditional purposes. Such lanyards might have historical significance, symbolize accomplishments or denote membership in specific units or organizations. These decorative lanyards often showcase unique colors, patterns, and embellishments that reflect the values and ethos of the military unit.
Traditions such as this indeed help forge a sense of camaraderie and identity among military personnel. Lanyards that commemorate specific campaigns or significant milestones become cherished symbols of shared experiences and dedication to service.
Distinction
Certain military roles or specializations might involve wearing lanyards to indicate specialized training, qualifications or achievements. These lanyards often indicate that an individual has undergone specific training or has met certain standards that set them apart from their peers. These distinctions can encompass a wide range of specialties, such as marksmanship, medical training, leadership courses and more.
By wearing a lanyard that represents a particular distinction, military personnel demonstrate their expertise and dedication in a specific area. This not only enhances the individual’s sense of accomplishment but also communicates to others that they possess valuable skills.
Commemoration
When military personnel wear commemorative lanyards, they pay homage to their involvement in missions that hold historical or personal significance. Commemorative lanyards can also serve as conversation starters, allowing veterans and active-duty members to share theirstories and experiences.
They connect individuals through shared memories and demonstrate the military’s commitment to recognizing and remembering pivotal moments in its history. As such, commemorative lanyards are not only a means of personal pride but also contribute immensely to preserving the collective memory of the armed forces.
In all of this, it’s important to note that the specific use of lanyards varies depending on the military branch and the country’s practices. Lanyards are just one of many accessories and insignias that can be part of a military uniform, each serving its own purpose within the broader context of military operations, traditions and protocols.
If anything, it is a testament to just how useful and versatile the lanyard is!