Where is a service stripe worn?

• A. Worn on left sleeve between the wrist and elbow
• B. Worn on the right sleeve
• C. Worn on the left shoulder
• D. Worn around the cuff

Answer: (A)

In the Navy, service stripes (hash marks) symbolize years of service and are placed on the left sleeve. The standard location is between the wrist and elbow, so the stripes stay visible and unobtrusive, even when the arm flexes or the cuff is rolled. The right sleeve, left shoulder, or around the cuff isn’t used for service stripes, because those areas serve other insignia, rank devices, or different purposes. So the left sleeve between the wrist and elbow is the correct spot for indicating length of service.