Good summary of the identification problems, Gordon. Toss in sunlight as a fading factor on top of manufacturing differences... it can get even more difficult.
As Gordon pointed out with Uscha's uniform, a qualification badge does not necessarily mean the soldier is currently assigned to a unit/specialty that typically sees such special qualifications. For example, I've seen plenty of US Army uniforms with Jump qualification badges and unit badges with no airborne capabilities. I've seen the Airborne qualification tab above non-Airborne units. Etc.
The usual case is the soldier was in an Airborne unit of some type earlier in is career and has since changed units. Since a qualification, once earned, remains with the soldier for the rest of his career, when he changes units the badges go with him regardless of the new unit's composition. However, the Bundeswehr only allows two badges to be worn over the right breast pocket, so if the soldier earns a third one is "retired" from his uniform. In that case he's likely to retire the one least relevant to his current posting, I should guess.
The other case is that career NCOs and Officers often get themselves into a qualification program simply for the personal challenge and/or to help "climb the ladder" of promotions. I've know plenty of US Army personnel that have done this sort of thing.
What you do not usually see are the highly specialized qualification badges on uniforms not directly associated with those skills. For example, you will not see "Rigger" or "Jump Master" badges on a uniform from a non-airborne unit. And if you do, then it can be assumed that the soldier previously served a long time in an airborne unit. Others, like EOD, dog handler, etc. fit into this group.
I guess this is one reason collecting uniform stuff is fun
Steve
As Gordon pointed out with Uscha's uniform, a qualification badge does not necessarily mean the soldier is currently assigned to a unit/specialty that typically sees such special qualifications. For example, I've seen plenty of US Army uniforms with Jump qualification badges and unit badges with no airborne capabilities. I've seen the Airborne qualification tab above non-Airborne units. Etc.
The usual case is the soldier was in an Airborne unit of some type earlier in is career and has since changed units. Since a qualification, once earned, remains with the soldier for the rest of his career, when he changes units the badges go with him regardless of the new unit's composition. However, the Bundeswehr only allows two badges to be worn over the right breast pocket, so if the soldier earns a third one is "retired" from his uniform. In that case he's likely to retire the one least relevant to his current posting, I should guess.
The other case is that career NCOs and Officers often get themselves into a qualification program simply for the personal challenge and/or to help "climb the ladder" of promotions. I've know plenty of US Army personnel that have done this sort of thing.
What you do not usually see are the highly specialized qualification badges on uniforms not directly associated with those skills. For example, you will not see "Rigger" or "Jump Master" badges on a uniform from a non-airborne unit. And if you do, then it can be assumed that the soldier previously served a long time in an airborne unit. Others, like EOD, dog handler, etc. fit into this group.
I guess this is one reason collecting uniform stuff is fun
Steve
Comment