Custom Military Patches San Antonio
Mission Ready & OCP CompliantRegulation-grade insignia, name tapes, and unit patches built for JBSA personnel. When you are ordering for a unit, “close enough” doesn’t cut it. The thread color has to match OCP regulations (Spice Brown/Bagby Green), the Velcro needs to hold through field training, and the IR specs need to actually work. At San Antonio Patch Co., we understand the difference between a fashion patch and a uniform item.
Military Patch Types We Manufacture
We cover the full spectrum of uniform and off-duty requirements.
Name Tapes & Unit Patches
Standard issue identifiers. Regulation-width webbing and high-tensile thread to match current OCP or Class A uniforms.
OCP & Multicam Patches
Official fabric backgrounds. We use actual ripstop material to ensure your patch blends seamlessly with the tunic.
Morale Patches
For flight jackets and gear bags. Features PVC or heavy embroidery with unit mascots and deployment rockers.
Flag & Rank Patches
Full-color dress or subdued IR flags. We ensure stars face the correct direction for shoulder wear (assaulting forward).
Deployment & Commemorative
Large back patches for flight jackets or detailed crests. We replicate historical unit heraldry exactly.
Built to Meet Military Standards
Civilian shops guess at colors. We don’t.
| Component | Official Thread Code | Regulation Standard |
|---|---|---|
| USAF/USSF Lettering | Spice Brown (67196) | AFI 36-2903 |
| Army Lettering | Bagby Green (67204) | AR 670-1 |
| Background Fabric | OCP / Multicam Ripstop | Mil-Spec Compliant |
| Night Vision (IFF) | IR-Reflective / Solas | IR-Spec Grade |
IR-Reflective & Field-Ready Materials
Essential for night ops. We manufacture laser-cut IR patches that appear matte black/grey to the naked eye but reflect bright white under Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) for IFF (Identification Friend or Foe).
Berry Amendment & Government Specifications
For government contracts requiring 100% US-made goods, we have specific domestic production lines that meet Berry Amendment (USC 10, Section 2533a) requirements. Note: You must specify this when requesting a quote, as it changes the raw material sourcing.
Why Military Units Choose Us
Precision Manufacturing for Uniform Regulations
We know the regulations (AFI 36-2903 and AR 670-1). We verify size, contrast, and border width so your troops don’t get called out during inspection.
Consistent Quality Across Large Orders
If you order 500 patches for a squadron, Patch #1 looks exactly like Patch #500. We don’t have “drift” in our thread tension or color.
Fast Turnaround for Time-Sensitive Missions
Deployments get pushed up. Training schedules change. We have the capacity to rush orders when you need gear before wheels up.
Where Our Military Patches Are Used
We are San Antonio locals. We know the landscape.
JBSA Lackland & Randolph Units
We supply training squadrons, security forces, and flight training units with high-volume orders for graduation and phase changes.
Fort Sam Houston Commands
From medical command units to prestigious AMEDD programs, we handle the complex heraldry required for medical and command patches.
Training Squadrons & ROTC Programs
We handle small-batch orders for local high school ROTC programs and university detachments across Bexar County.
Veteran Organizations & Military Events
VFW posts and reunions use our patches for vests and event giveaways.
Backing & Attachment Options
Choose the right backing for mission requirements and uniform regulations.
Velcro® Hook & Loop (Standard Issue)
95% of our military orders use this. We sew the “Hook” (scratchy) side to the patch using a box-X stitch for durability. We can also supply the matching “Loop” (soft) panel if you need to sew it onto a gear bag.
Sew-On (Dress & Permanent Uniforms)
For Class A uniforms or flight suits where the patch needs to lie completely flat. We provide a laser-cut edge for a clean finish.
Iron-On (Ceremonial & Display)
Warning: We do not recommend Iron-On backings for duty uniforms. The adhesive can fail in high-heat field conditions. Only use Iron-On for shadow boxes or civilian giveaways.
Safety Pin & Specialty Backings
For temporary brassards or armbands used by MPs or event staff.
Factory Insight The “Ghost” Stitch
For OCP patches, visibility is a safety issue. We use a technique called “Ghost Stitching” for rank insignia. We change the thread direction (grain) rather than just the color contrast to make the rank visible up close but camouflaged at a distance. If you buy cheap commercial patches, they often get this wrong, making the rank look like an unreadable blob from 5 feet away.
How We Price Military Patches
We don’t do “guesstimate” pricing. Your quote is based on the hard costs of materials and machine time.
What Affects Cost
Size
Standard unit patches are usually 3″ to 4″. Large back patches for flight jackets cost more due to stitch count.
Specialty Materials
Standard OCP embroidery is the base price. Adding IR (Infrared) Solas material or Reflective Vinyl increases the cost per unit because the raw material is significantly more expensive.
Backing
Velcro® adds a small cost over Sew-On.
Production & Turnaround
Mission timelines don’t always allow for delays. We keep it tight.
Proofing & Design Approval
You get a digital mock-up showing thread colors (with TIOH codes listed) within 24 hours.
Production & Inspection
Standard turnaround is 10–14 business days. We check every patch for loose threads or Velcro misalignment.
Shipping & On-Base Delivery
We ship daily. For local JBSA clients, transit time is negligible.
Military Patches vs. Commercial Patches | What’s the Difference?
Not all patches are built for the field. Here is how to choose.
Choose Military-Grade If:
For Official Duty & Ops- Duty Use You are wearing this on a uniform (OCP, Flight Suit, Dress Blues) that is subject to inspection.
- Field Use You need heavy-duty Velcro that won’t peel off when crawling through brush or getting snagged on gear.
- IR Requirements You need Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability for night ops.
Choose Commercial If:
For Events & Giveaways- Promotional / Civilian Use You are handing these out at a recruiting booth or a family day event.
- Cost is the Main Factor You don’t need official Mil-Spec materials and want to save money on a bulk giveaway.
Why San Antonio Patch Co.?
We aren’t some overseas drop-shipper guessing what “Spice Brown” looks like. We operate in Military City USA. We understand the difference between Air Force and Army lettering spacing.
Direct
Strict Quality Control & Compliance Checks
We verify the specs before the machine starts. If your design has a color that violates AFI 36-2903, we will flag it and ask you before we run it. Review our JBSA & SAPD Compliance Guide to ensure your unit insignia meets OCP standards.
Local Military Focus
We operate in Military City USA. We understand the specific regulations for JBSA uniforms and the durability required for field use.
Straightforward Quotes & Procurement
We work with GPC cardholders and procurement officers to make the paperwork side easy. Itemized invoices and clear specs provided.
The Ordering Process
Submit Your Design or Unit Specs
Send us your existing crest, a sketch, or just the unit number. Tell us: OCP, Full Color, or IR?
Approve the Proof
We send you a digital proof. Verify the spelling and the thread colors.
Production
We run the order.
Delivery
Shipped via USPS/UPS/FedEx directly to the base or your home of record.
Get Your Custom Military Patch Quote
Upload your design or speak with a patch specialist to receive a detailed quote and production timeline.
- Free Artwork Setup
- Free Shipping (USA)
- 100% Quality Guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our military patch specifications and ordering process.
ComplianceAre your patches OCP compliant?
Are your patches OCP compliant?
Yes. We use the specific thread colors required by the Institute of Heraldry (TIOH) for OCP uniforms: Spice Brown (67196) for USAF/USSF and Bagby Green (67204) for Army.
MaterialsDo you produce IR-reflective patches?
Do you produce IR-reflective patches?
Yes. We manufacture laser-cut patches with IR-reflective honeycomb backing for NVG visibility.
SpecsCan you match official thread colors?
Can you match official thread colors?
Absolutely. We don’t just “eye-ball” it. We match to the Pantone or Madeira thread codes specified by your branch regulations.
RegulationCan you meet Berry Amendment requirements?
Can you meet Berry Amendment requirements?
Yes, but you must specify this when quoting. We have a specific supply chain for 100% USA-made materials to satisfy the Berry Amendment. Standard orders may use imported components unless specified.
OrderingWhat is the minimum order quantity?
What is the minimum order quantity?
We start at 10 units.
TurnaroundHow long does production take?
How long does production take?
Standard production is about 2 weeks. Rush options are available if you have a deployment deadline.
ShippingDo you deliver directly to JBSA?
Do you deliver directly to JBSA?
We ship directly to JBSA Lackland, Randolph, Fort Sam Houston, and Camp Bullis via standard carriers.
ShippingDo you ship APO/FPO?
Do you ship APO/FPO?
Yes. We support deployed units and ship to APO/FPO addresses regularly.