RAA Liaison Letter 2024 - 2025 Edition

RAA L I A I SON L ETTER 2024 – 2025 E D I T I ON C ANNON BALL S UP PLEMENT 158 Change to Army Emblems Army has commenced transitioning digital emblems, brandmarks, and logos from the St Edward’s Crown of Queen Elizabeth II to the Tudor Crown of King Charles III. Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, has approved the new Rising Sun emblem (8th pattern) and the updated Army Brandmark featuring the Tudor Crown. Both designs have been modernised to enhance accessibility, readability, and usability across various applications. In addition to the Rising Sun and Army Brandmark, updated Corps and Brigade emblems are also now available in colour, white, and black formats. The rollout is in phases to minimise costs. Most units are expected to receive the updated branding within the year. Uniform updates will occur gradually, as opportunities arise. The last change occurred in 1952, following Queen Elizabeth II’s accession. The previous version of the Rising Sun emblem (7th pattern) was introduced in 1991. Reason for the 2025 update The update reflects the change in Australia’s sovereign. As a constitutional monarchy, Australian Defence Force emblems that incorporate the Royal Cypher and Crown are updated to reflect the reigning monarch. The Army is retaining all core elements of its identity, traditions, and service history. This is a symbolic update to reflect the new sovereign, which is a longstanding practice. Primary changes The primary changes involve the: • Royal Cypher, which has changed from EIIR (Elizabeth II Regina) to CIIIR (Charles III Rex) • St Edward's Crown which represented Queen Elizabeth II, has been updated with the Tudor Crown, as chosen by King Charles III to symbolise his reign. Digital changes These changes are being digitally rolled out on: • Army digital emblem artwork files that feature the Royal Cypher or Crown • colours, guidons, standards and Banners featuring the crown and insignia. Physical changes The change will be applied gradually and pragmatically in physical products as part of routine updates and replacements. Uniform insignia that includes the Royal Cypher or Crown may be updated over time, but this will occur as part of standard issue cycles. Existing collateral, products and merchandise Updated emblems will be phased in over time, minimising waste and ensuring a smooth and cost-neutral transition. All historic collateral, products and merchandise are not to be destroyed and replaced. Only when new collateral, merchandise or products are required is artwork to be updated. Items of historic value will be made available to the Australian War Memorial where applicable. Timelines There is no fixed deadline. Unit emblems are currently being reviewed. The new crown known as the Tudor Crown but commonly referred to as the Kings crown will over time be seen on all physical Corps badges that feature a crown. New emblem, brand & visual identity guidelines To apply for permission to use an Army emblem, submit an Internal Application Form. Army’s updated Brand and Visual Identity Guidelines are available to view from the Communication Toolkit, along with a suite of new Microsoft templates for Army personnel. Design concepts for the eight pattern of the Rising Sun and Army Brandmark Memorials The Rising Sun pattern selected for a memorial represents the Rising Sun badge worn at the time. If the memorial is for specific time e.g. 1991 to 1995, the 7th pattern will be used. If the memorial spans multiple patterns, or includes current serving members, the 8th pattern will apply for new requests. Find out more on historic patterns. If you are contacted about a memorial, please refer the enquiry to Army Brand.