Chevron
This page is about the pattern or symbol called a chevron. For information on the oil company, see Chevron Corporation.
Chevronels, in the arms of Letchworth Garden City
Single Chevron-Rank:
Private E2, US Army
Double Chevron-Rank:
Corporal E4, US Army
A chevron (also, especially in older documents, spelled cheveron) is a V-shaped pattern.
The word is usually used in reference to a kind of fret in architecture, or to a badge or insignia used in military or police uniforms to indicate rank or length of service, or in heraldry.
In areas observing United States or British Commonwealth doctrine, chevrons are used as an insignia of enlisted or NCO rank by land military forces and by police. One chevron usually designates a private, two a corporal, and three a sergeant. One to four "rockers" may be also be incorporated to indicate various grades of sergeant. In American usage, chevrons typically point up, or on shoulderboards towards the neck; in Commonwealth usage, they usually point down, or on shoulderboards away from the neck.
In heraldry when shown as a smaller size than standard, it is a diminutive called a chevronel.
They are also used as road markings in some stretches of British and Canadian motorways, to help drivers gauge the distance in to the car in front.
As a part of punctuation, chevrons usually act as quotation marks, particularly in Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Examples would be ‹single quotes› and ëdouble quotesû.