<P> Qualified Infantry soldiers who are not assigned to an Infantry unit, to include those who are an 11 - series MOS holder transitioning to 18 - series MOS, for example, (CMF 18 is the designation for the Army Special Forces MOS) may not wear the Infantry Blue Cord or Disks . Those assigned to an Infantry unit may wear the Infantry Blue Cord and Disks until their transition to a non-Infantry unit is complete . </P> <P> During the Korean War General "Lightning Joe" Collins, Chief of Staff for the Army, asked a group of advisers what could be done to enhance the morale of the fighting Infantryman . It was decided that they would receive special insignia, so that everyone would know that the soldier was an Infantryman who would be fighting on the front lines . </P> <P> A light - blue cord was created to be worn over the right shoulder of both officers and enlisted men . Also, light - blue plastic disks were issued to be placed behind the metal "crossed rifles" Infantry branch of service insignia disks as well as on the disc service cap insignia . The new enhancements were first worn by the 3rd US Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard"). The light - blue cord and disks became standard for all Infantrymen in 1952 . </P> <P> Today, enlisted graduates of infantry "One Station Unit Training" or "Split Training Option" receive their blue cord at the "Turning Blue" ceremony held the day before their graduation from Infantry advanced individual training (AIT). This ceremony typically follows a week - long field training exercise (FTX) including at least a 5 - mile ruck march to the field, multiple force on force and team exercises that precede at least a 12 - mile ruck march back to garrison . All other recruits first attend a 9 - week basic combat training (BCT) course before moving on to their AIT in which they will have a similar ceremony . However, only those who have graduated the infantry school and maintain postings in infantry units OR certain branch immaterial units (i.e.: Drill Sergeant, Branch Detailed Recruiters, etc ...) are authorized to wear the blue cord . </P>

When did the infantry start wearing the blue cord