In the primitive society, the leaders of the tribes often displayed their bravery and strength by hanging or wearing unique items such as the teeth of the hunted fierce beasts, highlighting their distinction from other members and thereby establishing their identity.

In ancient battlefields, soldiers took measures to protect their bodies from injuries during the war. They started with shields, and later used helmets, armor, etc. Eventually, a certain army developed a set of standardized equipment such as shields, helmets, and armor, which served the purpose of distinguishing between friends and foes. This might be the earliest origin of military uniforms.

Among military personnel, officials would display their status through special helmets and armor. This might have been the earliest form of identification. In ancient Europe, some knights would place two metal plates on top of their armor to protect their shoulders, which was used to defend against the downward slashing of opponents' cold weapons. This was the initial practical form of the rank insignia.

The epaulettes are the symbols of a soldier's rank and honor in modern times. Literally, they are the badges worn on the shoulders to indicate the rank. As a special mark for the wearer, epaulettes first appeared in the French army in 1763, serving as a distinction between officers and soldiers at that time.

Soon, formal rank badges made of gold thread were introduced, embodying the honor and value of soldiers and gaining great interest from soldiers in various European countries. The armies of Germany, France, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire then followed suit, wearing badges with their own national characteristics and giving them new functions to distinguish different military ranks and symbols.

Because the metal plate-made epaulets were hard and large in size, they restricted the movement of the wearer's shoulders. Thus, cloth-made epaulets, which we now call soft epaulets, emerged. At that time, when soldiers killed the officers or soldiers of the opposing side, they would remove their epaulets as a way to seek praise and rewards.

Although modern military technology is advancing rapidly, the protective function of the shoulder insignia has become less important. However, as the shoulder insignia is widely popular, it still remains a part of the identification of modern soldiers.