Fathers wear arrows on their ALERT Cadet chambray uniform shirt to signify the number of sons they have currently involved in the ALERT Cadet program. The arrow is chosen as our insignia from Psalm 127:4, “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth,” to remind fathers of their responsibility to raise their sons well.

Unfortunately, for the past two years we have been out of stock on the father arrows and unable to find a suitable new supplier. I am pleased to announce that we now have father arrow pins in stock!

We have significantly changed the design of the father arrow pin. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I’ve attached one for you to view below.

The first thing you will notice is the larger size and change of shape of the arrow pin. Our previous arrows were smaller and only attached by one clasp. This made them difficult to position on the uniform and to keep straight. The new arrow is larger to look more professional on the larger pocket flap of the father’s uniform. The arrow is now attached by two clasps and so will stay neat and horizontal on the uniform.

Next, you will notice the shield in the center with a number on it. The shield reminds the father of his responsibility to “shield” his sons from the attacks of our enemy who seeks to destroy them. The number designates the sons the father has active in the ALERT Cadet program. As new sons become eight years old and join, the father will purchase a new arrow, or exchange the old one for an arrow, with the appropriate number of sons on it. Likewise, as sons graduate from the program, the father will again change his arrow to a lower number and reflect the graduated son on his “Father Award” ribbon.

The “Father Award” ribbon is gold in color and has a silver arrowhead and number on it as shown in the Welcome to ALERT Cadets publication. This award is used to signify the number of sons a father has “shot into the world” upon their graduation from the ALERT Cadet program at age 18. This award may still be given to fathers, even though their son(s) are participating in ALERT Cadets as warrant officers and are assisting in the training of younger sons.

The new father arrow pins are available for $4 each plus tax, shipping, and handling. You may order them by calling ALERT Cadet Headquarters at 903-636-9228. Please be sure to specify the appropriate shield number with your order. If you need the separate father award ribbon, for graduated sons, please let us know that when you place your order. Be sure to use the terms “father arrow pin” and “father award ribbon” when you place your order to avoid confusion. You may find it advantageous to place one large order for your unit after surveying all of the fathers.

Thank you for the time you invest in your sons to make them “Strong to Overcome!”

Major Roger D. Farr
ALERT Cadet Commanding Officer