In almost all armies it long has been standard practice to use distinctive devices of cloth and metal to distinguish between arms and services, and between individual units of each arm, to enhance morale and develop esprit de corps. Colors of units of the British Army have had ancient badges emblazoned on them since before the establishment of the present standing army in 1661. By the end of the first half of the 18th century some of these badges had been authorized for placement on horse furniture or for wear on grenadier caps. This was especially true of the regiments of horse and a few of the older regiments of foot. The infantry regiments received numerical designations in 1751, and these numbers were worn on waist belts, shoulder belts, and cartridge-box plates. When the infantry units acquired county titles in 1782, these names often were added to the plates. In 1767 regimental numbers were ordered placed on the buttons of officers and other ranks; in practice these numbers were often combined with other devices.[1] [Footnote 1: PARKYN'S _Shoulder-Belt Plates and Buttons_ contains a wealth of information on British regimental devices.] In the American Army such devices have taken many forms, ranging from distinctive buttons, plumes, cockades, cap plates, shoulder-belt plates, and waist-belt and cartridge-box plates to the well-known shoulder sleeve insignia and distinctive unit insignia of the present day. The origin of much of this insignia and many of the changes in its design can be tied more or less directly to the organization of the Regular Army--its contractions and expansions and its changes in arm and service designations--and to the peculiar circumstances surrounding the origin and growth of the volunteer or uniformed Militia. Thus, a short discussion of the organization of each is in order.[2] [Footnote 2: For history of the organization of the Army, see _American Military History, 1607-1953_; MAHON, "History of the Organization of the United States Infantry"; and JONES, "History of the Organization of the United States Field Artillery." Unfortunately, there is no single, completely satisfactory source on the militia system of the United States. The following works, however, contain sound information and, when taken together, provide an excellent background on the subject: TODD, "Our National Guard"; MAHON, "Citizen Soldier"; LUNDEBERG, "History of the North Carolina Militia"; ANSELL, "Legal and Historical Aspects of the Militia"; GRONERT, "First National Pastime in the Middle West"; and RIKER, _Soldiers of the States_.] Organization of the Regular Army