Although name tags had been used prior to 196l, that was the first year they were included in the uniform regulations. As with the other items prescribed, they actually came into use the year before. [73] They were not mandatory, though. The 1961 uniform regulations stated, under Name Tags:

"A plastic identification tag is authorized to be worn at the discretion of the superintendent. It shall be of plastic, with two pin-through fasteners with spring keepers on the back. The tag itself shall be approximately 3/4" x 3", with dark green background, and white letters. The individual's name should be in letters 1/4" or 3/8" high, and the employee's title (optional) 3/16" high, below the name. The name tag when worn shall be centered over the left breast pocket flap of coat or shirt."

Uniformed employees name tags were to have first name, middle initial and surname only.

This image is from a slide presentation on the proper dress and etiquette of National Park Rangers. This particular photograph illustrates the what not to do, smoking and carrying cameras around, but it also shows the leather name tags that were sometimes worn prior to the green laminate tags prescribed in the 1961 regulations. NPSHPC/HFC#96-1348 Left to right: J. Gifford; Reg L. Wilson(?)

However, Director Wirth thought that all uniformed employees should wear a name tag when meeting the public. So it was recommended that the uniform regulations be changed to reflect this. It was thought impractical to wear the name tag on field uniforms but consideration might later be given to a "pliable leather" or cloth name tag, similar to those used by the U.S. Air Force, to be sewn on the field uniform. (Many Service helicopter pilot's were later to adopt the sewn on leather name tags on flight coveralls)

The location provided for the badge and name tag (for men) was not very becoming to women, it being too low. Besides women did not have breast pockets in their coat (jackets). It was recommended that the name tag be raised to 2" below the notch of the lapel on the right side of the jacket and in a similar location on the blouse. These recommendations were approved by Wirth on October 20, 1960. [74] When the jacket with shawl collar was adopted in 1962, this same general location was still used.

A suggestion was put forward that wearing the name tag, as approved for uniformed employees did not serve the purpose adequately. It was thought that a more descriptive identification should be used. This could be accomplished by several ways. Add (1)(a) "National Park Service" (this was thought to be redundant since it was already on the arrowhead patch): (b) name of park, monument, or other specific area (preferable); or (2) his or her employment category (if feasible on a single line). Wirth considered (a) the best and even though he approved it on December 12, 1961, there are no amendments to the regulations or photographs to show that it was ever implemented. [75]

Amendment No.4, January 30, 1962, changed the discretionary part of the above to make it mandatory for all uniformed employees when in dress uniform and meeting the public to wear the name tag. However, it was still optional, at the superintendents discretion, to be worn on uniforms during winter activities, boatmen's uniforms or on the stormcoat. Its location was changed as well. It now was to be worn above the right breast pocket flap on coat or shirt.

Also included in the amendment was an identification badge (name tag) for nonuniformed employees who met or dealt with park visitors in the normal course of their work. This badge served to identify them as members of the National Park Service. The badge was to be made out of the same material (dark green plastic laminate) as the ranger name tags. It was to be 3" x 1-1/4" with a 1" arrowhead insignia on the left side and three lines of text. The first line consisted of "National Park Service" in lower case; the second line was the employees employment category, i.e., PARK ENGINEER, ROAD FOREMAN, SECRETARY, etc.; third line was for employees name in lower case. (first, middle initial, surname) These name tags were made by the Yosemite National Park Sign Shop for $2.00, with name, or $1.50 without name.

Entire Maintenance Crew of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Jan 17, 1969.> Crew is showing off it's new maintenance uniforms with the sewn on name tags. The supervisors are wearing the 1960 green laminate tags. Also note the man in the front row, second from right, is still wearing the old name tag. NPSHPC=John Mohihenrich photo-LAVO#109

Vincent Ellis, superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, c.1972. Ellis is wearing the 1970 nametag on the optional urban uniform that was authorized in 1972. NPSHPC/HFC#96-1348

A similar name tag was also used by park maintenance personnel. The badge was made out of the same material as above along with the arrowhead on the left and "National Park Service" on top, but "Park Maintenance" in lower case was on the bottom. with the employee's name in green embossing tape between them.

The above tags were worn until 1969, when the style of the ranger name tag was changed to "gold metal plate with cordovan colored block letters; corners rounded." This tag also had the two pin keepers, but now it was to be worn over the right pocket. This tag was also issued to maintenance supervisors as well. Although the 1974 uniform regulations first specified a new name tag for uniformed maintenance personnel, photographs show this had been introduced in the late 1960's. Instead of being detachable, this new name tag was embroidered and sewn on the uniform centered above the right breast pocket with the bottom flush with the top of the pocket flap. It consisted of white block lettering on a green background with a brown border.

However, though not addressed in the regulations, there were actually two cloth name tags, one over each pocket. The one over the left pocket contained NATIONAL PARK SERVICE in 1/2" white block letters, per the regulations, while the other contained the first initial and last name of the employee in white script. Sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s, the arrowhead patch was added to the shirt, making the National Park Service patch redundant and it was eliminated. The name patch is still worn today. These name patches were and still are, furnished by the Lion Brothers Company of Owings Mills, Maryland. The name patches are sent to the uniform supplier blank and the name is stitched in there.

Claude S. Fernandez, 1970. Fernandez is wearing a "HA BLO ESPANOL" identification tag under his 1970 name tag. Also note the PARKSCAPE tie tack. NPSHPC/HFC#91-4

In 1981 the name tag was changed to the larger rectangle style used today. It retained the gold finish. In keeping with the Service's goal of trying to assist all visitors, new name tags were issued to sign and foreign language interpreters. These were the same as the standard name tag, only expanded to accommodate the additional lettering. Language interpreter tags had been worn before this, but they were separate from the employee's name tag and usually purchased locally by the park. This was the first time that they were made part of the uniform regulations.

Included with these tags was one for non-uniformed personnel. This consisted of the same gold badge, but it had the NPS arrowhead emblem on the left side. Under the employee's name was NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. This name tag was not to be worn with any uniform, although in the mid-1980s it was worn by rangers in some parks. These badges were made by the Reeves Company, Inc. of Attleboro, Massachusetts.