Size: 4x3cm./1.5×1.1inch.
Weight: 12gr./0.4oz.
H
 
DDR NVA graduation badge with the image of friedrich Engels.
The NVA Graduate Badges were a non-governmental award in the form of badges of the armed forces of the DDR, awarded by the Ministry of National Defense.
They were gradually introduced starting in 1961 for graduates for army officers of the Friedrich Engels Military Academy, as well as for officers who had completed their studies at a civilian university or college in the DDR.
Officers designated for special assignments were sent to study at military academies in the Soviet Union or were offered places at civilian universities or colleges in the DDR. It should be noted that Soviet military academies traditionally awarded graduation badges upon successful completion of their studies; these badges were to be worn on the uniform, as a status symbol, of sorts.
This tradition was also followed in the other Warsaw Pact states . Thus, from 1961 onwards, graduation badges were also donated and awarded in the DDR.