Distinctive items authorized for infantry personnel Cord, shoulder.. The shoulder cord is infantry blue, and it is formed by a series of interlocking square knots around a center cord.  the authorized wearers, and the authorized assignments for wear of the shoulder cord. Since this shoulder cord is not a considered a permanent award, it should not be worn by Soldiers in an official DA photo. How worn. The shoulder cord is worn on the right shoulder of the Army service/dress uniform coat and the service uniform shirt. The cord is passed under the arm and over the right shoulder under the shoulder loop, and secured to the button on the shoulder loop. In order to attach the cord