Posted on Jan 21, 2018
GySgt John O'Donnell
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In the “era of jointness”, many service members attend schools hosted by their sister services and earn qualification badges/devices for successful completion. Due to individual service regulations, members may not be authorized to wear the hard earned badge on their uniform (e.g. Soldier with Navy Service Warfare device, Marine with Pathfinder badge). Within reason should this practice change?
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 10
TSgt David L.
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GySgt John O'Donnell, I think so. Some of us already have been "Joint" and as training is largely the same, the hardware is as well. I know the Air Force doesn't allow pins/badges that it's members can't attend or normally not allowed. Y'all's gold Jump wings, no, but the SCUBA Bubble, yes. An Air Force guy with a Ranger tab? Why not. Kind of hit or miss.

I think if you earned it you should get to wear it. If it hurts someone's feelings or makes them fell ordinary or left out, so be it. Great question/proposal, Gunny. I wish we could make it happen.
The Stolen Valor guys are already doing it... Had to go there.
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SMSgt Thor Merich
SMSgt Thor Merich
>1 y
I have seen many Security Forces officers wearing Ranger tabs. Sadly, its easier for a AF officer to attend Ranger school then enlisted.
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TSgt David L.
TSgt David L.
>1 y
I saw a security forces Capt at Eglin with a Ranger tab. I don't know that it's authorized though. I have seen TACP/JTAC guys with it, but they are wearing the Army unit patches as well. Good to go.
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LTC Jason Mackay
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Edited >1 y ago
GySgt John O'Donnell the only thing the Army won't allow is sister service marksmanship badges, otherwise, it is pretty fair game. My buddy who was the S6 and prior Navy wore his Surface Warfare Badge on ACUs, ASUs and mess dress. Sounds like the Marines don't let it flow the other way? AR670-1 20-12:
g. InaccordancewithAR600-8-22. personnelmustobtainwritten nauthorityfrom Army Human ResourcEs Command, Awards and Decorations Branch, before wearing badges on the uniform that were awarded by other U.S. Services or by the Director of Civilian Marksmanship. The following rules apply when wearing badges from other U.S. Services:
(1) Military combat or special skill badges awarded by other U.S. Services that are similar to U.S. Army combat or special skill badges are worn on the Army uniform in the same manner as U.S. Army combat or special skill badges, only if no Army badges are authorized for wear in the same group. For example, a Soldier who had no group 3 badges (as outlined in DA Pam 670–1) could wear aviation badges awarded by the U.S. Air Force as group 3 badges (as Army aviation and aviator badges are worn). However, if the individual was authorized to wear an Army badge in group 3, the Soldier would not be authorized to wear the group 3 badge from the U.S. Air Force.
(2) Skill badges awarded by other U.S. Services that are not similar to Army skill badges are worn as group 4 badges.
(3) Badges from other U.S. Services that indicate career fields are not authorized for wear (such as U.S. Air Force medical insignia or badges used to identify the duty, function, or classification of the wearer). Some examples are U.S. Air Force fire protection, air training command instructor, security police, or Naval Qualification Badges such as the Na- val aviation warfare specialist.
(4) Personnel will not wear badges awarded by other U.S. Services that, because of size or configuration, cannot be worn as group 4 badges. Subdued embroidered or metal skill badges authorized for wear by another U.S. Service, and authorized for wear on the Army uniform, may be worn on utility uniforms in the same manner as prescribed for Army badges.
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GySgt John O'Donnell
GySgt John O'Donnell
>1 y
Thank you for your detailed and thoughtful post. This is why RP is such a valuable resource for service members past, present, and future now. Semper Fi Brother!!
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SFC Information Technology Specialist
SFC (Join to see)
>1 y
Great information. In my case, seven years ago HRC denied my request for all three of my prior service insignias. The awards branch contacted Chief of Naval Operations to get clarification though my insignias never came from the Navy.
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
>1 y
Sorry you got hosed. At least there is a process. I’ve seen all kinds of the get approved. My Sr Rater when I was a Co Cdr had a USMC recon parachute badge
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TSgt David L.
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Ribbons are kinda the same way, BTW, Gunny. Again, if you EARNED them, lets make it work, within reason at least.
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