Posted on Sep 4, 2021
How can someone prove that they can wear a combat patch for deploying to Kuwait under OIR and OFS?
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-2020 I was deployed to Kuwait with the 82nd last year, my orders say it was under Operation Inheret Resolve, my unit didn’t get to go to Iraq. Only 2 infantry battalions went forward
- 2021 I am deployed to Kuwait with the 82nd again, my orders say it is under Operation Freedom Sentinel, my unit didn’t get to go to Afghanistan. This time more than 80% of my brigade went forward except for my unit.
I was told even though we stayed in Kuwait we’re allowed to wear the combat patch because of the operations that we fall under. If someone is wondering why I’ve been to Kuwait 2 years in a row is because both times my brigade has been on IRF (inmediatamente response force)
I’m not really trying to wear it cause I know I don’t deserve it but I’m really curios a bout this cause some of my friends want to wear it.
upposing that we’re allowed wear the patch can they prove that they’re allowed? Cause our ERBs say Kuwait but also I have friends in aviation that just went to Afghanistan or Iraq for supply drope and came back, theirs ERB say Kuwait but with this new thing of no minimum time in combat zone, they are wearing it
- 2021 I am deployed to Kuwait with the 82nd again, my orders say it is under Operation Freedom Sentinel, my unit didn’t get to go to Afghanistan. This time more than 80% of my brigade went forward except for my unit.
I was told even though we stayed in Kuwait we’re allowed to wear the combat patch because of the operations that we fall under. If someone is wondering why I’ve been to Kuwait 2 years in a row is because both times my brigade has been on IRF (inmediatamente response force)
I’m not really trying to wear it cause I know I don’t deserve it but I’m really curios a bout this cause some of my friends want to wear it.
upposing that we’re allowed wear the patch can they prove that they’re allowed? Cause our ERBs say Kuwait but also I have friends in aviation that just went to Afghanistan or Iraq for supply drope and came back, theirs ERB say Kuwait but with this new thing of no minimum time in combat zone, they are wearing it
Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS)
Kuwait
82nd ABN
Deployment
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 32
Edited from Original Response:
AR 670-1 Section 21-18 spells out the criteria for allowance of wearing the combat patch. If you do not meet the criteria, then you aren't authorized the patch. One would also need substantiating documents to prove it. These include orders taking you to the areas allowed a patch and a Commanders Memo stating you're authorized the patch. If none of these can be shown/presented, then those folks are wearing a patch against regulations and orders.
AR 670-1 Section 21-18 spells out the criteria for allowance of wearing the combat patch. If you do not meet the criteria, then you aren't authorized the patch. One would also need substantiating documents to prove it. These include orders taking you to the areas allowed a patch and a Commanders Memo stating you're authorized the patch. If none of these can be shown/presented, then those folks are wearing a patch against regulations and orders.
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SSG William Hommel
MSG (Join to see) - Not even remotely cool. "My feelings" and "kid friendly" are still more condescending remarks by you. Watch your six, karma is inevitable.
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MSG (Join to see)
SSG William Hommel - Well, I changed my initial response. Hopefully, it'll now be more acceptable by folks.
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The "combat patch" formerly known as the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia - Former Wartime Service (SSI-FWTS) and now known as the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia - Military Operations in Hostile Conditions (SSI-MOHC) is not authorized for Kuwait regardless of the operation listed on your orders whether it be Enduring Freedom (Spartan Shield), Inherent Resolve, or Freedom's Sentinel.
The bare minimum proof you need is orders putting you in that country for 1 day minimum and this was additionally proven by you getting hostile fire pay and or imminent danger pay.
However, our brigade encountered a significant number of NCO's that questioned the right of junior officers and enlisted to wear their given patch from going to Iraq or KSA. As well as some commanders when their Soldiers were temporarily detached from their unit to assist another unit in Iraq.
This was quickly solved by the patch issuing commander "awarding" the patch via a memo with the orders and any other pertinent documents listed as enclosures. There was even an LPD given on the subject, but just like PowerPoints not very effective.
In some cases they presented a colorful certificate at the end of the deployment depicting the awards and patch they earned during the deployment. Is it necessary? No, but it is a nice supporting gesture from the command team that also helps with those who enforce the reg but don't actually read it.
So long story short, no patch unless you stepped one foot into any of those countries that authorize, i.e. Iraq, Afghanistan, or KSA.
Upside though is it warrants a GWOTEM with service star I do believe, but don't take my word for it. Check AR 600-8-22 and find out for sure, your S1 should be tracking.
The bare minimum proof you need is orders putting you in that country for 1 day minimum and this was additionally proven by you getting hostile fire pay and or imminent danger pay.
However, our brigade encountered a significant number of NCO's that questioned the right of junior officers and enlisted to wear their given patch from going to Iraq or KSA. As well as some commanders when their Soldiers were temporarily detached from their unit to assist another unit in Iraq.
This was quickly solved by the patch issuing commander "awarding" the patch via a memo with the orders and any other pertinent documents listed as enclosures. There was even an LPD given on the subject, but just like PowerPoints not very effective.
In some cases they presented a colorful certificate at the end of the deployment depicting the awards and patch they earned during the deployment. Is it necessary? No, but it is a nice supporting gesture from the command team that also helps with those who enforce the reg but don't actually read it.
So long story short, no patch unless you stepped one foot into any of those countries that authorize, i.e. Iraq, Afghanistan, or KSA.
Upside though is it warrants a GWOTEM with service star I do believe, but don't take my word for it. Check AR 600-8-22 and find out for sure, your S1 should be tracking.
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SGT Mustafa Stokely
Did I mention the lovely travel poster I picked-up, while stationed in West Germany, during the Cold War?! :D
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1SG Cj Grisham
There is no service star for the GWOTEM authorized. If anyone is wearing one, they Are wrong.
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SPC (Join to see)
1SG Cj Grisham - Turns out we're both wrong.
Per HRC - The GWOTEM was established by EO 13289, 12 March 2003 to recognize Service members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. The GWOTEM is only awarded once per named operation, regardless of the number of deployments and periods of service supporting that operation. Effective 9 February 2015 (retroactive to 11 September 2001), separate deployments and periods of service in support of different named operations are recognized by bronze service stars. A complete list of operations and areas of eligibility approved for award of the GWOTEM is available at: https://prhome.defense.gov/M-RA/Inside-M-RA/MPP/OEPM/.
Per HRC - The GWOTEM was established by EO 13289, 12 March 2003 to recognize Service members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. The GWOTEM is only awarded once per named operation, regardless of the number of deployments and periods of service supporting that operation. Effective 9 February 2015 (retroactive to 11 September 2001), separate deployments and periods of service in support of different named operations are recognized by bronze service stars. A complete list of operations and areas of eligibility approved for award of the GWOTEM is available at: https://prhome.defense.gov/M-RA/Inside-M-RA/MPP/OEPM/.
Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management
The official website for the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
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Trick question. There's no combat patch for Kuwait. You didn't physically go into Iraq or Afghanistan, so no patch.
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Suspended Profile
For the record, I was in OIF-3, not Desert Storm (although I was preparing to deploy for Gulf when the war ended).
SFC Michael Hasbun
MAJ Paul Ailslieger why should I have to tell you what the topic is when the OP clearly gives a timeline for his question?
Just pay more attention next time.
Just pay more attention next time.
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SFC Howard Holmes
I guess I just don't understand all of the hostilities being thrown around here. A Jr. enlisted asked a question, and as leaders, the responsibility is one of two-fold, answer the question, or provide direction for the Jr. enlisted to learn where to find the answer on his own. Since most of us know how muddy regulations can be worded, if the Jr. Enlisted comes back for clarification, help him/her out. Set an example, and I don't mean an example of being smart asses, geniuses, know it alls, or whatever else other than being a leader. Throughout stages of OIF, there were several changes to conditions for wearing different awards/patches. How about everybody stepping up and showing leadership rather than all of these pissing contests, or making the questioner feel like a dumbass.
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Suspended Profile
SFC Michael Hasbun - Interesting tone you have there, SFC. For the record, I knew exactly the question. Your answer was technically wrong and I called you on it. There is a reason I rose from an E-1 to O-4, and well, you never will. For starters, I was trained to show respect for those in superior rank. I dealt with guys like you from the "new" Army as a JAG. I always enjoyed taking your rank and pay. Get a law degree, in fact any degree, and then come talk to me. And the first word out of your mouth had better be, "sir". It was every single time I spoke to a superior officer.
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