Posted on Mar 21, 2014
Are combat patches awarded for military service in the Republic of Korea?
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I am curious because I have been told so many different things that I would like to have clarification on this. If someone could point me in the right direction I would gladly look the answer up myself. Also, stupid question, am I entitled to wear a combat patch for the 10th mountain division if the unit I was attached to was never fully deployed while I was in it.
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Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS)
Korea
Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS) Korea
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 31
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I have heard of Soldiers being authorized to wear the SSI-FWTS for their unit in Korea, but that was back in the time when Korea deployed to Iraq. Unless fighting breaks out between North Korea and South Korea, I would imagine that you will not get it now.
Also, about your 10th Mountain patch, were you deployed and in country for 30 days? If so, then you should be authorized to wear the patch. The only exception I can see to this is if you deployed as individuals or small groups to support another unit down range, then you would wear the patch for the unit you were with there, not the 10th Mountain patch. Can you specify what you mean when you say the unit was never fully deployed?
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SSG Todd Halverson
Like Kevin said the only way for a Combat Patch in Korea was to deploy to Iraq or have war break out there. As far as the 10th Mountain Patch, would not be authorized it due to the fact that you did not physically enter into the combat area, either ground or air space.
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CPT Jacob Swartout
This question came up in my last unit and what SFC Tierney and SSG Halverson mention are true. You had to be present on ground for a set amount of time to be authorized the patch. I spent a year in S.Korea at Cp Casey and at times we thought war would break out over there. Crazy thing happened and we were on constant alert too often.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Per regs, there is no minimum time period to be authorized a SSI/FWTS.
So as soon as you stepped foot (or flew or floated) into a declared area where either the ICM or ACM was authorized, then you were authorized a SSI/FWTS IAW ALARACT 2007/055.
The only 30 day minimum is for the award of the GWOTSM where one has to be on active service for 30 days (IET training does not count) during the noted timeframe for the medal.
So as soon as you stepped foot (or flew or floated) into a declared area where either the ICM or ACM was authorized, then you were authorized a SSI/FWTS IAW ALARACT 2007/055.
The only 30 day minimum is for the award of the GWOTSM where one has to be on active service for 30 days (IET training does not count) during the noted timeframe for the medal.
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