Posted on Sep 29, 2020
Can a prior service Army wear is awards an badges if they reenlist in the Air Force?
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If i were to become and officer in the Air Force, will I be able to wear my Army "combat patch" or any of my Army badges that I've earned in the Army?
Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS)
Enlisted
Awards
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 9
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Rewrite of AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, Questions and Answers:
Question: Are Airmen authorized to wear Army combat patches on the OCP uniform?
Answer: “Combat patch,” applies ONLY to Soldiers. If an Airman was previously a Soldier in the U.S. Army and was authorized the wear of shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service IAW with AR 670-1, they may wear it in addition to the mandatory Air Force higher headquarters patch on the left sleeve.
Personnel who served in a designated area as a civilian or a member of another service, but were not a member of the U.S. Army during one of the specified periods are NOT authorized to wear the Army’s shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service. NOTE: Some Airmen may have been provided an HONORARY Army shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service after completing a deployment with an Army unit, but it is NOT authorized to be worn by Airmen.
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Portals/70/documents/05_DRESS%20AND%20APPEARANCE/QAs_AFI%2036-2903%20update_10%20Feb%202020.pdf?ver=2020-02-24-112524-420
Question: Are Airmen authorized to wear Army combat patches on the OCP uniform?
Answer: “Combat patch,” applies ONLY to Soldiers. If an Airman was previously a Soldier in the U.S. Army and was authorized the wear of shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service IAW with AR 670-1, they may wear it in addition to the mandatory Air Force higher headquarters patch on the left sleeve.
Personnel who served in a designated area as a civilian or a member of another service, but were not a member of the U.S. Army during one of the specified periods are NOT authorized to wear the Army’s shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service. NOTE: Some Airmen may have been provided an HONORARY Army shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service after completing a deployment with an Army unit, but it is NOT authorized to be worn by Airmen.
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Portals/70/documents/05_DRESS%20AND%20APPEARANCE/QAs_AFI%2036-2903%20update_10%20Feb%202020.pdf?ver=2020-02-24-112524-420
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1LT William Clardy
Not really, SMSgt Lawrence McCarter. Awards and other insignia which are only authorized for wear while assigned to a unit are not uncommon, so the fact that zoomies get awarded a Ranger tab and are allowed to wear it while still on an Army base doesn't automatically translate into the Air Force allowing them to wear it when they return to their home station.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
1LT William Clardy - Actually there are some Air Force units that are required to attend Army Ranger School as part of their Air Force requirements and duties. Also most that became jump qualified by the Army it was because their Air Force duties required it. If You attended that school, were qualified You were not forbidden from wearing that qualification emblem or badge and it hd nothing to do with later assignment. Wearing Army unit patches though once You left the Army unit You were assigned if that was the case, NO You could not do that. Don't confuse qualification badges with unit assignment patches or insignia.
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1LT William Clardy
"Don't confuse qualification badges with unit assignment patches or insignia."
I wasn't, SMSgt Lawrence McCarter. I was referring to Army awards and insignia which are authorized based on unit. For example, the blue Infantry cord and blue backgrounds are authorized for wear by infantry soldiers, but only while assigned to an infantry unit. Soldiers assigned to units which have been awarded one or more Presidential Unit Citations are authorized to wear the appropriate ribbon only while assigned to that unit, with the caveat that soldiers who were assigned at the time of the award are allowed to wear it regardless of subsequent reassignment.
On a personal note, I see that the current version of AR 670-1 contains language that could have cinched a slight disagreement I had with my squadron commander when he asked why my mortarmen were wearing their infantry cords when we were part of a cavalry troop in a cavalry squadron. I explained that I interpreted "unit" to include sections, and therefor we were assigned to an infantry "unit" within the troop. Somewhen in the last 40 years, someone added a clarification to the reg's language, making clear that "infantry personnel assigned to infantry sections or squads within units other than infantry units may wear the cord when authorized by battalion or higher-level commanders." (Judging from the squadron CO's reaction, he was more persuaded by my chutzpah than my memorized rationalization.)
I wasn't, SMSgt Lawrence McCarter. I was referring to Army awards and insignia which are authorized based on unit. For example, the blue Infantry cord and blue backgrounds are authorized for wear by infantry soldiers, but only while assigned to an infantry unit. Soldiers assigned to units which have been awarded one or more Presidential Unit Citations are authorized to wear the appropriate ribbon only while assigned to that unit, with the caveat that soldiers who were assigned at the time of the award are allowed to wear it regardless of subsequent reassignment.
On a personal note, I see that the current version of AR 670-1 contains language that could have cinched a slight disagreement I had with my squadron commander when he asked why my mortarmen were wearing their infantry cords when we were part of a cavalry troop in a cavalry squadron. I explained that I interpreted "unit" to include sections, and therefor we were assigned to an infantry "unit" within the troop. Somewhen in the last 40 years, someone added a clarification to the reg's language, making clear that "infantry personnel assigned to infantry sections or squads within units other than infantry units may wear the cord when authorized by battalion or higher-level commanders." (Judging from the squadron CO's reaction, he was more persuaded by my chutzpah than my memorized rationalization.)
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
1LT William Clardy - even in the Air Force some unit awards that the unit was awarded You can wear while in that unit but not after You leave. The bottom line Is if anyone isn't sure, check the Regulations. I do know the difference between qualification badges and unit patches or insignia. No confusion here.
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The AF does wear some Army awards and badges. A quick Google for Air Force Uniform Regulation will answer your question
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
Exactly, the key word is qualification badges and NOT Army UNIT patches or insignia.
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air force doesn't do "combat patches" so the answer to that one is "no". As for badges and other awards it just depends. some are allowed and some are not. I went the other direction, enlisted USAF to Army officer. I am allowed to wear my USAF good conduct medal, AF training ribbon, achievement medal, commendation medal, NCOPD ribbon and AF presidential unit citation and AF meritorious unit award. It does raise some eyebrows because most people in the Army don't recognize these ribbons and I always have to explain what they are.
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SSG Paul Headlee
LTC (Join to see) I've seen the blue ones on a soldier or two! Good on ya for exceeding the standard!
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SSgt (Join to see)
Actually sir, with the Air Force switching to OCP the new Air Force regs says if you have supporting documentation that you earned it, you can wear it as far as right sleeve patches go. I've looked into this in depth, hope to be switching air guard soon so been reading Air Force regs. Mainly applies to army switching Air Force
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SGM Steve Wettstein
LTC (Join to see) - I've seen numerous JTACs wearing combat patches. Some were even "awarded" it when they were assigned to my company during OIF V when I was the HHC BCT 1SG. I don't know if they only while assigned to Army units or if it's permanent.
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Capt Adam Saxe
SSgt (Join to see) - Hope you're correct. That's how it should be. If we, the AF (well, I'm no longer in, but . . . ) switch to OCP combat uniforms extremely similar to those of the Army, there's really no logical reason that troops who've earned certain badges or patches shouldn't be able to velcro them into their uniforms.
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I’m sure there is an Air Force regulation that covers this. Look it up on line. In general you can wear all medals, ribbons, and badges shown in your personnel record. If your Army stuff isn’t in your record, work with your unit personnel person to get it into your record. You’ll need Army orders or similar documentation for each item. The only item I’m unsure of is the combat patch. The Air Force dress uniform does not normally include shoulder patches. The work uniform does. Best to check the regs.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
The Army Unit patches could only be worn on the work or utility uniform while assigned to the unit. The same would apply also even to Air Force unit patches on Air Force utility or work uniforms, only the current patch to a unit You are assigned to. Other devices, medals, ribbon, qualification badges as long as they are in You personnel records and if they aren't there is a process to correct Military Records to include them. I've done that with some that weren't included even though earned and they were added. and it wasn't even difficult. If You have supporting document to submit it makes it all that much easier for them to research the records. Sometimes if awards were made to unit copies of Your assignment orders for that unit to nail down the time period can help. An MPC Rep can tel lYou what You ned to submit if You have the documents. (Do not send originals, only copies of originals) The Air Force Regulations do indeed cover this area and are very easy to check and can even be located online if You don't have access to a hard copy although a MPC, Military Personnel Center does have that access and they can be a great help.
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Your federal medals should cross over, some of your badges maybe, combat patch most likely no.
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Dear Aaron, I pray that you are successful at finding out the answers to your questions. SGT (Join to see)
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Check with the Air Force Personnel Office, some you can wear, others not. IE. Can’t wear marksmen badges. But you can wear jump wings
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During my time as an Air Force officer I was allowed to wear all my Navy awards and badges. Another AF mustang that was also prior Navy was allowed to wear his Dolphins. I am not sure of today’s regs but I would think once you have turned in all your award-badge-patch documents to the AF they can certainly advise you what your entitled to wear on the AF uniform just as I experienced coming over from the Navy. You shouldnt worry about what you can and can’t wear until your commissioned, then you can ask the authority.
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You may wear Your Army service ribbons other DOD branch service ribbons and some badges, but NOT the patches. Earned insignia from the Army such as awarded "RANGER" tab,(only on the utility uniform) jump Wings etc. may be worn and are. Specific criteria is provided in AFI36-2803 (Air Force Instruction) and also on AFM36-2806 (Air Force Manual) Foreign ribbons may only be worn with DOD approval. NO civilian awards can be worn on the Military uniform. You should have supporting documents for the awards of any of the decorations.
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SSgt (Join to see)
Actually SMSgt
Rewrite of AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, Questions and Answers:
Question: Are Airmen authorized to wear Army combat patches on the OCP uniform?
Answer: “Combat patch,” applies ONLY to Soldiers. If an Airman was previously a Soldier in the U.S. Army and was authorized the wear of shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service IAW with AR 670-1, they may wear it in addition to the mandatory Air Force higher headquarters patch on the left sleeve.
Personnel who served in a designated area as a civilian or a member of another service, but were not a member of the U.S. Army during one of the specified periods are NOT authorized to wear the Army’s shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service. NOTE: Some Airmen may have been provided an HONORARY Army shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service after completing a deployment with an Army unit, but it is NOT authorized to be worn by Airmen.
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Portals/70/documents/05_DRESS%20AND%20APPEARANCE/QAs_AFI%2036-2903%20update_10%20Feb%202020.pdf?ver=2020-02-24-112524-420
Rewrite of AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, Questions and Answers:
Question: Are Airmen authorized to wear Army combat patches on the OCP uniform?
Answer: “Combat patch,” applies ONLY to Soldiers. If an Airman was previously a Soldier in the U.S. Army and was authorized the wear of shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service IAW with AR 670-1, they may wear it in addition to the mandatory Air Force higher headquarters patch on the left sleeve.
Personnel who served in a designated area as a civilian or a member of another service, but were not a member of the U.S. Army during one of the specified periods are NOT authorized to wear the Army’s shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service. NOTE: Some Airmen may have been provided an HONORARY Army shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service after completing a deployment with an Army unit, but it is NOT authorized to be worn by Airmen.
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Portals/70/documents/05_DRESS%20AND%20APPEARANCE/QAs_AFI%2036-2903%20update_10%20Feb%202020.pdf?ver=2020-02-24-112524-420
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SSgt (Join to see) - Question, Some Air Force members esp. in Security Forces did attend and graduate from Army Ranger School, they also attended Army jumps school and also were Army Airborne qualified despite never actually being in the Army. Not that there are a number of them but the Army did give those awards to them just as they did their own soldiers. These were not honorary award but received after attending the Army's own formal schools. It not like something I've seen a lot of for sure, one Airman I knew that had a Ranger tab was former Army. Maybe i assumed something that wasn't correct, could be . I can delete that from My statement easily enough and unless I can verify anything different keep it off. Think I'll do that deletion but instead of just sneaking it off mention the subject to You. That being the case I can still learn. Thanks for Your input. The picture shown here also is of an Air Force Airman receiving the Army Ranger tab from the Army after completing the Army Ranger School. He was already Army Airborne and Army Jump School qualified. The Army Ranger school also has some reserved slots for Air Force people as well as some other services.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter I’m not arguing badges or schools where something was earned only referring to “combat patches”
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SSgt (Join to see) - Ok, no they couldn't wear any patches unless assigned to an Army unit and once moved on remove the patch. That could only be worn on a utility uniform or whatever they call them now. The USAF couldn't wear them on a service uniform at any time including times they may be attached to an Army unit. my reference was only in regards an earned Ranger tab or the like NOT a unit patch. My reference was only intended for earned insignia. Not an issue for Me anyway, never been to a RANGER school, jump school or the like and that's not a complaint, lol With Military Law Enforcement duties anyway even uniform and insignia violations weren't our prime duty but still were within out area of control.
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