Can I wear my Airborne and Air-Assault badges while in basic training?

I went through Basic Training in Jan-Mar of 1973. I was very young (as were most of the trainees). We did have one older member of our platoon that indicated he was prior service. He was very helpful in helping use navigate the chaos of basic training. The day we graduated, in addition to his PFC rank he also wore his combat patch, three overseas bars, two rows of ribbons, CIB and jump wings. This would have been an unnecessary distraction during basic (in my opinion).

Did the same in 1971 had 5 years AF; had to wear greens had my little bits and SP 4 stripes.
The other guy had his combat ribbons from Vietnam; and when the 2Lt asked him where he got those ribbons the man just looked him in the eye and said at the PX, and he would show the Lt just where.

Then the 1SG came by and told him to stop jerking the Lt around; but we were having so much fun!

;)

Your choice...I remember as a young PV1 in AIT, we had a bunch of guys reclassing. A Spc, 2 Cpl's, and a Sgt. The SPC was from the 82nd Airborne and showed up all decked out in his Class A's with the beret. He was kind of an arrogant SOB and refused to take his beret off. After a lot of talks, he finally conformed to the AIT uniform. The other guys were from an Infantry Division and all had combat patches from Just Cause, but were really cool and accomodating. None of us knew what a patch on the right sleeve was for and they took the time to really educate us on the uniform and Army life in general.

Keep it a low profile, They will find out soon enough. Perhaps at graduation. Even then I would discuss this w/ the Drill Sgt. beforehand whether it is ok to wear the insignia, but after BCT complete. One problem you may face is that your MPF may not contain a record of your achievements. If it doesn't then keep your memorabilia in a box, until you can straighten out your MPF.

Shine bright like a diamond sky god!!!!

If in fact you are an Airborne and Air Assault graduate then you can and should wear all assigned awards and decorations based on the uniform you are wearing. If anyone else tells you otherwise then they are full of shit.

I am a Master rated Jumpmaster, Air Assault, and Rappel Master retired from the Army after 22 years of service. You have an obligation to proudly wear all awards and decorations “You” earned while on active duty. The last time I checked the only thing the military can take from you is your rank. All awards and decorations are permanent. Don’t be afraid to wear them and be prepared for leadership assignments such as Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, etc based on your experience. Plus your awards and decorations show you have the potential to lead from the front.

Leaders are selected and promoted based on potential. You have already shown that you have great potential. Always lead from the front!

Wear them, you earned them! If you have a combat patch....where that too. You are going to take crap from the Drill Sergeants, but deep down inside, they will respect you for it!! It will also show the new Soldiers to the Army that there is someone they can lean on for advice and support as they navigate their new life in the Army....I assume you want to be an NCO one day, so start early with helping to mold these young recruits with a positive impression; letting them know they made the right choice in an Army Career. It's always the first impressions that set the tone for whether or not a Soldier will stay beyond their first team of enlistment....you will be one of their first impressions, make it a good one! And tell them why you decided to return to the Army after getting out, it will give them something to think about when their re-enlistment time comes!

KEEP A LOW PROFILE! Remember, different and interesting things on the battlefield draw fire!

As a former soldier, you should know this is not an option. You'll be back in boot. Wear them after your graduation.

A tricky question. ..which you should have talked about with the recruiter. In any case early on after your arrival for basic - talk to your company commander. I am certain there could be a positive way to deal with your situation. Meanwhile you are a basic trainee. When you graduate and arrive at your new unit pin those badges on. Meanwhile enjoy the soldiers you are working with - one day they may be working for you/