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

As a former Drill Sergeant and having had prior service going through BCT, we made sure they didn’t wear their devices not because none of us had them but because to retract from bringing attention to them. However, we encourage them to wear their devices and medals proudly upon graduation. Besides, ALL prior service soldiers were Cadres helpers. Because we felt they paid their way already.

I'd go low-pro. Drill instructors will expect you to lead by example and know what they expect. Most importantly is uniformity and listening to superiors. You're going to be in a position of leadership, and if you slip in the slightest they will make your life a living hell. They will see those patches as a challenge to the cadré. That's my opinion.

So this can play out a few ways. First congrats on going back in. Second, this should be almost a cake walk for you. Remember to play the game and you'll fine. Third hmmmm you may be precieved has having special treatment while in basic but again your really there as a refresher. On the other hand drill SGTs may ride you until the cows come home and do it again until they leave. Meaning that they may want you to step up more than ever and will make a public display when you mess up. Let's face it there will be a time when you mess up. Personally, I would wear them on my class A uniform. Now I've been out for a little while so I believe that its called dress blues now. With that being said I do not know the regs for wearing those in a non stationed unit or if you can wear them in a tdy/training environment. Now you know drill sgts have spent countless hours on AR-600 on properly wearing the uniform so what I would do make about 4-5 copies of your actual award for those and keep them with you in your pocket or some where you can easily get to them and keep them dry. Again drill Sgts will damn sure expect you to out preform other Soldiers on the PT fitness test and other areas. If you feel you can back up your stuff then by all means wear them. Just remember wearing those in that environment will draw a lot of questions. Be cautious and be ready and good luck. Let us know on here how it goes. Be safe.

I would wear my blood jump wings, 101 Screaming Eagle patch (left shoulder looking back at combat) and tell them to relax they should read “The Odyssey of Echo Company”.

The Echo is E company 501st, 101st Airborne. I was in Charlie company. We went on December 13, 1967 and after a couple of months it was a regular blood bath described pretty good in that book. If they read that book before enlisting, they probably would have second thoughts. In basic, it’ll have them facing a reality of what was and what could be.

My nightmares after discharge was that I could get pulled back in for another 2 years and go through basic and the guys would winder why I had those patches and other things all over my fatigues. Now it just me running through a maze in Nam with AK47 tracer rounds being shot around me. VA sent me for a little therapy, so to speak, and the shrink said she had heard both those dreams from many others. I am not sure why, but knowing that made me feel a little less crazy, so to speak.

Since you're going ack into the sa.e service you left, I'd say why not. Your previous service records will reflect you earned them, but some DI might take an opportunity to question why you, a basic trainee are wearing them.

My position is you earned those it is recorded on your DD214 so wear them proudly. Might influence one of the one trainees to go Airborne or Air Assault. Make them a better soldier in the end.

Consult AR 670-1 and ask your drill sergeants. I joined the Army in '97 almost 8 years after being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. After doing the research I just suggested, the only time I was authorized to wear them was for inspections and graduation. There are cut off points for some awards, etc even within the same military branch. Generally speaking, you should be fine...but CYA(cover your @$$). You don't want to be "that soldier" who gets made an example of because you should know. Especially as a junior NCO.

Wear them with pride. you earned them as prior service. Recommendation I would only wear them on my dress uniform.

Since the original post is a year old we’re probably past this point, however for others in the same dilemma there is value in not wearing previously earned badges. When I went through basic (summer/fall of 2000) trainees didn’t even where rank, which included E1-E4. The reason being that every trainee is on a level playing field. It takes everyone being in the same level to have those common experiences in basic that are designed to break people down then build them back up. If you go into it with the mentality that you’re already better than the new recruits, you will be doing a disservice to the break down/build up process. Go into basic with some humility and be ready to help your newly reported platoon members assimilate to Army life.