Posted on Dec 31, 2020
Can I wear my Airborne and Air-Assault badges while in basic training?
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I am going back to basic training as an E-4, after a few years out of the service. I am Airborne and Air Assault qualified...should I wear (if it's allowed of course) my patches...or should I just try to keep a low profile? What would you do?
Basic Combat Training (BCT)
Airborne Trainee
Regulation
Specialist
Enlisted
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 338
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Assuming they're yours because you graduated from the respective schools and not because you bought them, then yes you can wear them. Should you? If you can withstand the extra attention this will bring, absolutely. You've done something not everyone can do, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with making everyone else aware that they are dirty, nasty legs.
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AR 670-1 is the one. Wear them as much as you can, at every opportunity.
I never earned either, but I would hella wear them if I had.
Yes, you will get some grief, but tough times make us stronger at the end.
I never earned either, but I would hella wear them if I had.
Yes, you will get some grief, but tough times make us stronger at the end.
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Michael Davis
I will add one more brief story.
I was in NCO training that was also attended by an older (age-wise) NCO. He had a Silver Star from Vietnam. I wanted to talk to him about it, but he did not want to share and I respected that and left him at peace. I have never forgotten that time and will not forget that time.
Earning a Silver Star in 'nam carries ghosts along with it.
Badges are symbols but they have meaning. You should never regret wearing them as long as you display them with modest pride and in accordance with applicable regulations and policies.
I was in NCO training that was also attended by an older (age-wise) NCO. He had a Silver Star from Vietnam. I wanted to talk to him about it, but he did not want to share and I respected that and left him at peace. I have never forgotten that time and will not forget that time.
Earning a Silver Star in 'nam carries ghosts along with it.
Badges are symbols but they have meaning. You should never regret wearing them as long as you display them with modest pride and in accordance with applicable regulations and policies.
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Suspended Profile
I knew a CSM who had served in the RVN, but NEVER wore his CIB or combat patch. His reasons were his own...
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SSG Mark G Smith
I'm not sure making oneself a GDI results in the kind of grief from which meaningful lessons are learned other than do not be a God Damned Individual.
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SSG Mark G Smith
I have always preferred to under-promise (in this case, understate) and over-deliver. Put the Airborne and Air Assault on for graduation.
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Like the LTC earlier stated wear them, you earned them, but be aware that it will draw attention from the Drill Sargents. If you enlisted again as a SPC you will have to wear the rank so you will draw their attention anyway.
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Prior to reporting, check with your Recruiter to find out if you can. He should know or at least try to get a answer for you.
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It is up to you, bottomline the D.S. will know, because it will be on your ERB along other awards, schools and etc. It also doesn’t matter the D.S. gonna do what they do. So don’t hide step up to the plate and lead by example.
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Kudos for you. I wish I could go back in. I would definitely wear them. You might be a target for an overzealous DI, but in the long run it will show your pride in the Army. It might give you some leadership opportunities both in basic and after. Good Luck.
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You are entitled to wear them but know that anything that you wear will make you stand out and you will get extra attention. I did basic and advanced more than once and I wore my EIB and Jump Wings. I knew of one guy that showed up for graduation wearing CSM rank that was being reinstated upon completion.
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