Posted on Aug 31, 2014
Can you wear a combat patch for a unit you supported?
161K
345
185
15
15
0
I have a question about combat patches.
I was in Iraq on day 11 of the invasion. OIF 1 & 2. Being in transportation, we served the whole theater. The Air Force, 1st MEF, and the whole advancing force was supplied by our fuel.
When we came back, some people wore different combat patches in my unit. I was told that we were authorized the 49th QM groups patch, which I wore and still have to this day.
How in the world would I find out which combat patch I am authorized to have? If any other one at all?
It may seem like a trivial question, but, if I am authorized another combat patch it would sure be nice to know.
Thanks....
I was in Iraq on day 11 of the invasion. OIF 1 & 2. Being in transportation, we served the whole theater. The Air Force, 1st MEF, and the whole advancing force was supplied by our fuel.
When we came back, some people wore different combat patches in my unit. I was told that we were authorized the 49th QM groups patch, which I wore and still have to this day.
How in the world would I find out which combat patch I am authorized to have? If any other one at all?
It may seem like a trivial question, but, if I am authorized another combat patch it would sure be nice to know.
Thanks....
Posted in these groups: 
Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS)
Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 84
4
4
0
After a certain date the criteria was changed to the Company level unit you deployed with or the next higher HQ if you deployed with a unit smaller than a Company (team or detachment). In order to wear the MEF patch you had to be in an attachment situation and you have to meet the criteria set down in the DA G-1 memorandum authorizing the MEF patch. I don't have the specifics anymore as I got rid of a lot of stuff when I retired. Don't even bother with the USAF patches as they were never authorized by DA G1. At most you would have the 49th QM patch or a Sustainment Command (1st or 3rd).
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
I was 101st ABN DIV during DS/DS. I am authorized to wear it. I was in Iraqi Freedom attached to the 82nd under the Big Red One. We are authorized to wear the 149th MEB Patch. also just returned from the Stan. Was in a MP CO with a non- deploy-able patch. I forget the higher unit we where attached to at Bagram but we are authorized the 42 MP Brigade Patch.
So since authorized all three I can Pick and choose. Most of the time I wear my 101st patch. But on the occasion I switch them out.
So since authorized all three I can Pick and choose. Most of the time I wear my 101st patch. But on the occasion I switch them out.
(4)
(0)
SGT Bryon Sergent
SSG Jason Penn - LOL wasn't meaning that as an attack. If it came out that way I truly apologize. I hate this, you can't distinguish inflection and the meaning in the voice when typing. something simple as a statement gets miss construed. Thank you SSG for your insight and knowledge, I am still and hopefully will always be the grass hopper. lol.
(1)
(0)
SSG Jason Penn
SGT Bryon Sergent - Not at all, I never took your reply as an attack. I took it that you may have misunderstood my original response and just made some minor clarifications and updated my findings upon locating a current version of the regs.
(1)
(0)
LTC Michael Hrycak
I agree with both of you. I was deployed, during my second mobilization, as part of a Border Transition Team, we were OPCON (Operational Control) to MNC-I (Multi National Corps - Iraq), ADCON (Administrative Control) to IAG (Iraq Assistance Group), and TACON (Tactical Control) to MND-B (Multi National Division - Baghdad) - which went from 4th ID to 1st Cav Division with our TACON in or AO (Area of Operation) being 4th BCT 25th ID. We were issued Memorandums of Record for SSI-WS for 4th ID, 1st Cavalry Division, and 4th BCT, 25th ID, and then our Statement of Service from IAG stating the above attachments but authorizing wearing MNC-I, and 1st ID IAW AR 670-1 App F. I made sure I kept all our Memorandums of Record, all signed by O-6 or higher commander, and, of course, my DD214. Just to add fuel to the fire, we were in ITO (Iraqi Theater of Operation) 27 March 2006 through 27 March 2007, and later this was designated as two separate campaign periods, so we were designated two campaign stars (through January, 2007, and after). Also, the 4th BCT 25th ID wears the Airborne tab, but a later ALARACT designated which units can wear it, and they weren't included. So, we definitely need Army G1 to step in and provide some guidance.
(2)
(0)
3
3
0
SPC Smith, While LTC Heinlein (below) was gracious enough to provide you with the regulation regarding the award and wearing of the (Combat Patch) SSI, I can only relay personal advise and recommendations. When the fighting 301st ASG Deployed to IRAQ in 2004 and 2005, the 13th COSCOM was our Higher Headquarters for over 30 days followed by the 1st COSCOM of the 18th ABC. We had a formal Patch-awarding ceremony with the 1st COSCOM CG, BG Yves Jaques Fontaine personally giving each Soldier their patch. Some Soldiers acted to were the 18th ABC patch, while others, the 13th COSCOM. Our S1 was in contact with the G1s of both COSCOMs and the ABC, and she confirmed that we met the requirements for all three (3). It has been 10 years since our return and I would have to check for a memorandum. Fast forward when I deployed for a brief special mission in 2010 the CG of USACAPOC(A) awarded me theirs. The is some common sense involved but I believe that you always should be able to prove where you were.. When in doubt, contact your G1 or Inspector General.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
I was with the 101st, the 187th, and the 82nd, but the patch I wore was my first Cav patch from being in combat in Vietnam. I did wear the others, but only because I was serving in those units. My Cav patch was always with me.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
Send for your Military Records and DD-214 some times you get awarded Ribbons & Medals after you get out and don't know about them. You might be able to find that patch.
(3)
(0)
MSG (Join to see)
That's interesting. I spent eighteen months at Kadena AB Okinawa and did not receive the AF overseas ribbon.
(1)
(0)
SPC Kortney Kistler
Send for your records? That's funny!
You can see all the same records on the self-serve portal that St. Louis has. I sent for updated records. Two and a half years later I get a packet in the mail. I had completely forgotten that I had requested them. There was nothing in there so to speak. All my updated records I have received from members of my old unit as time passed and the paperwork cleared. I received my CAB, JMUC, MUC, ARCOM, and some others after separation. I would have never known without my guys sending me the paperwork.
You can see all the same records on the self-serve portal that St. Louis has. I sent for updated records. Two and a half years later I get a packet in the mail. I had completely forgotten that I had requested them. There was nothing in there so to speak. All my updated records I have received from members of my old unit as time passed and the paperwork cleared. I received my CAB, JMUC, MUC, ARCOM, and some others after separation. I would have never known without my guys sending me the paperwork.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
Craig, You are wearing the correct patch (SSI). A soldier must wear the SSI from the unit to which he was assigned. Supporting a unit does not constitute assignment.
Vr
Scott
Vr
Scott
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
2
2
0
LTC Heinlein has it right. Our CSM made sure our S1 got the required paperwork done and in our records during our deployments.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
AR 670-1 and DA Pam 670-1 would be the guides. Anything other than what is written there is questionable. A newer version of 670-1 came out in the summer of 2015.
(2)
(0)
SSG Jason Penn
The old reg stated that a Soldier was authorized a combat patch of only assigned units, attachments were not authorized. Meaning that a Soldier in the 3rd Inf Div attached to 10th Mountain could wear the 3ID patch, but not the 10th Mountain patch. The update in 2015 changed that. Soldiers are now authorized to wear the combat patch of units to which they were attached. You hit the nail on the head sir, AR-670-1 is the go to guide! It is up to the soldier to prove the attachment (i.e. orders).
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
Often times authorization will come from the unit you were attached to, but AR670-1 trumps everything.
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google