Can you wear the combat patch of a unit you were attached to?

2014-02-17T06:34:04-05:00

Never really seen this till this deployment I am on and I'm around alot of units here.<div>I hear seen a total of 8 Soldiers with 82d ABN combat patches on, and all 8 I asked what unit where they with in the 82d, all of them said "I was attached to the 82d ABN in combat", then of course I knew the answer, but asked anyways "what unit were you assiged to? Or was the 82d just your higher HQ in country", and of course it was the latter.</div><div>My question is why don't Soldiers want to wear their own unit patches? And yes, it does irritate me Soldiers that have never been assigned to the 82d are able to wear it just because the 82d was their higher HQs (even though I'm tracking its authorized). </div><div>I'm not trying to sound like I think my unit is the best conventional unit in the Army (even though it is), I just feel Soldiers are trying to give off an appearance they they served with a certain element when they didn't. </div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 6:41 AM

2014-02-17T06:41:22-05:00

Uniforms, combat patches

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 6:53 AM

2014-02-17T06:53:16-05:00

Actually SSG Maravi the Soldiers are not allowed to wear the 82nd patch regardless of being attached to them. I agree with you that Soldiers should take pride in the organization they are apart of. My last deployment I supported a lot of great organizations but the work I was doing in mine was great as well.

ALARACT 055/2007

A DEPLOYED UNIT (COMPANY OR HIGHER) WILL WEAR THEIR UNIT S SSI AS THE SSI-FWTS. THIS IS TRUE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE HEADQUARTERS ELEMENT DEPLOYS, AND REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF CHANGES TO THE UNIT S ALIGNMENT OR OPERATIONAL CONTROL (OPCON) DURING THE PERIOD OF DEPLOYMENT.

The only exception to this is if they deploy as single elements. I had to pull this ALARACT info out a lot my last deployment cause units were making promises to the individual signal teams supporting bigger elements.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 17 at 2014 12:20 PM

2014-02-17T12:20:25-05:00

Sometimes it depends on if that unit has it's own patch or not. Remember, unit's patches, particularly of support units, are dictated by who their higher HQ is. It may be one patch during garrison ops, but if they are attached, task organized, TACON or OPCON during a deployment, well guess what, they are temporarily a part of the division and DID serve with you. That is the reality of task organization in a combat zone.

During OIF1, my unit (3d ACR) was beefed up quite heavily into a Regimental Combat Team configuration (in reality we were more of a mini division). We absorbed units who don't normally have any affiliation with us in garrison, but were under my RCO's command during combat. Guess what, they wore our patch too, because they were a part of the RCT.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 11:41 AM

2014-02-18T11:41:22-05:00

I myself have only ever been authorized two Combat Patches. The Mighty 1st Cav (2XIraq), and 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (1X Afghanistan). I can understand the desire to wear a different patch at times do to the command pressure to wear that units patch. I had a CSM that would walk up and pat you on the arm (Right shoulder) as he addressed you, and once he pulled his hand away, your combat patch (If you had another one from a different unit) would be covered by the first team patch. Dont get me wrong, I loved my unit, but some could see that as disrespectful, and many took offense to that. During my Afghan deployment I was apart of the Brigade hQs, and when they were sent home (I worked in the Mayor Cell) I now fell under USFOR-A and we wore that patch for the rest of the deployment. Now to complicate things further, I was still under one battalions books from my owning Brigade, and they were now under the C2 of 101 CAB. (Keeping up?). Now without the regulation one would think I was now authorized to wear one of three patches (12CAB, 101ABN, and USFOR-A), and the 101CAB Bde Commander even went so far as to draw up a memo stating we were authorized the screaming eagle, but according to the regulation (As many found out), that wasnt true. I think some people are just patch collectors, while others want the distinction of belonging to some of the most storied units in the Army.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Apr 6 at 2014 1:30 PM

2014-04-06T13:30:16-04:00

You cant do this. I inquired about this in 2009 to m DS when I was in basic. Apparently, in the early to mid 2000's, if was like some kind of combat patch anarchy.

I noticed especially among the Reserves/NG, they hate wearing their own patches. I remember at one point they all begged our BC for a memo letting them wear our 101st patches.

Every once in a while we would let people in no name units with no name patches wear ours. I.e. our FST and S-6 Augmentees.

Also, anyone still see that Guadalcanal patch around still?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 2:18 PM

2014-04-10T14:18:51-04:00

I'm Authorized the 10th Mountain SSI-FWTS. for a deployment with a unit that is no longer associated with 10th mountain aside from the fact that they reside at Fort Drum. Current members no longer wear the 10th Mountain Patch, but wear the 16th MP BDE patch (out of Fort Bragg). We changed to this patch during my second deployment with that unit, and as such I'm authorized to wear that SSI-FWTS as well. A few people have noticed it and asked me questions such as: When did I leave Fort Bragg; they're none too happy when I inform them that I've never set foot there. For a while I felt they were a Bastard Battalion. If I went by the aforementioned unsaid rule of wearing whatever unit i was attached to i could wear half the patches in the Army. I find that most peoples distaste isn't from someone wearing something you don't feel their authorized, but that wearing a patch for a unit you know nothing about isn't much of a conversation starter (like the badges in other threads)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2014 3:38 PM

2014-07-23T15:38:31-04:00

I have no choice, I'm only authorized to wear one patch (SF patch) and no, I'm not part of the unit in the rear, I'm attached. Only difference is, I didn't deploy with my unit (my entire brigade is chilling at home while I'm downrange for 12 months). I deployed individually as a WIAS or more commonly known Individual Augmentee. I fell under 3rd Group and then 7th Group. For that reason, I'm not authorized to wear my home unit's patch (since they are not out here) I'm only authorized to wear my current unit's patch which is the SF patch. I hope people won't give me shit back at JBLM for wearing my "combat patch" thinking that I'm wearing it to be "cool" without being authorized.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 12:41 AM

2014-08-01T00:41:32-04:00

I've always had the understanding that as long as you had a memorandum from the respective command, you could wear that patch.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2014 11:21 PM

2014-09-07T23:21:29-04:00

It is no longer authorized. In the past you would see whole BDEs get a patch of their attached command that no more. I am glad that changed it. Now you have to wear the lowest level. If you go as a company you will only wear your units patch as a combat patch. I was attached to the 101st and got a memo for their patch but I still wear my units patch. We went as a company. The worst of it is that when your BDE goes and no ones wants your units patch but they want the 82nd or the 101st or the 10th MTN. All I can say is the names of the men we lost in combat are on a memorial with the 30th ABCT patch on it. If you go to the unit we were attached too they don't have their names at their base and on their memorials.

(a) A deployed unit (company or higher) will wear its unit SSI as the SSI-FWTS, regardless of the headquarters
element deploying and the unit alignment or OPCON during the period of deployment.
(b) A deployed unit will not wear its assigned SSI as its SSI-FWTS when the SSI belongs to a major command,
such as an ACOM/ASCC/DRU or State Area Command, or a non-deployable unit. In such cases, the unit will wear the
SSI of the lowest echelon Army unit (company or higher) in the deployed chain of command as the SSI-FWTS. When
there is no intermediate unit (company or higher) in the deployed chain of command, these deployed Soldiers will wear
the SSI of the senior command in the theater as its SSI-FWTS.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 8 at 2014 2:30 PM

2014-09-08T14:30:41-04:00

At least they get to wear one, AF members had that privilege striped when they changed us to ABUs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 3:13 PM

2014-09-08T15:13:23-04:00

AR 670-1 (current Version) pa 21-17 follows the Alaract very well. Before 2007 if you pretty much crossed paths with a unit you could wear their patch. After the 2007 ALARACT You had to have something documenting the deployment, and that you were organized under that unit (usually it's your deployment orders) in order to wear that combat patch. So, for the attachement combat patch, ask if they have anything in writing. Though usually when someone who was actually in the 82nd scrutinizes someone wearing the patch (and they all do, more to find a bit of cameraderie than fault) it's not hard to find who really did something with them and didn't.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 10:25 PM

2014-09-08T22:25:39-04:00

If your Div Hqs is deployed down range then you wear that division's patch regardless of whomever else you (or your unit) gets attached to. Ex. 1st Cav Div HQs deploys to Iraq. Our battalion gets attached to the 101st ABN (or whomever) in Iraq, we are not authorized to wear the 101st patch, only the 1st CAV patch.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 10:59 AM

2014-09-09T10:59:39-04:00

I was with the 82nd ABN DIV in 2003 when we deployed to Iraq. We were attached to many units and as long as those units you were attached to have given your unit permission to wear their patch you can wear their patch. If they have not then you cannot wear it, you still have the memory and stories of being attached to them.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 11 at 2014 10:59 AM

2014-09-11T10:59:51-04:00

I used to see so many non-SF personnel wearing this SF combat patch that I stopped counting. I'm obv in no position to say who should and shouldn't wear it (as long it's within regs), but I'm just saying...when you see people who are on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from SF wearing that combat patch, you have to wonder what some SF people actually think.

If I was ever in a situation where, by regs, I was authorized to wear an SF combat patch along with 1 or more alternate patches, I would not wear the SF patch. It just wouldn't feel right in my stomach. Who else has thoughts about this? I know everyone who has been in the Army for a bit has seen examples of this.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 17 at 2014 10:25 PM

2014-09-17T22:25:33-04:00

Most of the cases described in this thread are covered on pages 34 and 35 of the current AR 670-1.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 9:56 AM

2014-09-18T09:56:03-04:00

The ALARACT is fairly clear. If you deploy with a unit which has a designated SSI, you wear that one. If you don't, then you will wear the one of the lowest SSI element in your CoC in country. So, if you are a DET from the 95th DIV (IT), deploying to RC-EAST, you would not wear the 95th patch; rather, you would wear the patch of whichever HQ is at RC-EAST.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 12:30 PM

2014-09-18T12:30:50-04:00

Let's take a moment and reference the actual policy (ALARACT 055/2007) instead of promulgating the wrong information. MFRs 'authorizing' you wear of a SSI are wrong and not legit.

All you need are IA orders, TCS orders that put you with a certain unit in a designated combat zone...none of this MFR, ERB, 30-day in country 'patching' crap.

SUBJECT: AR 670-1, 3 FEB 05, WEAR AND APPEARANCE OF ARMY UNIFORMS
AND INSIGNIA
1. THIS MESSAGE SERVES AS IMPLEMENTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHANGES
TO THE WEAR POLICY OUTLINED IN AR 670-1, APPENDIX F, SHOULDER
SLEEVE INSIGNIA-FORMER WARTIME SERVICE (SSI-FWTS).
2. SINCE 1945, THE INTENT OF THE WEAR OF THE SSI-FWTS HAS BEEN TO
DENOTE SOLDIERS PARTICIPATION IN COMBAT OPERATIONS, AS DIRECTED
BY THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY, WHILE SERVING WITH LARGE ECHELON
DEPLOYED UNITS. BASED ON THE WAY UNITS ARE CURRENTLY DEPLOYING,
THE WEAR POLICY FOR THE SSI-FWTS MUST BE REVISED TO CLEARLY
CAPTURE THE WARTIME RELATIONSHIP WITH FIGHTING UNITS ON THE
GROUND.
3. THIS POLICY CHANGE IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND IS NOT
RETROACTIVE.
4. THIS GUIDANCE APPLIES TO SOLDIERS OF ALL COMPONENTS (ACTIVE,
ARNG, AND USAR) THAT DEPLOY DURING PERIODS OF SERVICE DESIGNATED FOR WEAR OF THE SSI-FWTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH AR 670-1, PARAGRAPH
28-17.
5. THERE IS NO TIME-IN-THEATER REQUIREMENT TO BE AUTHORIZED TO
WEAR THE SSI-FWTS.
6. A DEPLOYED UNIT (COMPANY OR HIGHER) WILL WEAR THEIR UNIT S SSI
AS THE SSI-FWTS. THIS IS TRUE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE
HEADQUARTERS ELEMENT DEPLOYS, AND REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF
CHANGES TO THE UNIT S ALIGNMENT OR OPERATIONAL CONTROL (OPCON)
DURING THE PERIOD OF DEPLOYMENT.
7. WHEN ECHELONS BELOW COMPANY LEVEL DEPLOY, MEMBERS OF THESE
UNITS WILL WEAR THE SSI OF THE LOWEST ECHELON DEPLOYED UNIT
(COMPANY OR HIGHER) IN THEIR NEW DEPLOYED CHAINS OF COMMAND AS
THEIR SSI-FWTS.
8. WHEN THERE IS NO INTERMEDIATE UNIT (COMPANY OR HIGHER) IN THE
DEPLOYED CHAIN OF COMMAND, DEPLOYED SOLDIERS WILL WEAR THE SSI OF THE SENIOR ARMY COMMAND IN THE THEATER AS THEIR SSI-FWTS.
9. SOLDIERS WHO ARE CROSS-LEVELED, ASSIGNED, ATTACHED, OR
AUGMENTING DEPLOYED UNITS, AND SOLDIERS WHO ARE TDY ON ORDERS
THROUGH THE USE OF DD FORM 1610 (REQUEST AND AUTHORIZATION FOR
TDY TRAVEL OF DOD PERSONNEL) WILL WEAR THE SAME SSI-FWTS WORN BY MEMBERS OF THEIR DEPLOYED UNIT (COMPANY OR HIGHER) TO WHICH
ATTACHED OR OPCON. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO MEMBERS OF TRIAL
DEFENSE AND CIDC, WHO WILL WEAR THE SSI OF THEIR RESPECTIVE
COMMANDS AS THEIR SSI-FWTS.
10. SOLDIERS AUTHORIZED TO WEAR MORE THAN ONE SSI-FWTS MAY CHOOSE WHICH SSI-FWTS THEY WEAR. SOLDIERS MAY ALSO ELECT NOT TO WEAR THE SSI-FWTS.
11. PRECEDENCE WAS ESTABLISHED IN VIETNAM FOR ELEMENTS ORGANIC
TO, OR AN INTEGRAL PART OF AN ORGANIZATION TO WEAR THE
ORGANIZATIONAL SSI AS THEIR SSI-FWTS.
12. SOLDIERS ATTACHED OR OPCON TO OTHER SERVICES ARE NOT
AUTHORIZED TO WEAR OTHER SERVICES PATCHES AS THEIR SSI-FWTS
WITHOUT WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM THE DCS, ARMY G-1 OR A DELEGATED
REPRESENTATIVE.
13. POC FOR UNIFORM POLICY IS SGM K. EASLEY, DSN 225-5287; COMM.
[login to see] . E-MAIL IS [login to see] .MIL.
14. THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE DCS, G-1.
15. THIS AUTHORITY IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
16. EXPIRATION. THIS MESSAGE WILL EXPIRE UPON NEXT PUBLICATION OF
AR 670-1.
17. EXPIRATION DATE CANNOT BE DETERMINED.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 1:25 PM

2014-09-18T13:25:47-04:00

Once again, attachment orders (including TDY/TCS, etc ) are the personnel record tht indicate the assignment: FINANCE records indicate whether hostile fire/combat zone pay/tax exemptions took place. Most soldiers don't know that the records are intended to be cross-checked--something that might come in handy for them to know in the future when records may be lost.
Select orders such as TDY/TCS might also have specific notes. DOD or service unique memorandums are usually issued to clarify the situation regarding how many days are needed to qualify for recognition and/or an award of a medal or other device. Regulations are often later updated via interim changes. That said, note that a soldier might qualify for a medal for "being in support of" and operation, yet might not qualify for ''combat patch" or other device due to narrowly defined criteria. On the other hand one might qualify for "tax exemption/combat zone" for being in country for only one single day...thus we used to have unethical people who flew in on the last day of the month, departing on the first day of the new month, resulting in two months of "tax free" pay.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Sep 18 at 2014 6:46 PM

2014-09-18T18:46:23-04:00

I can understand your plight. So many soldieres prefer to wear combat patches from more renown units then their own unit. I am technically authorized to wear 2 different combat patches from supporting different units during my deployment; however, I choose to wear my unit's patch because I take pride in my unit and it eliminates confusion. I don't agree with soldiers wearing patches for unit's they weren't assigned to. When I see someone wearing my unit's patch, there is a certain comradarie when conversing with them and finding out who they are, what they did, and who they know that you know. We sweated and suffered in roughly the same ways and the same places, and that creates an invisible bond that needs to be cherished.

Response by SSG(P) Matthew Bisbee made Nov 23 at 2014 1:46 AM

2014-11-23T01:46:06-05:00

I was mobilized out of the Individual Ready Reserve and served in Afghanistan (2006-2007). I was originally assigned to I Corps Artillery, attached to TF-Phoenix under the 41st Infantry Brigade then the 218th Infantry Brigade. I was under opcon to TF-31 for half of my tour. The unit I deployed with returned to the states a month before I did. The last 3 months of my tour, I was part of CSTC-A in Kandahar. I never received any orders officially transferring me from one command to the next, beyond my orders to report to I Corps Artillery. The only patch that I was "awarded" was the SF patch by the ODA team I worked with. For simplicity sake, can't I just wear my IRR patch? (this is a sarcastic question. I know the IRR patch is not an authorized ssi-fwts, but you can see how confusing this can be.) I am authorized the following SSI-FWTS: I Corps, 41st SIB, 218th SIB, CSTC-A, and possibly the SF (I don't have the OPCON orders, but have orders from the commander of TF-31 and the MUC they received is on my DD-214). Maybe it would reduce the questions if I could just wear the IRR patch?!?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 12:42 AM

2014-12-03T00:42:04-05:00

Ok, can someone dumb it down for me? From what I understand is prior to 2007 you can basically wear any SSI-FWTS for a unit you supported, were attached to, or were actually assigned to. After ALARACT 055/2007 you wore your units SSI as your SSI-FWTS if you deployed as a company sized element or larger. In other words, whatever you wore on your left shoulder while deployed is what you’ll wear as SSI-FWTS.

I’m only asking out of curiosity. I have bookends with a national guard unit and that’s not going to change.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-05-10T11:38:59-04:00

Got another "what if" situation that was my first deployment (OEF 2009-2010).

Individual WIAS tasking assigned to a CJTF Paladin which, at first, fell under USFOR-A (wore that patch). Then Paladin transfered to IJC. While in country I wore the IJC patch during that time but should have I continued to wear the USFOR-A patch or could I have just worn my home station unit? I'm not sure if AR670-1 addresses joint assignments or is that covered in a JP?

52nd Ordnance Group took command of Paladin late in 2010 which finally put me directly under an Army unit

"(d) Individual Soldiers who are attached (to include OPCON, cross-leveled, assigned, or augmenting deployed units) will wear the same SSI-FWTS worn by members of the deployed Army unit (company or higher) to which attached by written orders. A Soldier who is further attached (to one or more units) during one deployment will only wear the SSIFWTS for the first Army unit (company or higher) to which attached by written orders. Soldiers who deploy with their unit (company level or higher) will wear the SSI-FWTS as outlined in paragraph 21–17a(7)(a), regardless how many times they are further attached to other units as individuals or teams."

Response by SGT Frances Richardson made May 21 at 2015 1:34 PM

2015-05-21T13:34:31-04:00

Alex, I'd like to pick 'things I never cared about' for $500.

All joking aside, wear what you want. I've never taken the time out to care about who wears what patch and for what reason. Probably because I don't even wear one. :/

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 21 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-05-21T14:54:17-04:00

In a PERFECT WORLD each soldier should have a Statement of Wartime Service in their 201 file. It might be a blanket order that corresponds to their assignment/attachment/departure (wrong term). Back after Desert Storm a lot of soldiers in units I served in tried to pick-a-patch.

Response by SSG Thomas Brousseau made Jun 10 at 2015 4:24 PM

2015-06-10T16:24:58-04:00

I don't have the reg on hand right now but I do remember that I have a memorandum for record in my 201 file authorizing my combat patches.

Response by MGySgt George W Iliffe Jr made Sep 29 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-09-29T15:19:10-04:00

During Desert Storm we had an Army major serving with us in the 1st Marine Division FSCC. One day I told him "Sir your combat patch will be the 1st MARDIV patch" He then said some Army Regulation prohibit it. I was kind of offended as I am very proud of my unit and his wearing it would of been quite unique.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-06-07T13:38:57-04:00

A soldier wears the patch of the unit most immediate in their unit of assignment's chain authorized a combat patch. My first deployment's unit was a Guard unit not authorized a patch, the next unit up (battalion level, USAR) wasn't authorized a patch, either, so we went with their higher up's patch. Four months before we when home, my battalion was replaced by an Active Duty battalion with a combat patch authorization, so we were allowed to wear their patch also. Technically, attachments don't necessarily mean you're allowed to wear the patch of the unit of attachment. There has to be a specific order or written authorization allowing that.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 12:09 PM

2016-07-15T12:09:04-04:00

I think it is great that they changed the combat patch rule! I mean otherwise you might feel loyalty and unity to your higher DIV HQ. Feel like your part of their team and do things above and beyond to ensure their success on the battlefield. We don't want that!

We need to protect our patches and never ever make another unit a part of our team no matter how long they serve with us and especially regardless of the sacrifices that they make!

Less teamwork and more individual unit accomplishment. Lets stop winning wars! Its overrated!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 12:12 PM

2016-07-15T12:12:52-04:00

Why do you want to wear that American Flag on your shoulder, SSG? Why not wear your individual state flag?

Personally I like that stars and stripes, but I suspect someone will change that too.

Response by SGT Topher McCann made Jul 18 at 2016 1:44 PM

2016-07-18T13:44:16-04:00

Attached soldiers are actually ONLY allowed to wear the patch of the unit they're attached to for that deployment. If they are attached to multiple units (during the same deployment), then only the first unit's SSI-FWTS (combat patch) is authorized per AR670-1:

"21-17 a. (4) (d) Individual Soldiers who are attached (to include OPCON, cross-leveled, assigned, or augmenting deployed units) will wear the same SSI-FWTS worn by members of the deployed Army unit (company or higher) to which attached by written orders. A Soldier who is further attached (to one or more units) during one deployment will only wear the SSI-FWTS for the first Army unit (company or higher) to which attached by written orders. Soldiers who deploy with their unit (company level or higher) will wear the SSI-FWTS as outlined in paragraph 21–17a(7)(a), regardless how many times they are further attached to other units as individuals or teams. Members of trial defense will wear the SSI of their respective commands as their SSI-FWTS."

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jul 18 at 2017 10:30 PM

2017-07-18T22:30:09-04:00

NO........That is stolen valor

Response by LTC Mark Hunt made Aug 28 at 2017 3:27 PM

2017-08-28T15:27:17-04:00

Deployed as a Civil Affairs reservist twice
First time as a Battalion thus we got the USACAPOC patch. Second time was as a 9 man element for a PRT. We had to wear the next highest US unit, which was RC-East then commanded by the 101st
We were OPCON and ADCON but not assigned. We got the 101st combat patch.

Response by PO3 Diane Policandriotes Goldsmith made Sep 11 at 2017 12:39 PM

2017-09-11T12:39:08-04:00

I would if I could find mine. I was stationed at Training Squadron VT-2, Whiting, Field, Milton, Fla. I also had a coffee cup with the patch sticker on the cup and it is almost faded off. It had our last name on it. Wish I could get it replaced on it. It was funny when my CO ordered it for me, as the guy who made it said it wasn't sure my name "Policandriotes" would fit on it, but it did. I thought it was dishwashers safe as I cleaned it by hand and oops it faded. I was proud of my squadron and always wore my shoulder patch.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2017 3:34 AM

2017-09-25T03:34:29-04:00

Yes, several.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2018 10:33 PM

2018-06-10T22:33:48-04:00

With this stuff I have a question. In 2011 to 2012 I deployed with my battlion. 3 months later my battery was attached to a different unit for the remainder of the deployment. All your paperwork went through them, all awards sign by them, all orders came from them,and was even awarded a certificate to wear thier patch. So can I wear both of those patches per the regulation. That is just how I read it.

Response by 1SG Richard Vanwhy made Jan 20 at 2019 7:03 PM

2019-01-20T19:03:00-05:00

Unless they changed it since 2008, you have to wear your unit patch, it does not matter who you were attached to, unless it was a individual attachement because co or higher youmust wear your unit, it is any other way then everybody would not wear their unit patch because the higher HQ's would be who ever was the command element was at that time

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Mar 17 at 2020 7:10 AM

2020-03-17T07:10:25-04:00

You should have left that unit with a MOR that will state your length of deployment and commands and subordinate commands if they were authorized a SSI and it’s noted you can where it. When I deployed in 2006 for Iraqi Freedom I was authorized 3 but I only wear the 1st Aviation Brigade I earned that in Viet Nam

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2021 1:30 AM

2021-04-25T01:30:10-04:00

I was under the impression, that you can wear the unit patch of a unit you were attached to on your right sleeve, but only units you’ve actually served in on the left? Am I wrong?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2022 5:50 PM

2022-08-31T17:50:57-04:00

Old thread, but I'll add my opinion as to why I think they screwed this up. Yes, if you deploy with your unit (Company or lower), you should wear that SSI as your "combat patch". However, if your company is then OPCON to another brigade HQ as part of their task force, you should be able to wear their SSI as a "combat patch" as well, ESPECIALLY if the task force/brigade is awarded a unit award (PUC, VUA, or MUC) for the deployment which would list the units that are assigned/attached. A company that deploys to augment other brigades aren't there as a representation to the battalion/brigade that they belong to back home. They now answer to another command and carry out operations for that command element which belongs to another unit entirely.

I think the best way to lay out the "combat patch" issue would have been to simply state that wear of the "combat patch" should be based on:

1) Written orders assigning/attaching you to the gaining unit as an individual soldier.
or
2) That your company (or lower) while attached to a higher HQ at the battalion or higher level were awarded a unit award for the deployment.

That should have been the criteria to wear multiple "combat patches" and avoid all the grey area nonsense in the regs. Base it solely on direct orders as an individual or that the company or lower that the soldier was assigned to received a unit award while attached to a higher HQ as part of their task force or unit. It would make it pretty clear as to what patches folks would be entitled to wear and easy to figure it out.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 31 at 2022 6:16 PM

2022-08-31T18:16:08-04:00

Good insight dome times soldiers want prestige without guys.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 31 at 2022 6:27 PM

2022-08-31T18:27:37-04:00

Some soldiers like the prestige of wearing an Airborne patch but may lack the guts to go Airborne, those soldiers are Chairborne!

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 31 at 2022 11:07 PM

2022-08-31T23:07:44-04:00

Hats are off to everyone of you!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2022 10:01 AM

2022-09-01T10:01:21-04:00

When I was in Afghanistan we had to wear the combat patch of the command that was on our orders.