Posted on Apr 5, 2015
Combat patches: Are they for show or do they really mean something??
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The reason that I ask this is because my unit is deployed to Kuwait right now. Kuwait was reclassified before we got here as a non combat zone. There are many people who were upset about this and just as many who didn't care either way. I have noticed though that many people just say its just a patch it doesn't mean anything (they usually already have one though). So my question again. Is a combat patch just a patch or does it really mean something??
Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS)
Deployment
Combat
Honor
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 183
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A combat patch means you have been to an area that the U.S. is actively engaged in armed combat or an area where you could be fired upon. Now what does it REALLY mean?
Ok, it means you didn't duck deployment. It means you know what a J-list is. It means you know the feeling of getting off a C-130 or C5 and being scared on what you will see when the door opens. It means there's a possibility you helped plan a deployment and know what you will need and the things you wont need because when you got to your deployed site, you found out there was a bunch of crap that you didn't need you brought with you. It means you have experience. It means you EARNED something.
Ok, it means you didn't duck deployment. It means you know what a J-list is. It means you know the feeling of getting off a C-130 or C5 and being scared on what you will see when the door opens. It means there's a possibility you helped plan a deployment and know what you will need and the things you wont need because when you got to your deployed site, you found out there was a bunch of crap that you didn't need you brought with you. It means you have experience. It means you EARNED something.
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If you are authorized to wear SSI-FWTS it should mean something. Even if you didn't actually participate in "combat" you deployed in support of an operation and in support of your country. If you have multiple SSI-FWTS each one has a different meaning to you, different experiences, different people you interacted with.
You should be proud and wear it proudly!!!
You should be proud and wear it proudly!!!
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Don't worry about what others think. Just do your job to the best of your abilities.
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SSG Brian Carpenter
My Combat patches mean the world to me. They mean I went somewhere I didn't know if I was coming home,again. It means I served my country in times if War. It means I took an Oath and proudly and patriotically carried out its meaning to the T. It means others have followed and did the same. It means I will always be a part of this country as only III%ers understand. Now I ask what does yours mean to you?
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Sgt John Earley
Awesome, love it....i only got to Okinawa but i could have had been shipped to Vietnam.....
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