Combat patches: Are they for show or do they really mean something??

The value comes down to the individual soldier. Yes it can signify combat, but for soldiers like me who served in a non-combat but designated combat zone it reminds of the unit I served under, the mentors I had, and the experience and opportunities it opened for me. It is also a symbol of pride to know the history of the unit whose patch I wear and I now in a small way play a part in that history.

Kuwait wasn't reclassed from combat zone to non combat zone to keep patches from the right shoulder. It was reclassed to save money ie no combat zone tax exclusion etc. Now as for a combat patch for Kuwait; getting one for deployment to Kuwait is total horse crap.

Cpl Kiernan smith, you must be 11charlie infantry Mortars?????, Thanks for Serving.

I means you did your part you have experienced what many troops hope to and seen things maybe some troops hope to never see I try to attach to deployments every chance I get so be proud of it

I wore mine with pride. It tells everyone instantly that you were in Combat and who with. I can’t believe you no longer wear them them.

LOL, Kuwait is a fucking joke

We referred them as draft dodgers. We had men and women that when our certain brigade was being deployed they would run like crazy to get in a unit that wasn't deploying. I been there done that and yes I got my patch and wore it very proudly. It shows the ones that were in the Army that you did what your country asked of you. I'm retired now and in my bike association they want us to wear our combat patch on our vest. I do and will till the day I pass wear it with pride. You want one then earn one. Don't say because you haven't got one that we can't wear ours. We earned it.

If you don't know, then apparently you don't need one.

SGT Cristopher Knapton, I am confused because this patch has shut history the you as a NCO shut had knowing that. The reality is each has their history from WWII to present. Read there history about some off this patch, they are part of our military history.

They shouldn't mean anything. But they're often used as a cure all when a soldier is losing an argument. If you ask me we should do away with all distinguishing decor.