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

As as I am an "old soldier" I don't have a clue what all the acronyms refer to, my thought is, if you served with or supported a major unit who served in combat, wear the unit patch on your right shoulder with pride.

US Air Force doesn't care less at all.

It's just a patch...and it means something to those who earn it. Sorry to be brusque.

"True"

I wear the 173d Airborne Brigade (SEP) combat patch. I reenlisted to go to it and spent nearly three years in it as an arty recon sgt/forward observer. My time was on line with the Infantry and LRRP. There are many scars I obtained in this line of employment and a few lines on my rack showing fun times but not the brave men I served with. You bet your sweet ass it means something to me.

I do not think I saw any comments from Marines in the Old Corps after WWII we were not aloud to wear any unit designation. Being one Corps the Marine Corps. they are now used for after service not during. One unit, One Corps In the four years I was active ( once a Marine always a Marine) 1964 - 1968 I was in all 3 active Marine Corps Divisions. Two got deployed to Vietnam one was State side but we did Med. cruises and we went to Gitmo 4 1/2 months 24 on 24 off the fence line. I have pride in all three unit I was with Fox 2/7 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions August 1964 - January 1966. Hotel 2/1 3rd Marine Division January 1966 - June 1966 and last but no least Alpha 1/2 2nd Marine Division. Taking Boots and Sea School Marines getting them ready for an Infantry deployment.

Now I wasn't Army or Marine, but to me every combat patch does have meaning. If anything it makes you a part of the distinguished group of soldiers. For instance the green patch with the red #1. That patch has a long history that from what I understand goes all the way back to WW1, many soldiers served with honor wearing that patch. Every patch has a purpose they all have a history or they are creating a honorable history.

When i entered the Army in 1975, it meant the person wearing it was a Vietnam veteran and he had experience we could call on when needed. There were very few that ranked below SSG. almost every NCO I knew was a combat veteran. They knew shit from shinola. As the years went by, more and more patch holders retired and fewer senior NCO's had that experience. When I deployed to Desert Shield/Storm in 1990 none of the NCO's or commissioned officers in my unit had earned a combat patch. When I deployed to Bosnia in 1995, those of us with a combat patch were looked upon to step up and mentor the newbies, including our commander, a major.

It means something to me. I really could give a shit what anyone else thinks. We are members of an organization that specializes in team oriented ground combat, so everything connected to it is valued. So there are a number of different pieces of recognition (awards, decorations, badges, etc) that recognize that and encourage people to engage in ground combat, because it is valued in the organization.

These days...Just for show like most medals and awards.