Do units give right sleeve patches to people in kuwait if they are in direct support of OIR/OEF?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 12:31:42 -0500

There are units in my state that got stationed in AJ that got patches. I've heard its because of the operation they were involved with and because they had people in certain countries that allowed the whole unit to be authorized one. Do you get a "combat" patch for simply being involved in a combat operation?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2021 12:38 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 12:38:48 -0500

Usually no I’ve been in Kuwait since July 2020 and have been told we won’t be receiving one,we have people all through out the Middle East and only those in places such as Iraq,Afghanistan,Jordan or Syria get them.

Just the luck of the draw I guess if you get to go to one of those places.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2021 12:53 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 12:53:13 -0500

They shouldn’t be getting them. AR 670-1 clearly lays it out on who qualifies for them. One that stuck out to me is that the area must be declared as a hostile environment or Congress passes a Declaration of War. The only war going on in Kuwait is with the porta-John’s and standing in a long chow line.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2021 1:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 13:08:46 -0500

That’s a big negative. AR 670-1 para 19-17 is clear. The “Soldier” must be in an area designated for wear of the SSI-FWTS (Kuwait is not that area, it gives you a list is subsection b., there is no time requirement. A Soldier could step foot on the ground one day and get a patch. However, they must wear the patch of the unit they went overseas with, not a higher command (unless deployed as a platoon or lower, or the SSI belongs to a MACOM) and not more than one patch per deployment. None of this, “oh I have a memo to wear the 101st Airborne patch signed by the Division General nonsense”. Only the DCS G-1 can authorize that. I’ve seen reserve/guard Soldiers with 3 patches from one deployment, it’s unauthorized, regardless of what a Generals memo says. Anyways, hope that helps. Good luck on your deployment Sergeant!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2021 1:33 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 13:33:35 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2021 3:28 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 03:28:02 -0500

Absolutely not. it's not even questionable. It is pretty cleared explained in 670-1.

Response by PO3 Terri Marini made Jan 8 at 2021 3:59 AM

PO3 Terri Marini — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 03:59:51 -0500

I guess it would depend on your unit And branch. I was navy oef and i never got any patches

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2021 9:49 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 09:49:12 -0500

Back in 2014, the 160th signal brigade units at arifjan were still authorizing the patch until it was officially shut down. It’s tough to have senior leaders living off post and still authorize a “combat” patch. You do not get imminent danger pay in Kuwait which is I believe what a lot of folks tie to the authorization of the right shoulder sleeve insignia. Regardless of what you were supporting while there, you weren’t in an imminent danger area, and thus, no patch. Tough pill for a lot of folks to swallow.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2021 9:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 09:43:13 -0500

I know there was a Illinois National Guard unit that most have Obtain the right sleeve patch incorrectly while in AJ Kuwait smh. Is this the unit you talking bout?

Response by SSG Byron Graham made Jan 20 at 2021 10:04 PM

SSG Byron Graham — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 22:04:17 -0500

At one time Kuwait was on the list of locations authorized. It was removed in 2014 (in the middle of my deployment there). So, it depends on when a soldier was deployed to Kuwait.

Response by SSG Christopher Link made Oct 1 at 2021 10:28 PM

SSG Christopher Link — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:28:30 -0400

Unfortunately yes. If they deploy to Kuwait and spent all their time getting fat and lazy they will get a combat patch