Posted on Jan 7, 2021
Do units give right sleeve patches to people in kuwait if they are in direct support of OIR/OEF?
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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?
Posted in these groups: 
Kuwait
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Kuwait
Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR)
Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS)
Kuwait Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Kuwait Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS)
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 10
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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!
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC Michael Hasbun - I believe this situation differs from the WWII Bronze Star/CIB policy in that the flag/field grade officers writing the memos authorizing wear of the SSI-FWTS to reserve/ng did not have the authority to do so in the first place. Referencing old revisions of 670-1, the HQDA G-1 evidently realized what was happening and wrote in 2014 and further in 2017 outlining that this practice was not to be taking place. Although I understand that there is much cultural pride in reserve units that have served alongside active duty units and feel honored to wear their patches. Also, I admit I may be wrong, and those memos did have complete authority to be written, although I have not found it.
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SFC (Join to see)
MAJ Ronnie Reams - We had about half our unit cross-leveled for deployment, good thing too, a lot our unit didn't have the technical proficiency to be successful.
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
SFC (Join to see) - Good to hear. When I went over with 199th we cross leveled with 1st ID and 1st Cav. We could tell the old hands because they wore their Bloody Red One or or Cav patch on right sleeve. No one got heart burn about your right sleeve patch as they do now, or so it appears here on RP
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) that may be true. The units didnt have the authority to authorize the wear of the patch. The policies were vague and some took advantqge. However, theres no writing of retroactively rescinding the wear from those affected. The osr polices come to mind in reference to tour lengths
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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.
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SGT (Join to see)
This. As others noted it's pretty cut and dry the countries eligible are listed. I believe Saudi Arabia is on the list now; general rule of thumb I always heard was if you're getting HFP/IDP you're probably getting one for that trip.
As long as the GWOT continues, if you stay in long enough you'll go to one of those places at some point.
As long as the GWOT continues, if you stay in long enough you'll go to one of those places at some point.
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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.
Just the luck of the draw I guess if you get to go to one of those places.
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Unfortunately yes. If they deploy to Kuwait and spent all their time getting fat and lazy they will get a combat patch
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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.
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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.
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I guess it would depend on your unit And branch. I was navy oef and i never got any patches
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Absolutely not. it's not even questionable. It is pretty cleared explained in 670-1.
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