Do you view those without a combat patch differently?

I do know that lots of soldiers choose not to wear a combat patch for a reason or another. I like to wear mine because I am proud of the things I accomplished during my service. So maybe those that do not wear them are either individuals that didn't earn one because they dodged a bullet or maybe they don't want the attention from others asking them " hey where did you get this one?" or something in that nature.

As a junior enlisted, I had spent my days turning to NCOs with combat patches. Not that the "slick sleeve" NCOs were any less competent, but the previously deployed took more time, were more patient, and very focused on ensuring their soldiers were well trained for the tasks at hand. Because they knew what we may or may not be facing down the road.

Yes, I respect them for being available.

Few soldiers have a choice in combat participation. The rest served honorably and are due our respect.

Makes me wonder about the Drone Pilot stationed in Arizona, who has killed numerous high value targets. Is a combat patch only if you got sand in your teeth? Granted the guy in Arizona did not get shot at but neither did a great many people who wear the patch. Maybe we should change it to a "I killed the enemy" patch.

That Combat Patch tells me that he/she did their duty under fire. That may not be true but it is an assumption. Without a patch you are an unknown factor.

Depends on how old I think they are and what their rank is. The older and the higher with a slick sleeve, the less forgiving I am. I deployed twice, while others I know (one of which was a BG) actively avoided deployment yet think they deserve my personal respect.

The simple answer is yes. The reason is that they don't have a shared experience. Many try to tell you how something needs to be done in a combat zone but they don't have the patch to show they've been there. Some choose not to where one, and that's fine because it's optional, but their records reflect their deployment. People who deployed with other branches will typically have some type of ribbon or medal that shows a deployment but, obviously, it's only visible in the dress uniform.

Speaking from a perspective in the Army Intelligence community, those with no deployment patches were usually seen as the ones who hadn't done there actual job yet. Being a 35F (or former 96B like me) you don't really get to do your war time job until you deploy. All the exercises in the world will not prepare you fully for doing your job in the real world scenario where real lives on the battlefield depend on your intel. I have nothing against guys with no deployments, but it helps to know that someone beside you has experienced at least some of what I have.

I wanna have a deployment patch. the military is the mucho environment and what Have on your uniform...is what you are