Does the Army have too many Badges and Tabs?

I think we are getting too badge/medal happy. I have stated before in other discussions that when a PFC with 2 years in service and one deployment has more medals, ribbons, and badges than General of the Army D. Eisenhower, something is wrong. I can understand having MOS or duty specific identification badges that are worn while in that duty assignment (career counselor, instructor, C-JCS, MP badge). But it becomes rather confusing to run into soldiers that have been awarded the instructor badge that then go on top take additional NCOES courses...who is the instructor?

Yes. Too many bangles and badges and ribbons and stripes and flair.

I believe the skill badges are fine. Riggers and EOD are not only badges that represent an MOS, the represent mastery of two very difficult skill sets which deal with the very real consequences of death if not done correctly. My chief concern is the seemingly subjective application of certain combat related badges. Case and point: While leading a convoy in Iraq, we were slowing to approach a FOB ECP. My vehicle and the ond behind me came under fire from a shoulder fired SA-7 anti-aircraft missile which passed behind my vehicle and in front of the vehicle behind me, impacted and embedded itself in a sandy berm but failed to detonate. My vehicle took up a n over watch position while the rest of the convoy entered the FOB, but never identified any hostile targets. We applied for but were disapproved for th ed CAB.

Meanwhile, a Blackhawk helicopter on a "taxi" run notices an IED being emplaced, and the crewman engages the targets managing only to scatter the group without taking any return fire. The crew and all those who happened to be on board a passengers apply for and are awarded the CAB.

This is the kind of stuff that renders badges worthless.

I think that Small Group Leaders should be authorized to wear a Instructor badge.

I did the basic mountaineering course in Alaska. The hot topic among the instructors was the implementation of the Mountain Tab as a skill tab, not a unit identifying tab. A few NG units on the north east coast have the rams head badge for completing the same POI. Yet that badge is only allowed in about 3 states.

If we made a badge/tab for every school the army offers, we'd run out of space on our uniforms. The Jungle Expert tab is already as long, if not longer, than the SF Tab. Alaska units issue an Arctic Tab. Ultimately, we would end up diluting the whole idea of badges and tabs.

It may even be a political mess to try to lobby for changes. A lot of what we wear is seeped in history. It would have to be a huge shift in overall opinion to add or modify badges and tabs.

Why not a tab or badge for speacilties such as SRT or PSD if you are  an MP and are qualified in these Special skills.  The MP is a Corps of its own and SRT and PSD are no small tasks to accomplish.  Not everyone is cut out to be SRT (Hostage Rescue) or willing to take a bullet for some guy just becasue of thier position or a couple of stars.(PSD)

I get to wear my CBRN patch! haha...but who cares? People who have their badges earned it. People who completed the courses without badges got their 1059. As long as everyone is doing their job, then no need to change anything. I think seeing all that chest candy motivates everyone. It motivates me and hope to get an opportunity, someday.