Have you, or another soldier you known, not worn your awards on your uniform?

2014-08-03T00:02:10-04:00

In my time in the Army have seen soldiers from just about all ranks with various badges. I have also seen some that chose not to wear any badges on their daily uniform. I know some may say they can be used to judge you or your character as a soldier. Most of us in the infantry are familiar with the infamous tab check when you met another infantry leader. But what value does that place on the badge.

When I first arrived on Fort Bragg a long time ago just about every soldier here was Airborne. So, it was pretty much implied that you were Airborne. Especially if you were in one of the infantry units. At some point I didn’t wear my wings. I was pulled to the side by a Senior NCO and questioned why I wasn’t wearing my wings. I really didn’t have a good answer besides that I felt that being Airborne was no big deal. I was schooled up a bit by him. In the past being airborne was extremely challenging and those that were Airborne had to earn their wings. It would also instill a sense of pride. They were among the best that helped win wars. Over time we lost this emphasis on what it really meant to be airborne. After this I would sew on my wings, and now other badges, to my uniforms. I see it as an honor to wear my awards.

What have you seen of this? Does it really make a difference in esprit de corps of a unit to not wear your awards? What are your reasons if you choose not to wear them?

Response by SSG Christopher Buck made Aug 3 at 2014 2:50 AM

2014-08-03T02:50:57-04:00

While I tend to agree with you on the qualifications and skill badges, since they represent the culmination of a successful course of training, I am less inclined to say that awards such as the CIN, CAB, RSSIFWS, combat patch, and Purple Heart, set a bad example when they are omitted from a soldiers uniform. For example, I know of many soldiers who refuse to wear their combat patches, because they didn't feel they were earned since the soldier never actually entered a hostile zone, maybe they were in Kuwait during OIF. The CIB and CAB require actual action, but many units awarded every soldier in the unit the award when perhaps only 30% saw actual armed enemy combatants. The Purple Heart is another, often scorned, award that many soldiers refuse to wear, and many even refer to this award as the "enemy marksmanship award" or the "live target" award. I do not intend to devalue these awards or the soldiers who have earned them ; rather, I think it is the individual soldier who feels that they are either unworthy to west the bade, or medal, or they feel that wearing the badge, or medal, somehow disrespects or detracts from the honor bestowed upon the wearer since the feel it was unearned. The EIB course requires top mental and physical skills, as well as months of advanced studying and preparation; whereas, some people feel the CIB is simply handed to "some" soldiers simply because they happen to hold an infantry position. For some soldiers it is not a matter of dishonor or failing their peers by not wearing the awards, etc., granted them. Instead, it is because that soldier does place value on those awards, and the sacrifices many gave in pursuit of the missions that granted those heroes their awards. Anything less than a matching level of sacrifice, to them, anyway, would be a signal to their subordinates and peers that it is okay to besmirch the names and records of those heroes in an attempt to get noticed during a uniform inspection or a Military Ball. Please don't misconstrue what I'm saying here. I have the utmost respect, but I can understand why someone would be inclined to omit some badges or medals from their uniform.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 6:49 AM

2014-08-03T06:49:42-04:00

There are times I don't wear my CMB as it isn't that I devalue it, but I don't feel that I have to advertise what I've done.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Aug 4 at 2014 1:25 AM

2014-08-04T01:25:52-04:00

Highly personal choice. I know some folks who don't wear them because they like to fly under the radar.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 10:52 AM

2014-08-04T10:52:03-04:00

I actually just got told by platoon sergeant that wearing my badges is a part of my uniform and non negotiable. I have two sets of uniforms where they are sewn on and two sets where everything is velcro and I can't stand pin on badges. I understand having pride in my set of wings but I think forcing your soldiers to wear them does absolutely nothing to increase their pride in them. It went from taking pride in my accomplishments to executing a chore real fast.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 8:06 PM

2014-08-04T20:06:47-04:00

Maybe I'm old school, but in my early days, you only got sew-on rank when you reached a rank you were happy with and stopped seeking further promotions... With that said, until I get CSM I will not be getting rank sewn on, with the current AR 670-1 I can not sew on my CAB due to Velcro rank. As a maintenance guy, and formerly a cook, I always worried about it potentially falling off contaminating food and now working around batteries and wiring and electronics, metal is not authorized on my uniform, for those reasons I refuse to wear my CAB unless I'm at a formal event.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 8:13 PM

2014-08-04T20:13:27-04:00

I've read a good bit thru the different posts on this thread and just shake my head about "I don't like to pin on badges"; my PSG told me my badges were part of my daily uniform; someone quoted the DA policy- local cdr can make wearing badges mandatory for etc, etc etc; I'm now wondering out loud, REALLY, this is the attitude. To me it's much to do about nothing, and yet much to do about something that no one has mentioned. What happened to Soldiers doing their best everyday, what happened to pride in their uniform; what happened to "I don't give a damn what he or she does, I'm gonna do what's right! Doing whats right is not always written in the manual; in the AR or passed on from some unit shit house lawyer. Some will say Im in Fk'd up unit, so I'll say, why does that make you choose to be fk'ed up right along with them. Here is a little secret for the "individuallsts", changes begin one Soldier at a time. Have the balls and fortitude to be a part of making that trasnsition is a helluva lot harder than it is to be a follow along jackass! For the ones who are in an Airborne unit and don't wear their badges, that represents a lack of individual fortitude, a lack of pride in the their unit, a lack of respect for those who came before them in that organization and remember it when it was a great unit. I hear a lot from Soldiers today, " I don't think that's right or I don't like to do this, they don't have the right to make us do ......etc...etc! These will be the same Soldiers who will be complaining when they get the letter that says, your services are no longer required, you will ETS in the 30-60 days! This will be the same Soldiers who will say, "They screwed me over and gave me a Bar to Renlistment"...or "They gave me a bad NCOER!" Bullshit, the whinning asses got exactly what they deserved, why because they wanted to be individual players and have it their way, and felt little to no inclination to considering what's best for the UNIT, or considering, what can my individual contribution be to better the UNIT! Things of this were NEVER an issue in my days (70s, 80s thru mid 90s). Seems to be a lack of leadership development, which actually begins with a PVT....and to much mollycoddling. The conflicts are winding down, everyone is coming home, the old peacetime rules, traditions, values, etc that Keeps a peace time Army on its toes till the next sounding of the charge is coming back. Either get with the program, times are gonna get tougher in the Army. Either Adjust fire with your individualists (It's about me) attitudes or don't blame anyone but yourselves when you go home and the next time you want it your way, it will be at Burger King. It's much easier to be an individualist then it is to be a team player.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2014 11:13 AM

2014-08-05T11:13:07-04:00

There are Soldiers who would compare their badges and tabs to that of wearing a combat patch. The common theme has always been, showing off, and to that I just do not agree. For deployment patches (varsity letters as my one platoon sergeant called them), badges and tabs are not a flashing pair of headlights or anything to draw attention; they're the mark in the sand of your career. I'm proud of the units that I served with in the sand box, and the accomplishments that we made. And discussing with other Soldiers who have the same patch or another is a great way to continue the legacy of our Army.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Aug 14 at 2014 12:02 AM

2014-08-14T00:02:09-04:00

CMB and 2 deployments. I don't really wear that stuff except on my dress uniform. I was a great medic, and according to some of my guys I was the best ever. That enough is satisfaction for me. I don't need to wear a badge and some patches to show my competence.

I came back from my 1st deployment a PFC. Never wore my combat patch or CMB. I once had to attend a medic class taught by an NCO about TC3. She tried to make me look stupid during a lesson because I was playing on my phone. I asked her if she had ever done what she was teaching me, in real life. She said no. I told her I did, and I got a cute little pin for it. I just lost it and forgot to buy another one. She never ever messed with me again. I think its sad when lower enlisted have more combat experience then NCO's.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2014 12:20 AM

2014-08-15T00:20:49-04:00

I understand when soldiers choose not to wear their badges, a friend of mine won't wear them because they remind him of how he got them. That being said system of badges patches is important for the social fabric of the army.

I had a big explanation of why this is but just don't have the time to arrange it right. (Term paper is due)

Bottom line/take away. Senior officers and NCOs who don't have at least a combat patch at the least get a minimum of compliance from me. I know this is wrong but really if you haven't figured out how to be deployed in the past decade then why is your opinion important?

If I have two NCOs one with deployments one without it really is a no brainer .

Is this prejudice? Yes. Do I care? No.

I am still annoyed about the removal of branch insignia from officer uniforms. Yes, combat arms officers get more respect from me.

War is what the army does. Those who have BTDT should be identified.

(My real opinion is that E-7s and O-4s and above without combat patches should be the first people selected for non-retention.)

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 2:09 PM

2014-10-31T14:09:40-04:00

You have categories: soldiers who have pride, soldiers who know they don't deserve them, soldiers who have bad memories of the badge, and ones who just don't care. So you will never know unless you ask a soldier. I've always been taught to lead by example and that starts with doing what's right. DA photo you have to wear all so why not any other time?

Response by SFC Scott Parkhurst made Oct 31 at 2014 2:11 PM

2014-10-31T14:11:58-04:00

I think the badges are important. It's not a "show off" thing. It's pride and it shows what you have earned and worked your ass off for. It shows that the Army entrusted their faith in you and yes, they paid money so that you could go to that school. You got up every morning and did PT and did the hard work and you did your jumps and you didn't die! So yeah, why not wear your badge/patches?! It does show other's that there are goals that a Soldier can strive for and can earn points for promotion(s) as well. Don't you want to go places in your career whether within the Military and even outside once you leave?? Be proud of what you worked for and never have that feeling of "why should I care?" Your in the United States Army and you better start caring....(not directed towards you 1LT), but this is towards those who bring down moral....and wonder why it's low....It start's with each Soldier. Then just maybe...moral picks up and spreads? It did in my Unit...Lead by example! 20 years never did I let my uniform go or spit shins...! Hell, I would even train others do them.....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 12:49 PM

2014-11-05T12:49:12-05:00

A lot of times this is dictated in policy by unit. Examples: at Ft. Campbell, you could wear badges in any approved order on your ACUs, but AASLT had to be the highest Group 4 badge (meaning, worn above ABN, P-FNDR, etc.); in Germany (173rd), anyone who had ABN must wear their wings, while all else was optional. In both of these cases, I arrived at the unit without the respective wings. Seeing everyone else walking around with them just fueled an internal fire to get into the school and earn what my peers had that I did not. So I see it as a motivational tool that does all the work itself. You could probably argue that a CDR can't require it without providing the badges (the whole money thing), but that's a cheap cop-out... almost like saying "I can't polish my jump boots because you didn't issue me any kiwi."

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Nov 10 at 2014 12:16 AM

2014-11-10T00:16:10-05:00

General Dempsey does not wear all his medals and he backed it up by stating the 670-1 does not require the SM to wear them....so would that be wrong? Unit policy does not trump ARmy Regulations or does it?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 12:33 AM

2014-11-10T00:33:30-05:00

I wear some of my eye candy, only because I'm an instructor at ft. Sam, anywhere else I wouldn't wear them. I Have nothing to prove. I lead my leadership. The only reason I wear them here is for the wow fact for these young medic to see what a combat can earn.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 10 at 2014 4:01 PM

2014-11-10T16:01:35-05:00

I have a question that parallels yours CPT Private RallyPoint Member ......I was fortunate enough to earn my EIB when I was a grunt. In Iraq, I was awarded a CAB. Left to my own discretion, I would never wear a CAB over an EIB. I know that if a CIB is awarded it is to be worn over the EIB since they are both class I. Does the CAB have to be worn instead of the EIB? In this ex-grunt's eyes, that dog just don't hunt.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 10 at 2014 4:44 PM

2014-11-10T16:44:43-05:00

I will let this one sit and see who can guess what it is. It is awarded by the Army (yes....our Army).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 8:50 PM

2014-11-10T20:50:19-05:00

3 things:

1. I knew a guy who walked around Afghanistan with the regulations in his pocket so when asked why he did not have his combat patch on his uniform. He simply did not appreciate how he was being treated by the unit and was not proud to be in the unit which seemed to be all about who can get a bronze star in this group and prevent others from it as well as setting up only some people for promotions.

2. I have a SSG now who does not wear a combat patch as he says that some people automatically give you respect because you have a combat patch, but you can have knowledge even if you did not deploy.

3. I do not wear my jump wings most of the time. I started back when I was doing change of command inventories during my first command and I just forgot to put them back on after doing laundry. Then it became a pain putting them on and off and then they scratched. I do not like how the ACUs look with everything sown so I wear them when I wear my "nice" uniform for CAO duties or special events or classes. I do not feel the need to brag about having the opportunity to go to the school and graduating. I know I have them and if people pay attention they know I have them. If not they are surprised when I put on a good uniform or my ASUs.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Nov 11 at 2014 10:54 AM

2014-11-11T10:54:45-05:00

I always wore everything I had earned, but that was my choice and I never had an issue with those that chose not to wear theirs. It only bothered me when someone who chose not to wear theirs made derogatory comments about those who did, just because we chose to wear ours didn't make us glory-hounds or badge-chasers or any of the other labels I heard over the years. If you wear them good for you, be proud and show it, if not, same thing be proud of your accomplishments!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 1:33 PM

2014-11-20T13:33:50-05:00

Some days I wear my cib or eib some days I wear a combat patch.
I'm not here to show off what I got to others just how I feel that morning when I wake and if I want to throw the items on the uniform that it isn't currently sew on now

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Nov 21 at 2014 11:39 AM

2014-11-21T11:39:00-05:00

I wear my AASLT wings because I am proud as hell to have finished that course. I only wear my CAB because it's been sewn on my uniforms for quite some time. If someone doesn't wear their badges, it makes me wonder why you wen't to the course in the first place. I am not degrading anyone who does this, it is just what passes through my head. I do take into consideration maybe they just didn't wear it today.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 6:08 AM

2015-01-01T06:08:20-05:00

I don't de-value what I have accomplished in my military career. I am very proud to have earned my Air Assault wings at the age of 39 I just don't feel the need to always have to advertise my achievements.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 24 at 2015 8:29 AM

2015-05-24T08:29:42-04:00

If i work hard and earn the badge, I'll wear it, if allow.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-05-28T15:16:10-04:00

It's a personal choice. Like someone mentioned here already, 670-1 allows you to wear them or not when you wear ACUs based on your preference.

Most people prefer to wear their badges because it's a way of standing out and showing what you've accomplished. I have several sets of ACUs with all my badges sewn on, one one with straight velcro, no badges and no combat patch. If I'm going to the field or training I wear the one with nothing on it but my name tape. Personal preference.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2015 10:24 PM

2015-12-04T22:24:58-05:00

I usually never wear mine, only reason I wear them here is the wow factor with students, other than that I wouldn't wear them. Due to the fact I have nothing to prove. I'll let my leadership speak for its self. Badges / skill tabs doesnt make you a good role model or mentor, heart dedication and leadership does

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 1:02 AM

2015-12-05T01:02:58-05:00

I believe the regulation for all branches is that only personal awards are required to be worn. A CIB may not fit this criteria but a parachutist badge is... The simplest way is to just wear it and avoid the issue altogether; I don't know why anyone would not want to show what they have done and where they have been, it builds morale and shows subordinates that you know what the hell you're talking about.

Response by SGT Michael Boothby made Aug 10 at 2017 3:36 PM

2017-08-10T15:36:15-04:00

I for one am I'm very proud to have my CIB. At all in hunting.net you can order a shirt with a CIB on it and wear it proudly. One of my brother's is the one behind it fought with him and I will fight for him.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 14 at 2018 10:27 AM

2018-02-14T10:27:25-05:00

There were times particularly in class B's that I did not always wear all my authorized awards- it was just to much. On those times I wore CIB, JM, marksmanship badges- that was enough.