How can someone prove that they can wear a combat patch for deploying to Kuwait under OIR and OFS?

2021-09-04T04:50:55-04:00

-2020 I was deployed to Kuwait with the 82nd last year, my orders say it was under Operation Inheret Resolve, my unit didn’t get to go to Iraq. Only 2 infantry battalions went forward
- 2021 I am deployed to Kuwait with the 82nd again, my orders say it is under Operation Freedom Sentinel, my unit didn’t get to go to Afghanistan. This time more than 80% of my brigade went forward except for my unit.

I was told even though we stayed in Kuwait we’re allowed to wear the combat patch because of the operations that we fall under. If someone is wondering why I’ve been to Kuwait 2 years in a row is because both times my brigade has been on IRF (inmediatamente response force)
I’m not really trying to wear it cause I know I don’t deserve it but I’m really curios a bout this cause some of my friends want to wear it.
upposing that we’re allowed wear the patch can they prove that they’re allowed? Cause our ERBs say Kuwait but also I have friends in aviation that just went to Afghanistan or Iraq for supply drope and came back, theirs ERB say Kuwait but with this new thing of no minimum time in combat zone, they are wearing it

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 4 at 2021 8:25 AM

2021-09-04T08:25:51-04:00

Did you get shot at. at all?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2021 8:32 AM

2021-09-04T08:32:50-04:00

The regulatory requirement is AR 670-1 ch 21-18: deploy to a country listed, in support of an operation listed.
The "proof" is an order putting you in that country in support of that operation.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 4 at 2021 8:53 AM

2021-09-04T08:53:02-04:00

Trick question. There's no combat patch for Kuwait. You didn't physically go into Iraq or Afghanistan, so no patch.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2021 9:57 AM

2021-09-04T09:57:01-04:00

The "combat patch" formerly known as the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia - Former Wartime Service (SSI-FWTS) and now known as the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia - Military Operations in Hostile Conditions (SSI-MOHC) is not authorized for Kuwait regardless of the operation listed on your orders whether it be Enduring Freedom (Spartan Shield), Inherent Resolve, or Freedom's Sentinel.

The bare minimum proof you need is orders putting you in that country for 1 day minimum and this was additionally proven by you getting hostile fire pay and or imminent danger pay.

However, our brigade encountered a significant number of NCO's that questioned the right of junior officers and enlisted to wear their given patch from going to Iraq or KSA. As well as some commanders when their Soldiers were temporarily detached from their unit to assist another unit in Iraq.

This was quickly solved by the patch issuing commander "awarding" the patch via a memo with the orders and any other pertinent documents listed as enclosures. There was even an LPD given on the subject, but just like PowerPoints not very effective.

In some cases they presented a colorful certificate at the end of the deployment depicting the awards and patch they earned during the deployment. Is it necessary? No, but it is a nice supporting gesture from the command team that also helps with those who enforce the reg but don't actually read it.

So long story short, no patch unless you stepped one foot into any of those countries that authorize, i.e. Iraq, Afghanistan, or KSA.

Upside though is it warrants a GWOTEM with service star I do believe, but don't take my word for it. Check AR 600-8-22 and find out for sure, your S1 should be tracking.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2021 11:59 AM

2021-09-04T11:59:04-04:00

You will get officially notified if you are authorized to wear it. There would've been a ceremony and all.

Response by SPC Joseph Kopac made Sep 4 at 2021 12:01 PM

2021-09-04T12:01:49-04:00

My first few months in Nam were with the 101st Airborne. They went home and I was transferred to the 1st Air Cavalry. Do I get a choice of which to wear or was I supposed to wear my latest outfits? I didn’t even wear one when I returned to Fort Hood.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2021 12:37 PM

2021-09-04T12:37:48-04:00

Edited from Original Response:

AR 670-1 Section 21-18 spells out the criteria for allowance of wearing the combat patch. If you do not meet the criteria, then you aren't authorized the patch. One would also need substantiating documents to prove it. These include orders taking you to the areas allowed a patch and a Commanders Memo stating you're authorized the patch. If none of these can be shown/presented, then those folks are wearing a patch against regulations and orders.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Sep 4 at 2021 12:38 PM

2021-09-04T12:38:20-04:00

There should be a memo from your battalion S-1 shop of which patch(es) are authorized for wear.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 4 at 2021 1:18 PM

2021-09-04T13:18:05-04:00

You are not authorized a combat patch. The policy is clear, you have to serve in the combat zone. Your orders prove you were in Kuwait, that is where you were. I am not sure why anyone would want a combat patch if they did not enter the zone. When my units deployed into combat we always had Soldiers at the deployment area ie Kuwait pushing supplies, receiving new and exporting this that were finished with there tour. What could have and many say should have, your unit should have rotated you and others like you during R&R, giving Soldier's a break while earning those in support the patch.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2021 1:20 PM

2021-09-04T13:20:01-04:00

I have soldiers with TCS orders stating operation inherent resolve -Kuwait. This means they are not entitled to a patch because they’re in Kuwait. Only those who pushed into Iraq are eligible

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 4 at 2021 11:02 PM

2021-09-04T23:02:55-04:00

If the 82nd wanted you to have a patch, then you would have gotten orders from the unit uoi were with. Normally the Battalion issued orders showing all who were on the them.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2021 11:26 PM

2021-09-04T23:26:04-04:00

Does this mean the Army has separate Combat Action Ribbons as well as the patch? Former Marine/Current sailor asking here. We just have the C.A.R. that we wear in service dress uniform.

You have to actually trade fire with the enemy to get it I believe. They used to give them out for IED's but no longer. Direct action only. Also it is an individual award, not a unit award.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2021 12:20 PM

2021-09-05T12:20:25-04:00

SSG Johnson is correct. It would take you physically moving forward into a country authorized to receive the SSI-MOHC. Following you moving forward to one of the very few authorized countries, S1 would amend your TCS orders physically placing you in that country or countries, then you would qualify for the "combat patch". If you never went forward and only stayed in Kuwait, sorry but you do not qualify for the SSI-MOCH. Also a "patch" doesn't prove anything anyway and your experience matters moving forward, you're still a part of the team and making missions happen for your brothers and sisters that are forward regardless of your physical location.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Sep 5 at 2021 12:34 PM

2021-09-05T12:34:14-04:00

Shouldn't the proof on the wearing of any combat related patch or medal always be in your personnel file? If it is not there then you do not have proof and you can't wear it.....period. Keeping that file up to date is just as much your job as it is the personnel managers in your BN. That's why every BN should have a records review periodically to check that stuff. This stuff is never verbal.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2021 10:45 AM

2021-09-25T10:45:29-04:00

Real easy to figure out. Go to AR-670-1 (Jan. 2021) to get your answers, not from any of us on the internet. This is taken straight from AR-670-1:

Operation Inherent Resolve: between 15 June 2014 and a date to be determined, for Soldiers deployed to Iraq, Jordan, or Syria in support of OIR, who received combat zone tax exclusion and hostile fire/IDP as identified by USCENTCOM Command Center–Joint Staff for Personnel and Administration. Soldiers who were deployed in the area of operations on training exercises or in support of operations other than OIR are not authorized the SSI–MOHC, unless those exercises or operations became combat or support missions to OIR.

Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS): between 1 January 2015 and a date to be determined, for Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Djibouti in support of OFS who received combat zone tax exclusion and hostile fire/IDP as identified by USCENTCOM or AFRICOM Command Center–Joint Staff for Personnel and Administration. Soldiers who were deployed in the area of operations on training exercises or in support of operations other than OFS are not authorized the SSI–MOHC, unless those exercises or operations became combat or support missions to OFS.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2021 11:14 AM

2021-09-25T11:14:11-04:00

I already attached the regs for you, Specialist, but I want to also address your comments about the combat patch. Listen, the Army regs tell you if your deserve to wear a combat patch (SSI-MOHC), but your feelings allow you the choice to wear it or not. If you have no real desire to wear it, don't inquire about it. You don't have to get freaking shot at to "earn" your patch. You don't have to be "in country" to earn your combat patch. You only have to meet what AR-670-1 lists as their requirements and it is up to you to wear or not. You got on the plane and flew with your unit when the nation needed you, and that is what matters. You can't control where you go after that and I know it sucked not being able to go into A-Stan, but you did your damn job when you got tasked to stay in Kuwait as reinforcement. Don't ever feel bad about wearing something that the ARMY says you earned. Yeah, your experience may be different from others on the same deployment, but the patch symbolizes that you answered the call and deployed to an operational environment to directly carry out the mission or support it. You don't have to share the same risks as others that got the same patch as you, you only have to be honest about what you experienced if you wear it.

Wear the damn thing and simply be honest if you meet the requirements.

Response by MSG Leamon Ratterree made Nov 18 at 2021 5:18 PM

2021-11-18T17:18:33-05:00

If authorized, your unit would issue the orders for SSI-FWTS.

Response by MSG Leamon Ratterree made Nov 18 at 2021 5:19 PM

2021-11-18T17:19:57-05:00

If authorized, your unit would issue the orders for SSI-FWTS. Pretty much settles it.

Response by MAJ Christopher Nachand made Nov 19 at 2021 10:41 AM

2021-11-19T10:41:26-05:00

There are a lot of comments on here that refer to the regulation, but many are not reading it properly.

AR 670-1 (dtd 26 January 2021) (sections trimmed for brevity):

21–18. Shoulder sleeve insignia–military operations in hostile conditions
a. General. Authorization to wear a SSI indicating service during military operations in hostile conditions (MOHC) (formerly known as the SSI-former wartime service) applies only to Soldiers who meet or have met the following criteria:
(1) The Soldier must actively participate in or support military operations in hostile conditions, which must include exposure to the threat of hostile action or fire, either directly or indirectly.
(2) The Soldier’s participation or support described in paragraph 21–18a(1) must occur while the Soldier is located in an area that entitles the Soldier to receive the combat zone tax exclusion and entitles the Soldier to receive Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (IDP).
b. Authorization.
(3) Soldiers of all Army components (Regular, ARNG, and USAR) who deploy during periods of service designated for wear of the SSI – MOHC are authorized to wear a SSI – MOHC. There are no time-in-theater requirements for authorization to wear the SSI – MOHC. Soldiers may not earn more than one SSI – MOHC during the same deployment.
c. Designated Campaigns. Authorization applies only to members of the Army who were assigned to the designated location overseas with U.S. Army organizations during the following periods:
(10) The Persian Gulf: between 17 January 1991 and 31 August 1993, both dates inclusive, for Soldiers participating in Operation Desert Storm. Soldiers must have been assigned or attached to, or under the OPCON of, a unit whose mission was direct support to Operation Desert Storm; they must have received IDP and had been under the command and control of the U.S. Army Element of U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). Additionally, Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Forces Patriot Defender, Elusive Concept, and Proven Force are authorized to wear SSI – MOHC even though they were not under the command and control of the U.S. Army Element of USCENTCOM.
(13) Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF): between 11 September 2001 and 31 December 2014, both dates inclusive, for Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Between 9 January 2002 and 31 December 2014, both dates inclusive, for those Soldiers deployed to the Philippines, in support of OEF, who received combat zone tax exclusion and hostile fire/IDP. Between 31 July 2002 and 31 December 2014, both dates inclusive, for Soldiers deployed to the USCENTCOM area of operations in support of OEF who received combat zone tax exclusion and hostile fire/IDP as identified by USCENTCOM Command Center–Joint Staff for Personnel and Administration. Between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2014, both dates inclusive, for Soldiers deployed to Djibouti in support of OEF who received combat zone tax exclusion and hostile fire/IDP as identified by AFRICOM Command Center–Joint Staff for Personnel and Administration. Soldiers who were deployed in the area of operations on training exercises or in support of operations other than OEF are not authorized the SSI – MOHC, unless those exercises or operations became combat or support missions to OEF.
(14) Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF): between 19 March 2003 and 31 August 2010, both dates inclusive, for Soldiers assigned to units participating in OIF. Soldiers must have been deployed in the USCENTCOM area of operations, or participated in OIF while deployed in Turkey, Israel, or on Aegis cruisers. Soldiers who served with the 1st Marine Division between 19 March 2003 and 21 April 2003 during combat operations in support of OIF are authorized to wear the 1st Marine Division SSI as their SSI – MOHC. Soldiers who were deployed in the area of operations on training exercises or in support of operations other than OIF are not authorized the SSI – MOHC, unless those exercises or operations became combat or support missions to OIF.
(16) Operation Inherent Resolve: between 15 June 2014 and a date to be determined, for Soldiers deployed to Iraq, Jordan, or Syria in support of OIR, who received combat zone tax exclusion and hostile fire/IDP as identified by USCENTCOM Command Center–Joint Staff for Personnel and Administration. Soldiers who were deployed in the area of operations on training exercises or in support of operations other than OIR are not authorized the SSI – MOHC, unless those exercises or operations became combat or support missions to OIR.
(17) Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS): between 1 January 2015 and a date to be determined, for Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Djibouti in support of OFS who received combat zone tax exclusion and hostile fire/IDP as identified by USCENTCOM or AFRICOM Command Center–Joint Staff for Personnel and Administration. Soldiers who were deployed in the area of operations on training exercises or in support of operations other than OFS are not authorized the SSI – MOHC, unless those exercises or operations became combat or support missions to OFS.

There is a lot of information in the sections above - and the conditions/qualifications are different for each campaign. Important items to note that would qualify a member to wear the SSI-FWS/MOHC:
1 - combat zone tax exclusion / Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (IDP)
2 - Phrases in the campaign details such as "Soldiers deployed to the USCENTCOM area of operations in support of <campaign>" or "Soldiers assigned to units participating in <campaign>. Soldiers must have been deployed in the USCENTCOM area of operations, or participated in <campaign> while deployed in <listed countries / geography>"
3 - In the Persian Gulf (ODS), OEF, and OIF campaigns, support personnel deployed to the USCENTCOM AOO are authorized wear of the SSI-FWS/MOHC. This includes personnel in Kuwait, U.A.E, Djbouti, Qatar, etc.
4 - In the OIR and OFS campaigns the rules are a little different as the countries are clearly specified - external support locations, e.g. Kuwait, are not eligible (the original question).

Background: I was a Personnel Services Company commander during OIF 05-07 and stationed in Kuwait. My BN processed over 708,000 personnel through Ali Al Salem coming into and going out of the OEF/OIF theaters, never stepping foot in Iraq or Afghanistan. Guess what: we all are authorized to wear an SSI-FWS/MOHC. I earned my first one during ODS as a medic in the U.A.E. - never stepped foot in Iraq or Kuwait.

We are professionals - let's try to keep the conversations in here civil. If you have a position, back it up with the regulation - and show it to help educate the rest of the community.

Response by SGT Mustafa Stokely made Nov 23 at 2021 9:51 PM

2021-11-23T21:51:28-05:00

I was stationed in (West) Germany, during the Cold War, and while there is no combat patch for that, I do have a very nice travel poster! :D I suggest thinking along the same lines...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2021 10:48 AM

2021-12-13T10:48:33-05:00

"Deserve" is relative. People are "earning" their patch in Jordan and Saudi right now.

Response by PO2 Bull Halsey made Dec 13 at 2021 1:06 PM

2021-12-13T13:06:51-05:00

Just curious. Fifty five years ago, I did one day on shore for security duty at the Cua Viet firebase at the DMZ,which was constantly under threat of assault by sappers. Our unit did artillery support, but also was necessary to iinteract on shore. We had no specific orders for that, as our general orders were vague, pertaining to a destroyer in a combat zone. Although we killed many, many people, how does Boots on the Ground here relate to this same thinking?

Response by HN Kathleen M Peck made Dec 14 at 2021 1:51 PM

2021-12-14T13:51:49-05:00

Thank you for the clarification SPC Livingston. I'm sorry I was totally confused. (I came from the Vietnam War Era).

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2021 3:15 PM

2021-12-15T15:15:23-05:00

Some of these comments show that some of you old heads need to retire. I just know you’re trash leaders.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2021 4:50 PM

2021-12-15T16:50:41-05:00

Regulations inside of 670-1 will define what areas and time frames are authorized for ssi-fwts (combat patch). There is also no minimum time in a combat zone that qualifies wear of a ssi- fwts .

Also your NCO support channel should be able to answer these questions for you .

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Dec 15 at 2021 5:02 PM

2021-12-15T17:02:47-05:00

Dah! A set of orders stating you were in theater

Response by Sgt Michael Valgos made Dec 16 at 2021 1:00 AM

2021-12-16T01:00:50-05:00

I am a old Marine and I was wondering why you would want to wear something on your uniform that you know for a fact you did not do So that should told right off Hey this says combat and watching tv in Kuwait doesn't count So you wear it and another soldier sees you and asks where were you at So then you are going to have to justify it to whoever Then work on yourself

Response by SSG Sofia Cardenas made Dec 16 at 2021 4:10 PM

2021-12-16T16:10:06-05:00

I'll try to keep it simple... A Combat Patch is only awarded to Company Echelons and below that Do Not Have their own Unit Patch (stated in an ALARACT Message). The Combat Patch is award 30 days after assignment to a Combat Zone and issued by the C2 element. The award letter must be signed by a CG or delegated to a COL and signature cannot be "signed for". I hope this explains it for you.

Response by SGT Wayne Grindstaff made Dec 17 at 2021 3:34 PM

2021-12-17T15:34:20-05:00

I know it's apples and oranges, and don't know what the Regs are on it. What do you think I thought of the company clerk that wore the PUC on his uniform because our unit got it for the worst one month of combat I saw. He never left base camp during that time BTW. Tell your friends any combat award or patch not honestly earned is stolen valor IMHO.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2021 6:46 PM

2021-12-26T18:46:27-05:00

It is NOT a "combat patch" it is a "Foreign Wartime Service" patch. If your unit deployed in support of wartime operations you may wear the patch. It is entirely irrelevant that some of your unit went forward from Kuwait but you did not, the very same orders authorize you to wear the patch. No commander's memo is needed.

I even had an FSO authorized a patch for an ROTC rotation to Djibouti. Also a bunch of the tenth mountain patches you see out there are for Africa not the ME.

Response by 1stSgt Leroy Slater made Dec 30 at 2021 2:54 AM

2021-12-30T02:54:11-05:00

If the army says that you can wear ikt, bewcause what you were doing, then wear it.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jan 24 at 2022 7:19 PM

2022-01-24T19:19:42-05:00

So here is the regulation:
AR 670–1 • 26 January 2021 43
21–18. Shoulder sleeve insignia–military operations in hostile conditions
a. General. Authorization to wear a SSI indicating service during military operations in hostile conditions (MOHC) (formerly known as the SSI-former wartime service) applies only to Soldiers who meet or have met the following criteria:
(1) The Soldier must actively participate in or support military operations in hostile conditions, which must include exposure to the threat of hostile action or fire, either directly or indirectly.
(2) The Soldier’s participation or support described in paragraph 21–18a(1) must occur while the Soldier is located in an area that entitles the Soldier to receive the combat zone tax exclusion and entitles the Soldier to receive Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (IDP).
(3) A general or flag officer in the chain of command must request DCS, G–1 approval for wear of the SSI–MOHC.

furthermore here are the designated campaigns:
(16) Operation Inherent Resolve: between 15 June 2014 and a date to be determined, for Soldiers deployed to Iraq, Jordan, or Syria in support of OIR, who received combat zone tax exclusion and hostile fire/IDP as identified byUSCENTCOM Command Center–Joint Staff for Personnel and Administration. Soldiers who were deployed in the area of operations on training exercises or in support of operations other than OIR are not authorized the SSI–MOHC, unless those exercises or operations became combat or support missions to OIR.

Notice Kuwait is not an area in this operation.
(17) Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS): between 1 January 2015 and a date to be determined, for Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Djibouti in support of OFS who received combat zone tax exclusion and hostile fire/IDP as identified by USCENTCOM or AFRICOM Command Center–Joint Staff for Personnel and Administration. Soldiers who were deployed in the area of operations on training exercises or in support of operations other than OFS are not authorized the SSI–MOHC, unless those exercises or operations became combat or support missions to OFS.

Again notice Kuwait is not in this theater.

You were NOT exposed to hostile fire or imminent threat in Kuwait. Anyone flying into those territories are then subject to hostile fire or imminent threat and are thus authorized the SSI.