If your unit wants you to wear the unit awards, do you have to buy them yourself or are they supposed to give them to you?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 May 2019 03:12:54 -0400

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made May 2 at 2019 5:32 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Thu, 02 May 2019 05:32:59 -0400

You should be able to get them from your supply room.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2019 7:07 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 May 2019 07:07:06 -0400

supply/s-4 should give them out just like unit crest. But its not like a ribbon is that expensive.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2019 8:50 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 May 2019 08:50:07 -0400

Unit awards, like SSI/FWTS (aka "Combat Patches") are optional. You can opt to wear none, the unit's awards, or your permanently awarded unit awards. You cannot mix your permanent unit awards and your unit's awards. For example, if you have 1 permanently awarded MUC, and your unit has 2 MUCs awarded, you cannot combine them and wear a MUC with 2 oak Leaf Clusters.

If your unit wants everyone to wear the unit's awards, then they must supply them to you. You cannot be forced to purchase optional uniform items.

Response by TSgt James Potter made May 2 at 2019 9:03 AM

TSgt James Potter — Thu, 02 May 2019 09:03:30 -0400

I don't understand why this is even a question. Why wouldn't you "want" to wear an award? It probably cost more to eat at McD's than the cost of the patch, ribbon or pin.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 2 at 2019 9:37 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 02 May 2019 09:37:13 -0400

Unit awards for temporary wear are usually issued by the unit supply room. That being said, your permanently awarded unit awards are not, so you may have to buy some, integrate them in order of precedence along with correct appurtenances. You may have to purchase a ribbon bar or two to wear the. Properly so they don't look like crap

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made May 2 at 2019 9:46 AM

1SG Eddie Smith — Thu, 02 May 2019 09:46:14 -0400

Should be issued to you when you in-processed the unit.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2019 9:49 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 May 2019 09:49:43 -0400

Given to you

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 2 at 2019 5:58 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 02 May 2019 17:58:15 -0400

So there are people here saying that they should be issued to you.... So I have a question.
What the heck are you talking about?! LOL.... When on earth, since 1775 has issued unit awards ever been a thing? Not once in 20 years have I ever seen that be a thing. Things like this are why you receive clothing allowances once a year.
AR 700–84, para 5-5 list the items your supply room is mandated to give you... Unit awards are not among them..

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 2 at 2019 10:13 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 02 May 2019 22:13:48 -0400

Pretty much anything the Army makes you do, especially as a PFC, they should provide. That being said, if you give a shit about your job, your unit, and the Army, go spend some of your own money to look good and show you care. Twenty six years ago I was a PFC and bought dress blues for prom. I wanted to stand out and look good.

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made May 3 at 2019 10:45 AM

SFC Quinn Chastant — Fri, 03 May 2019 10:45:57 -0400

If you were in the unit when the Award was issued, ie; Presidential Unit Citation or Superior Unit, you may wear that after you transfer from where you are currently to your next assignment, so purchase may be the route to go. But if you are recently assigned to the Unit the Supply should issue you the request item for wear while assigned, and recover it when you transfer or ETS.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2019 10:51 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 May 2019 22:51:58 -0400

They should be issued, along with any other whiz-bangs unique to the unit.

Response by SSG Dale London made May 6 at 2019 10:24 AM

SSG Dale London — Mon, 06 May 2019 10:24:00 -0400

For personnel not in a unit at the time the incident giving rise to the award took place, the award is an issue item that must be returned at PCS or separation. Otherwise, it is awarded directly to the individual at no cost in the first instance.
The unit should not expect you to buy the award as it is not yours but theirs.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Oct 7 at 2019 1:47 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 13:47:14 -0400

Many years ago when I was in the 12th Inf Regt, I was issued the Belgian Fourragere which is a cord that you wear on your shoulder. Turned it back in when I left them for the 53rd Signal Bn at LBJ in 1967. I guess prolly the same today.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 3:07 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 15:07:32 -0400

The 1stSgt always kept chevrons for promotions. Ribbons were bought at Cash Sales or PX. Medals were issued through the COC.