Is it normal not to get any paperwork for a combat patch?

2020-05-07T08:32:05-04:00

Is it normal not to get any paperwork for a combat patch? I deployed to Kuwait and ran missions into southern Iraq and was told by the command I can wear a patch they did the ceremony and all but I never got a memo or anything. I got out of the Guard and re-enlisted in the reserve. I wanna wear my patch with the new unit but I have nothing to back it up with. Any ideas? Someone said just wear it no one will ask questions.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 8:43 AM

2020-05-07T08:43:19-04:00

I believe this question has been raised on RallyPoint in the past. My recollection (and I may be mistaken) is that the Army has no method of tracking who is authorized to wear what SSI-FWTS, so you're more or less on the honor system. I don't think anyone is going to try and call you out on it, but if they did, I would just point out that you were deployed to Kuwait and conducting missions into Iraq in support of OIF, OND, or OIR, then refer them to AR 670-1 if they have any concerns.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 9:22 AM

2020-05-07T09:22:59-04:00

I didn't get anything after either deployment. There is no paperwork necessary for wear, though I have heard some commands will issue a MFR.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 9:53 AM

2020-05-07T09:53:05-04:00

My question would be did you put in enough time in Iraq to qualify, I thought there was a minimum time frame for being in a combat zone, and I know Kuwait alone came off that list years ago. I thought it was tracked by your orders putting you in a combat zone as well.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 7 at 2020 11:05 AM

2020-05-07T11:05:12-04:00

If you served long enough in h th water, a copy of your orders and the unit deployment order are what is needed. If you were attached then attachmentvirders are required as well. The unit service orders will reflect the patch. You should be able to get a copy from the unit of attachment b

Response by SGT Bill P. made May 7 at 2020 11:17 AM

2020-05-07T11:17:51-04:00

You can use your deployment orders.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 12:33 PM

2020-05-07T12:33:39-04:00

Memos for Combat Patches is a Guard and Reserve thing. I have several patches i can wear and no one document to back any of them up. Though I have deplyment orders and tour awards for each of them.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 7 at 2020 2:30 PM

2020-05-07T14:30:20-04:00

Yes, I don't think there is a formal requirement.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 4:09 PM

2020-05-07T16:09:07-04:00

i never received a certificate when i got mine, when i went you were patched by the unit you went with, 30 days in the CZ, i was attached to Calvary unit outside the wire for 45 days, they still gave me a certificate and patch, couldn't officially wear it but it was nice

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 11:23 PM

2020-05-07T23:23:08-04:00

On my deployment last year there was a memo, on my first there was not. I guess my erb shows I deployed so nobody questioned it

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 8 at 2020 11:36 AM

2020-05-08T11:36:21-04:00

I don't. There are three or four I could wear (3rd Army, AMC, USFOR-A, 101st Airborne) The closest I saw, physically in my hand memo, was issued by ARCENT (as the Land Component Command) in 2003 telling Theater troops that if they didn't know which SSI-FWTS to wear they were invited to wear 3rd Army. It wasn't like a format 200 order authorizing a badge.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2020 10:51 AM

2020-05-27T10:51:35-04:00

Yes, it seems normal though it's not the right answer. I have watched someone show up out of the blue wearing a combat patch when they didn't have one before. He said someone was "working" on the memo. Just so happens I knew the CDR and Training NCO he deployed with and both told me he didn't patch with them. That's why paperwork is good. I've seen a brigade requirement for DTS vouchers and receipt of IDP to patch. It may have been a bit much at one point but now with the shenanigans it makes sense.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2020 3:37 PM

2020-07-04T15:37:42-04:00

Orders, ORB or SRB - I would assume a memo is an informal courtesy. We had a patching ceremony downrange, but I didn’t get a memo. At the end of the day it’s all about our integrity

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2021 1:34 AM

2021-01-04T01:34:39-05:00

Long as there proof you was there during the location time of combat zone TCS Orders (30day or more) or 1610 even a 1351-2 (less then 30days) unploded in your iperm.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2021 8:10 PM

2021-05-05T20:10:21-04:00

No orders, certificate, or MFR required. 1 day in theater.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 8:26 AM

2021-05-06T08:26:18-04:00

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/army-combat-patch-rules-when-and-how-to-wear-the-patch-3344579

Found this but it seems to be a difference of opinion in this post about the length of time needed in theater. 1 day or 30 days?

Rule Changes Regarding Army Combat Patches

Most Army soldiers who have served in combat operations can wear a combat patch to signify their service.