Posted on Oct 1, 2024
How can I find out if I am qualified for a Kosovo deployment patch?
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We had a deployment to Kosovo where we got Gold spurs for hazard pay and imminent danger pay, along with being exempt from taxes. People are saying that qualifies us for a combat patch. Where do I find the definitive answer on wether this is true or false?
Posted in these groups: 
Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS)
Kosovo
Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS) Kosovo
Posted 2 mo ago
Responses: 6
Short answer - you're not eligible (AR 670-1* is your definitive source).
Eligibility for the wear of a SSI-MOHC isn't solely determined by your receiving hostile fire pay (HFP)/imminent danger pay (IDP) and a combat zone tax exclusion (although those are two of the requirements). There are many locations where you'll receive HFP/IDP and a tax exclusion, but will not meet the eligibility for a SSI-MOHC.
The wear of a SSI is also determined if you participated in a designated campaign (AR 670-1, 21-18c), and service in Kosovo hasn't been designated as one of those campaign locations.
... and yes, many service members gripe about not being able to wear a SSI-MOHC for their Kosovo deployment.
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* AR 670-1 (Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30302-AR_670-1-000-WEB-1.pdf
Eligibility for the wear of a SSI-MOHC isn't solely determined by your receiving hostile fire pay (HFP)/imminent danger pay (IDP) and a combat zone tax exclusion (although those are two of the requirements). There are many locations where you'll receive HFP/IDP and a tax exclusion, but will not meet the eligibility for a SSI-MOHC.
The wear of a SSI is also determined if you participated in a designated campaign (AR 670-1, 21-18c), and service in Kosovo hasn't been designated as one of those campaign locations.
... and yes, many service members gripe about not being able to wear a SSI-MOHC for their Kosovo deployment.
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* AR 670-1 (Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30302-AR_670-1-000-WEB-1.pdf
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SGT (Join to see) - If you were on the DMZ in Korea between 4 Jan 1969 and 31 March 1994 with an 11B or 18 Series MOS and serving in an Infantry or SF unit, you were authorized the CIB as long as you could document that you were engaged in a combat.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SGT (Join to see) - To be clear and because the Army seems to be pretty picky about it, you need to have some record of exchanging fire with the North Koreans, an actual fire fight. That didn't seem to be uncommon during the 70's and 80's. One of my running buddies was there early 80's. Didn't get a CIB, but he did state that the North Koreans were being a pain in the ass, trying to infiltrate, sniping, etc, all the time he was there.
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SSG (Join to see)
I do appreciate the answer, I did end up finding it in the same spot you’re referencing after posting the question.
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Having deployed to Kosovo (KFOR) and Sarajevo (SFOR) many times from 1999 onwards I recieved lots of NATO medals and certificates. But alas, I was a DOD Civilian at the time and only got Danger pay and overtime. Sadly, no tax relief and we would actually loose money unless you maxed your TSP.
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Best way to know for sure is to check with your unit's S1 or whoever handles awards in your chain of command. They should be able to tell you what qualifies for a combat patch based on your specific deployment.
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MSG Thomas Currie
While I 100% agree with the concept that virtually all questions or concerns should be addressed to the chain of command or the appropriate staff section, the unfortunate truth is that there aren't nearly enough people like COL Randall C. working at the company or battalion level in the army.
Back when regulations were printed on paper instead of being online just about every unit kept theirs in a bookcase with glass doors. The doors were needed to keep the dust off the binders because those binders never left the bookcase.
Junior soldiers who ask a question will get an answer, but that answer from the immediate chain of command will often be "I don't know" and if you can even get to Bn staff the answer is likely to be "We don't deal with that." Even if you do get an answer to the initial question, asking for a reference or explanation is treated as challenging the expertise of the person who just gave you an off the cuff answer.
Today the documents are readily available to everyone in the service, but knowing where to look can be a problem for soldiers who aren't familiar with searching regulations and even if you know where to look, many ARs and DA Pams are poorly written or have been changed by ALARACT or other messages that aren't as easy to find.
Back when regulations were printed on paper instead of being online just about every unit kept theirs in a bookcase with glass doors. The doors were needed to keep the dust off the binders because those binders never left the bookcase.
Junior soldiers who ask a question will get an answer, but that answer from the immediate chain of command will often be "I don't know" and if you can even get to Bn staff the answer is likely to be "We don't deal with that." Even if you do get an answer to the initial question, asking for a reference or explanation is treated as challenging the expertise of the person who just gave you an off the cuff answer.
Today the documents are readily available to everyone in the service, but knowing where to look can be a problem for soldiers who aren't familiar with searching regulations and even if you know where to look, many ARs and DA Pams are poorly written or have been changed by ALARACT or other messages that aren't as easy to find.
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
MSG Thomas Currie -
Now That The Subject Of "NOT KNOWING The Proper Information", Here's One For You, Which Even Most Of The VA's Medical Doctors, Employees And Staff Aren't Aware Of;
Although They THINK They Know The Answer But They're WRONG. ~
~ So They'll Feed You Bull Sh*t And You'll Have To Do Without The Products And Services You Need...If I Recall, I ACCIDENTALLY Found It, When I Was Searching For Some Help For Issues I'm Having With Our VA Facility : ~ BENEFITS.Gov ~
After You Read The Following; I STRONGLY Suggest You Copy & Paste It To Your Computer Records, Because If You Need It But Can't PROVE It; Because They Really Don't Know These Facts,~~ You're Screwed:~~
~~ QUESTION: ~~ "Is A Military Veteran Entitled To Care, Benefits And Medical Supplies Through ANY VA Facility, REGARDLESS Of Where They Reside?
~~ RESPONSE: ~~ "YES", a military veteran can receive medical products from out-of-state VA facilities, even if they are not living there. ~
(Note, No Restriction Or Other Conditions)~ And That Where They're Wrong.. Because You'll Be Told About Restriction & Conditions
(The Following Is BASIC INFORMATION Most Of Us Are Aware Of,,,Being Enrolled, Living In Other Countries, Etc), ) :
However, the veteran must be eligible for VA care without needing to enroll or be enrolled in VA health care 1. The eligibility for community care is dependent upon a veteran’s individual health care needs or circumstances 1. In most cases, veterans must receive approval from VA prior to obtaining care from a community provider 1. VA staff members generally make all eligibility determinations 1. Please note that VA is not authorized to ship medications or medical/surgical supply items outside of the U.S. or its territories 2. If you’re a veteran who lives overseas, you remain entitled to the benefits and services you earned through your military service. Most VA benefits are payable regardless of your place of residence or nationality 3. If you’re moving outside the U.S., you’ll need to sign up for the Foreign Medical Program. Through this program, VA will pay for certain needed health care services received in foreign countries to treat a service-connected disability or a disability that’s making a service-connected condition worse 4.
I hope this helps.
Now That The Subject Of "NOT KNOWING The Proper Information", Here's One For You, Which Even Most Of The VA's Medical Doctors, Employees And Staff Aren't Aware Of;
Although They THINK They Know The Answer But They're WRONG. ~
~ So They'll Feed You Bull Sh*t And You'll Have To Do Without The Products And Services You Need...If I Recall, I ACCIDENTALLY Found It, When I Was Searching For Some Help For Issues I'm Having With Our VA Facility : ~ BENEFITS.Gov ~
After You Read The Following; I STRONGLY Suggest You Copy & Paste It To Your Computer Records, Because If You Need It But Can't PROVE It; Because They Really Don't Know These Facts,~~ You're Screwed:~~
~~ QUESTION: ~~ "Is A Military Veteran Entitled To Care, Benefits And Medical Supplies Through ANY VA Facility, REGARDLESS Of Where They Reside?
~~ RESPONSE: ~~ "YES", a military veteran can receive medical products from out-of-state VA facilities, even if they are not living there. ~
(Note, No Restriction Or Other Conditions)~ And That Where They're Wrong.. Because You'll Be Told About Restriction & Conditions
(The Following Is BASIC INFORMATION Most Of Us Are Aware Of,,,Being Enrolled, Living In Other Countries, Etc), ) :
However, the veteran must be eligible for VA care without needing to enroll or be enrolled in VA health care 1. The eligibility for community care is dependent upon a veteran’s individual health care needs or circumstances 1. In most cases, veterans must receive approval from VA prior to obtaining care from a community provider 1. VA staff members generally make all eligibility determinations 1. Please note that VA is not authorized to ship medications or medical/surgical supply items outside of the U.S. or its territories 2. If you’re a veteran who lives overseas, you remain entitled to the benefits and services you earned through your military service. Most VA benefits are payable regardless of your place of residence or nationality 3. If you’re moving outside the U.S., you’ll need to sign up for the Foreign Medical Program. Through this program, VA will pay for certain needed health care services received in foreign countries to treat a service-connected disability or a disability that’s making a service-connected condition worse 4.
I hope this helps.
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