How can I find out if I am qualified for a Kosovo deployment patch?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 11:31:18 -0400

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?

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 1 at 2024 12:15 PM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:15:17 -0400

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

ARN30302-AR_670-1-000-WEB-1.pdf

Response by LCDR Anthony Craft made Oct 5 at 2024 10:03 AM

LCDR Anthony Craft — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 10:03:53 -0400

To figure out if your deployment qualifies you for a combat patch, I'd recommend checking out AR 670-1 or chatting with your unit's S1. I’ve been through something similar, and it can get a bit tricky. Just because you received hazard and imminent danger pay doesn’t automatically mean you’re eligible for the patch. It’s definitely worth getting the official word from someone who knows the regulations inside and out.

Response by SN Thomas Burns made Oct 5 at 2024 10:30 AM

SN Thomas Burns — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 10:30:51 -0400

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.

Response by MSG Andrew Whitish made Oct 11 at 2024 12:12 AM

MSG Andrew Whitish — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:12:05 -0400

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.

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2024 2:00 AM

Amn Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:00:21 -0500

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2024 10:26 PM

Amn Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 22:26:21 -0500

"combat patches" are typically issued to those who participate directly in combat operations or combat environments.