Naval Warfare Pins in ACUs

2014-02-04T06:40:16-05:00

If a Soldier earns an Naval Warfare pin are they allowed to wear it in ACUs? I have looked through AR 670-1 and AR 600-8-22 and can not find a clear answer on it.

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 4 at 2014 7:19 AM

2014-02-04T07:19:06-05:00

SPC,

Part of the reason you can't find it in the regulations is that both are very out of date and the current revisions have not been completed or approved yet, you will most likely need to search for an ALARACT covering the subject if there is even one out for it. However, with all due respect to those who have earned the pin/badge, don't we have enough badges already that clutter up the ACU's, I think this should be reserved for the ASUs only as to not turn everyone in ACUs as badge hounds. Wouldn't you agree on this for today's environment.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 4 at 2014 7:55 AM

2014-02-04T07:55:29-05:00

IIRC, I saw a blurb somewhere stating that soldiers who earn unique skill badges (ie AF flight wings, Naval Wafare badges, etc) are allowed to wear them on their uniform if earned while serving in a sister service. We are not authorized to wear certain ribbons however from other services however (ie combat action ribbon, marksmanship ribbons, etc).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 8:56 PM

2014-06-29T20:56:32-04:00

Naval Warfare pins may be worn on the ACU. You must submit for permission to do so. There is an excerpt regarding this in AR 670-1 and AR 600-8-22 on how to apply for this priveledge.

We had to look this up for a EBOLC classmate of mine, and I looked it up again recently.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 11:22 AM

2015-01-15T11:22:18-05:00

I was evaluating a National Guard unit last summer in Texas and one of the SFC has the ESWS badge on. I do know that it was in Regulation for the BDU and DCU, however the Soldier did say that it is in the new regulations. I have not personally went to find out, but i had heard that before. I earned it as an E4 in the Navy and i do believe it has significance to the person who earned it. Badges of any sort can tell you a little about the military member and in some cases their dedication. I do not know how easy the ESWS is to earn now, but in the 90's it was very difficult.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 2:30 AM

2017-03-01T02:30:59-05:00

I recently inquired with HQDA on that very question (please see below) my question and HQDA answer. In my opinion, the SCWS is not a career field but closely parallels Army combat or special skill badges.

Questions- "I retired from the U.S. Navy in 2009 and was entered into the fleet reserves. Additionally, in December 2011 I received a conditional release from the Navy and affiliated with the Army Reserves National Guard. During my service in the Navy, I earned the Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist (SCWS) in 2004. The documentation is in iPEMS. With that being said, I have seen other army officers with the Navy badges on their (OCP) uniform and did some research on this matter. My research indicates the following:
- The following badges are authorized for wear on the Army uniform: a. Military badges awarded by the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Director of Civilian Marksmanship. (See para 22–12g for additional information.)
g. In accordance with AR 600–8–22, personnel must obtain authority from HQDA before wearing badges on the uniform that were awarded by other U.S. Services or by the Director of Civilian Marksmanship. The following rules apply when wearing badges from other U.S. Services:
(1) Military combat or special skill badges awarded by other U.S. Services that are similar to U.S. Army combat or special skill badges are worn on the Army uniform in the same manner as U.S. Army combat or special skill badges, only if no Army badges are authorized for wear in the same group.
In accordance with “g.” I need some guidance on how to request the approval
to wear the SCWS on my Army uniforms. Could you please me that guidance?

Answer-
"Mr. Shawver,

AR 670-1, 22-12 (g)(3) provides guidance for acceptance and wear of Sister
Service badges. It states "badges from other U.S. Services that indicate
career fields are not authorized for wear."

The Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist badge is not authorized to wear on the
uniform.

v/r"

Does anyone have any other guidance or suggestion on the matter? I would appreciate your input.
Thank you,
Chief Shawver

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2018 3:54 PM

2018-06-19T15:54:37-04:00

Had a buddy from basic training who was authorized to wear his 3rd marines air ground team patch on his right shoulder. The guy was a navy corpsman attached to the marines in Afghanistan.

Response by 2LT Scott Friend made Mar 8 at 2020 6:52 PM

2020-03-08T18:52:00-04:00

Chiming in here, although it's an old post. I'm prior Navy and am currently working towards returning to the service as a Chaplain Candidate in the Army. Will I be able to wear my NAC and SCW pins (long story but I was originally an aircrewman and then cross-rated to BU) in my OCP uniform (as well as my dress uniforms)?