Nonsubdued Unit Patches on Army Utilities. What are your thoughts?

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 23:51:38 -0400

With the elimination of the Dress Green Uniform nonsubdued patches and the heraldric tradition that goes with them will be further pushed from the forefront of our soldiers minds and uniforms.

I propose that whenever the nonsubdued US Flag is worn on utility uniforms that nonsubdued unit patches be worn also. When a subdued US Flag is worn then subdued unit patches be worn. This would be for both current unit and combat patches. What do you all think?

(Addded clarification as to why I propose this, added 4 May 2015)
I propose this as a less painful alternative to many other suggestions I have heard about. For example, some would have us wearing Class Bs if we were not doing something tactical. I would rather foot the bill for a colored patch and be able to launder my daily uniform at home than have to pay a hefty weekly bill for dry-cleaning of the Bs, not to mention buying more shirts and pants to last the week. I apologize for not having added this from the beginning as, IMHO, I believe it makes my suggestion a bit more reasonable.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 12:31 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 00:31:01 -0400

would certainly make things colorful

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 24 at 2015 3:08 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 03:08:38 -0400

I think I'm glad I never had this problem! :-)

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 6:29 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 06:29:06 -0400

The Army can barely afford to supply Soldiers with one patch when they arrive at a unit, why would we wear different color patches? We wore subdued patches on the BDUs unless you were special and in the 1st ID and deployed.

This idea would just add to the improper wear of the uniform since the majority of Soldiers have a hard enough time with what we currently do. Changing patches before you go to the field/deployment sounds like something the good idea fairy would think up.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 8:03 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 08:03:08 -0400

I actually think that is a novel idea. In this case you could see the patch in color. There are now some patches that will never be a CSIB. Like the Follow Me or any of the small sustainment units that don't deploy. I doubt the units would really like this. It reminds me of the Gold Knights. They were full color patches on their jump suit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 8:11 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 08:11:48 -0400

Sir, does every unit even have a non-subdued version? I remember seeing a non-subdued 101 patch a couple of years ago, but I've never seen one for my current unit, which is 2ID.

Response by CW2 Stephen Pate made Apr 24 at 2015 11:32 AM

CW2 Stephen Pate — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 11:32:41 -0400

I'm not trying to buy more patches. And no, I dont want the army to take more of our pay and benefits to pay for it either. I wish we could remove the patches completely along with the sleeve Velcro on the ACU. While we're at it let's remove everything but name rank and U.S. Army. Save all that Hooah Hooah decorations for the dress uniform. Once again, the marines have it right.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 9:08 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 09:08:52 -0400

While a novel idea, I think this is a good idea fairy moment gone too far. What is the cost-benefit analysis or how does this provide a great benefit to the unit? In my mind this would actually decrease efficiency, because leaders would be worried about their soldiers have the right or wrong patch for the day and not actually training.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 4 at 2015 10:16 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 04 May 2015 10:16:05 -0400

Heck, we already stand out in any environment other than HESCO barrier yards and gravel pits, so heck, why not?! What's a bit more flair on whats supposed to be a camouflaged uniform....

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 4 at 2015 4:23 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:23:31 -0400

I like this idea. With the velcro it is really a non-issue changing out between subdued and non-subdued.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made May 4 at 2015 4:29 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:29:34 -0400

I like that thought. Just means that we spend more money. I personally think we need to nix the Velcro and go back to buttons and sew on. Keeps the Jr enlisted from losing there name and US Army tapes!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 4:47 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:47:07 -0400

Respectfully no!!! There's no reason what so ever that this would make a soldier look or feel more professional. We are finally about to get away from the ACU this summer and move back to a more tactical uniform and we want to throw a pretty colorful patch on that? For what?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 6:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 18:25:15 -0400

I'm all for it, good idea! And think it's a cheaper alternative to buying extra Class B shirts (both long and short sleeve) and extra pants.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 6:44 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 18:44:38 -0400

I've seen pictures of one of the Ranger BNs doing this for a ceremony, full color patches, tabs, and badges. It looked pretty good.

That being said, I don't like it for daily wear, wouldn't mind it for special occasions/ceremonies.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 8:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:20:46 -0400

I'll admit that I miss the color patches as well but I don't know that this is the answer. Here's what I would suggest: Throw the ASU in the trash, go back to the historic "pinks and greens," and wear colored patches on those. We actually have a distinctive uniform that looks good again.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 2:48 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 14:48:26 -0500

I like the idea!!! Hahahahahahahahahahah!!!