(READ UPDATE!!!) How do you handle a situation where a Soldier is wearing a deployment patch they did not earn? What are the repercussions?

2019-04-16T11:00:36-04:00

Backstory: Soldier went in country (Iraq) for 6 days and went back to Kuwait. He now feels entitled to be able to wear a "combat patch" (his words not mine). Regulation states must be 30 days in country (combat zone; not Kuwait anymore) to qualify for a deployment patch.

((UPDATE)): I just learned from several people AR 670-1 has been updated to reflect that the amount of days boots on ground no longer matters. Most up-to-date AR 670-1 states:

"The military operation must have lasted for a period of 30 days or longer" (i.e. OIF, OIR, etc...)

"Soldiers of all Army components (Active, ARNG, and USAR) who deploy during periods of service designated for wear of the SSI–FWTS are authorized to wear a SSI–FWTS. There are no time-in-theater requirements for authoriza-tion to wear the SSI–FWTS. Soldiers may not earn more than one SSI–FWTS during the same deployment."

The Soldier can wear his deployment patch and I already let him know I made a mistake. Leaders make mistakes but it's how we fix or respond to those mistakes that matter. Good learning experience. Thank you to everyone who provided constructive feedback.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Apr 16 at 2019 11:22 AM

2019-04-16T11:22:06-04:00

"On the spot correction," remove it. Doesn't remove it, recommend action to the chain of command as refusal of a lawful order. Back in my day, I'd rip it off & tell him to see the First Sergeant to complain.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2019 11:32 AM

2019-04-16T11:32:57-04:00

What MSG Danny Mathers said....yea that is pretty much on point.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2019 11:38 AM

2019-04-16T11:38:43-04:00

There was a policy memo from one of the commands granting wear of the SSI-FWTS for I thought was 1 day in Iraq. This was 2017. I think it came from TF Spartan or one of the other Commands they likely fell under in Kuwait. I might just double check that. Not sure about the "being entitled" part however - he should have received some sort of memo authorizing the wear. Hope this helps.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Apr 16 at 2019 11:50 AM

2019-04-16T11:50:33-04:00

Not my service, not my time... but I seem to recall that many things were resolved by a Chief doing a little "one-on-one". My personal opinion (if anyone cares) is that any insignia, award, or organizational clothing items should be clearly indicated by SOP, memorandum, or orders... and not subject to the ambiguities of the "Gouge". Beyond that, the whole "combat patch" thing kinda mystifies me anyway... but I know there's tradition at work there.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Apr 16 at 2019 12:07 PM

2019-04-16T12:07:23-04:00

According to AR 670-1 para 19-17 a. sub (c)The military operation normally must have lasted for a period of 30 days or longer. An exception may be made when U.S. Army forces are engaged with a hostile force for a shorter period of time, when they meet all other criteria, and a recommendation from the general or flag officer in command is forwarded to the Chief of Staff, Army.

Your buddy may be entitled to the SSI-FWTS if a flag officer has submitted a written request to the Chief of Staff of the Army. Unless the Soldier was involved in actual combat during the 6 days or otherwise qualified for a CAB, CIB, or CMB or performed a heroic act, I don't see a GO taking the time to write them an individual letter.

I'd make a polite on the spot correction based on the regulation and paragraph above, ask them to remove the patch or provide some evidence that matches or supports the regulation. Then if they refused, turn it over to the 1SG as evidently the PSG is allowing the troop to roam around with the patch.

Break----- Break---1555 04/ 16/ 19 ; Thanks to SGT's Trevor and Graham Smith there is a sentence in both the 2014 and 2017 AR670-1 that clearly dispels the 30 day or nothing on the SSI-FWTS. After re- reading the entire paragraph 19-17 in the 2017 version , see (4) second sentence....

(4) Soldiers of all Army components (Active, ARNG, and USAR) who deploy during periods of service designated for wear of the SSI–FWTS are authorized to wear a SSI–FWTS. There are no time-in-theater requirements for authoriza-tion to wear the SSI–FWTS. Soldiers may not earn more than one SSI–FWTS during the same deployment.

Bottom line.. the troop is actually authorized the patch weather he had one day or 364, boots on the ground. I totally missed the sentence when I read the reg earlier.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 16 at 2019 1:41 PM

2019-04-16T13:41:19-04:00

Sounds like barracks lawyers might have got to him.

Response by CSM Tony Simpson made Apr 16 at 2019 2:01 PM

2019-04-16T14:01:06-04:00

That patch must come off....there is no discussion....this is easily resoled as stated in your message....that’s why we have REGULATIONS.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2019 2:34 PM

2019-04-16T14:34:56-04:00

Have some insight on this. In 2014, my unit deployed to Spartan Shield, and just before we went ISIL took Mosul and I served on the BCT staff. Because there was a really strict BOG restriction, we sent two of our combat battalions forward to Iraq, but had to kind of "rotate" individuals in and out. There was a lot of discussion on this topic because many people did not stay in Iraq for 30 days at a time, just long enough to do what they do and leave. Bottom line, after IG complaints, JAG involved, etc., this is what we were told. AR 670-1 21-17, (e) 3) does say "The military operation must have lasted for a period of 30 days or longer." This is what they call the "named operation" requirement. This does not mean a Soldier needs to be there for 30 days, just that the Soldier there is a part of an operation (Operation Inherent Resolve, New Dawn, etc) that has existed for longer than 30 days. The kicker here is AR 670-1 21-17, (e) 7) "Soldiers of all Army components who deploy during periods of service designated for wear of the SSI-FWTS are authorized to wear the SSI-FWTS. THERE ARE NO TIME IN THEATER REQUIREMENTS." (I put that in all caps because that is the relevant part of this portion.) Now this is all from notes I took from those discussions back then. This is how interesting it got. I don't know if your JAGs or IGs all concur on this (the ARCENT group definitely did). So if you decide to call out this Soldier for this, all that was really required was a memo stating the Soldier traveled to the zone for x amount of time. I have that memo in my file, but I don't wear that particular patch because I have one from a previous deployment to Afghanistan and I had some "questions" myself about all of this. The brigade commander actually went so far as to fly individuals into Iraq for a day and then fly them out just so they could get a patch. When the Army scaled down what could go in your file a few years back, the memo disappeared. So like I said, for me personally I'm not so worried. But if you do decide to correct this Soldier, just be aware of all of this and that if he has such a memo, he may be authorized wear of that insignia and he may be able to have JAG back him up.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Apr 16 at 2019 2:42 PM

2019-04-16T14:42:44-04:00

Aren't we supposed to have a memorandum made authorizing a patch? Can he provide this memorandum?

"Yes." Carry on.
"No" Please step into my office and close the door behind you....

Response by CPL Sheila Lewis made Apr 16 at 2019 2:43 PM

2019-04-16T14:43:03-04:00

Ask the Soldier if he has orders to wear the deployment patch.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2019 4:34 PM

2019-04-16T16:34:12-04:00

As far as wearing it... Is there a memo authorizing wear of that patch in their file? No... take it off, I don't care if you actually HAVE earned it or not. Until you have that memo, you are NOT authorized to wear it, earned or not. He can go argue with the HR Specialists.

My ex had that issue, he was told he MUST wear that unit's combat patch after they went through the patching ceremony, that he wasn't allowed to wear the 3 other patches he had memos for. They didn't like it when he reminded them that the regulation stated that leadership could NOT direct him on wear of any authorized combat patch (he was willing to sandwich for the ceremony itself, but had no intention of sandwiching for the duration, he routinely rotated through his patches). They tried to tell him that he couldn't wear any of them, he pulled up memos specifically authorizing him to wear them... he now keeps copies of all his memos for combat patches and ribbons readily available (he got some ribbons that I don't think he is supposed to be authorized, but he DOES have orders for them, so he wears them, while I scratch my head).

Response by SSG Brian G. made Apr 16 at 2019 4:46 PM

2019-04-16T16:46:45-04:00

Ok, here is the thing. Was the soldier assigned, attached, deployed with or to a unit that was under written orders to the combat zone? IE a detachment NOT in the actual combat zone? If he was then he is authorized to wear the combat patch but it must be of the unit he or she was assigned/attached to that was in the combat zone. Regulation dated May 2017 states there is no minimum time frame that the soldier must be in the combat zone but rather that the operation must have been ongoing for 30 days unless there are special conditions.

Simply traveling TO the combat zone does not cut it and he or she is not authorized to wear a combat patch.

You handle the situation by first questioning the wear of the patch in the first place by the first place. You then make an inquiry of his personnel records with his section to ascertain whether such an award is indicated. If no such award is indicated, then you on the spot correct the SM and advise they are not authorized to wear such and to remove it. Failure to do so can lead to UCMJ action.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 16 at 2019 5:52 PM

2019-04-16T17:52:04-04:00

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member it says the operation must last longer than 30 days, meaning the Operation like Inherent Resolve. AR670-1 May 2017 para 19-17.

"(1) The following criteria are required for wear of the SSI–FWTS:
(a) The Secretary of the Army or higher must declare the theater or area of operation as a hostile environment to which the unit is assigned or Congress must pass a Declaration of War.
(b) The units must have actively participated in or supported ground combat operations against hostile forces in which they were exposed to the threat of enemy action or fire, either directly or indirectly.
(c) The military operation normally must have lasted for a period of 30 days or longer. An exception may be made when U.S. Army forces are engaged with a hostile force for a shorter period of time, when they meet all other criteria, and a recommendation from the general or flag officer in command is forwarded to the Chief of Staff, Army."

AR670-1 Para 19-17 goes on to say:

"(4) Soldiers of all Army components (Active, ARNG, and USAR) who deploy during periods of service designated for wear of the SSI–FWTS are authorized to wear a SSI–FWTS. There are no time-in-theater requirements for authoriza- tion to wear the SSI–FWTS. Soldiers may not earn more than one SSI–FWTS during the same deployment."

Pages 38 and 39 CSM Richard StCyr

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2019 11:29 PM

2019-04-16T23:29:42-04:00

Funny, when I was there in 2014 there was a policy memo from USCENTCOM on the bulletin board stating that if you had BOG (boots on ground) ONE DAY, you EARNED your combat patch.

Might want to check your regs, SSG so quick to diss your troops

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2019 11:34 PM

2019-04-16T23:34:33-04:00

PS Orders to Kuwait were in support of OIF, OEF, OND, CJTFOIR, OFS, etc so even THOSE suckers in Kuwait are entitled to wear a FWS right shoulder patch

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2019 4:19 AM

2019-04-17T04:19:44-04:00

Did not earn, as in not deployed? Tell that Soldier to take it off. Earn as in, Soldier was deployed but did not go out the wire or get into a fire-fight, what does it matter? Soldier's orders said deployment.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Apr 17 at 2019 7:51 AM

2019-04-17T07:51:14-04:00

Well actually he can wear it but he has to be authorized to wear it. You don’t have to be in country for 30 days just in a combat zone. I just came from Kuwait and they sent soldiers to Jordan and Iraq for a 1-3 days just to get a patch and it was authorized on a memo so if he can’t show proof he is authorized to wear it then he is out of uniform. Almost like wear a NCO rank and you still a specialist

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2019 9:31 AM

2019-04-17T09:31:25-04:00

Beside from the unit memo, each solider should receive a memo authorizing wear. I have my in my personal records binder at my house.

(side note) We had an active guy come from 3rd ID and had their patch due to a previous deployment. During that previous deployment he worked with SF alot and did have a memo authorizing the wear of the SF patch. He lost the memo and never wore the patch because he could no longer prove the wear. Major integrity check on his part.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2019 10:52 AM

2019-04-17T10:52:48-04:00

UPDATE: I just learned from several people AR 670-1 has been updated to reflect that the amount of days BOG does matter anymore. The Soldier can wear his deployment patch and I will let him know I made a mistake. Leaders make mistakes but it's how we fix or respond to those mistakes that matter. Good learning experience. Thank you to everyone who provided constructive feedback.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 17 at 2019 12:41 PM

2019-04-17T12:41:23-04:00

Bottom line- IF he is authorized it there will be a paper trail on it. Either unit orders or a Memo signed by the appropriate CDR. He doesn't produce it- you drag his 4th POC to his 1SG/CO and ask for UMCJ action. Anybody in this role would normally keep a copy of this on/with them to stop getting in Trouble.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2019 11:47 PM

2019-04-18T23:47:47-04:00

You are actually incorrrect SSG. The regulation states the Operation must have lasted for at least 30 days, unless the Operation were to become hostile. (Combat happened within 30 days). The regulation actually says “there are no time in theatre requirements for the SSI-FWTS.”
Reference:
AR 670-1 Chapter 19 Para 17 Subpara (c) and (d-4)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2019 4:26 PM

2019-04-20T16:26:41-04:00

Honestly, who really cares. I know when I went over before oif became ond, the higher ups said as soon as you touched foot in country. The reason being was solidarity and if the soldier got hurt and had to evacuate. Honestly, I only cared about my combat patch when a higher up try to tell me which one I could and couldn’t wear. I refused to be sandwiched outside of a ceremony

Response by CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2019 4:57 PM

2019-04-20T16:57:23-04:00

You should double check. My unit was in ME 2017-18. My understanding (and the unit's) was 24 hours. You better check and be right before calling someone else out.

That should be what you do in any situation, TBH.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2019 5:46 PM

2019-04-20T17:46:09-04:00

From my understanding (just got back stateside last summer from a deployment to Iraq) the requirement for a patch now is 1 day. Our HQ element was in Kuwait while we were in Iraq and they would filter soldiers through 2 weeks at a time just so they could get a patch. That being said, the soldier would need to be able to provide documentation that they were ordered into Iraq for any period of time. Simple word of mouth doesn’t count.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 20 at 2019 8:00 PM

2019-04-20T20:00:58-04:00

We had a sit-rep that was about a Rapid Deployment Team Logo. and I side with the AMN . We’d been deployed to Sudan at Khartoum for Operation Arid Farmer ( this was about support for Chad when Libya’s dictator in ‘83 went ‘takeover’ there. Our F-15s were able to beat the Libyan’s back.. with some well placed missiles) The Airman was on team 3 that remained at Ramstein in Germany. We licks them up on the way home when we went back through Ramstein. Somebody had said 3d team wasn’t Eligible to keep the logo because they never entered the support site in Sudan.. The way i Interpreted it was team 3 was as good as in when they came to Germany (Staging Base)with us. There were no prerequisites they had to “Be in Sudan” .
I think somebody that didn’t get to go
(Team 4) was butt-hurt and when they found out team 3 didn’t get in Sudan..
Team 4 had their B-4s packed too and at the orderly room .. I search around and we had a Reserve support Squadron that was not part of deploy team.. They were at base to maintain and support the base and supply sections with Airmen from different career fields to keep the base operating as if we were all there.. They supplied our section with 18 Cooks that were pulled for the operation and had them on site within 18 and 24 hrs. I. Found that out when I returned.. So everybody did their job as required.. it seems everyone else wants their pat on The back.and wants it as quick as those that were the first to hit the tarmac.. Any Actual documented recognition didn’t come down for about a monrh . And I couldn’t act on recognition of the Reserves until TAC authorized it. By then some of them retired. The good part was the retirees were with 8 to 10 miles of Langley.. and two of them worked on Langley AFB.. So we set up a recognition lunch at the Airman’s Dining Facility and their Command along with ours gave godmothers their accolades for their very speedy response . It just takes time . I surmise the clock can tick very slow when waiting .for s’thing they think that only has to travel across base. Actually had to go all the way to Congress for release . The public and media didn’t hear about for another month. The base PAO couldn’t release to base media So it was kind kept on down low.. when Public media got it they were totally perturbed that they didn’t get it like they thought. The sitrep with the Navy jets knocking the Libyans down got out quicker.. We had got some Ts made up off base at a printer: U.S. 2. Libya 0 . They showed the Navy Jets flying off and the Libyan Jets crashing/burning . I tucked mine away .. Word got out it would create a diplomatic upset.. among butthurt Libyan Nationals..in the U.S. I don’t know what the Navy was doing in Norfolk and other areas.. I know we were asked(interpret as told) not to wear them if we got them.. for awhile.., that came from up top and from base .. Some Libyans at consulate already raised a diplomatic ruckus..
I went up to Cold Lake CFB on a contingency support Maple Flag ‘83.
(I also had appropriated Ts from that.)
One of the eve’s I was off After late feed for our Security Police and Canadian M.P.s I got back to barracks and got my bright yellow T with the U.S. 2, Libya 0
and put it on and went to the JR. Ranks club..and had a great time. I didn’t hear no comments about the “T”.. Next day after I got off work at the Mess I got changed and went to the Exchange and wore the “T” .. a few of the Canadians there pointed and gave a thumbs up ..
A little guy started to and mommy knocked his arm down.. I got what I wanted and got back to the barracks.
I hadn’t seen the sign in the exchange window that No Ts worn openly in the exchange. I seen a paper later on the bulletin board at the barracks it also said printed colored Ts.. included as out of bounds. Hmm the door greeter didn’t say anything... no prob, will not do it again .. one of the polo shirts I got had a Canadian Symbol on the pocket and a collar.. So that was ok.. I was at work finishing up cleaning after lunch.. There had been a meeting at the base theater and one of the topics was the “T” that I had .. they knew somebody had one and a Canadian dependent complained somebody brazenly walked in flaunting the “T” that bragged on the U.S. heavily armed Jets shooting 2 human beings down.in unarmed Jets(explain to the Navy pilots the Libyans were unarmed, sure they’d like to be made aware of that fact)
I got to see the Canadian paper .. read the whole thing and seen only 2 U.S. Jets shot down 2 Libyan Jets and that was it..
A “whiskey-tango-Foxtrot” moment !
I’m glad I was going home in a week..
It’s family day at the Junior ranks Club!
Tomorrow.. I know.. Maybe wear the Yellow “T”!... I decided to wear the
Maple Flag ‘83 shirt .. with our Flag and the Canadian Flag crossed on the Left sleeve.. I wonder.. I think our side had these done.. Our U.S. Flag was leaning to the front... I’d have to look at that again..
hmm.. i’ll Look on s’body’ else’s shirt..
yeah the Canadian Colors was in the right spot..

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2019 9:54 PM

2019-04-20T21:54:08-04:00

That is not the regulation.
Regulation states:
(7) Soldiers of all Army components (Active, ARNG, and USAR) who deploy during periods of service designated for wear of the SSI-FWTS are authorized to wear a SSI-FWTS. There are no time-in-theater requirements for authorization to wear the SSI-FWTS. Soldiers may not earn more than one SSI-FWTS during the same deployment.
Ref: AR 670-1 para 21-17e(7)

The operation has to last 30 days (with exceptions) but the time in theater has no minimum.
Having said that, I would give him plenty of razzing for wearing a combat patch for his tour of 6 days in Iraq. I wouldn't wear it for that.

Response by SSG James Oliver Nathan Jr made Apr 20 at 2019 11:48 PM

2019-04-20T23:48:56-04:00

True.

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Apr 21 at 2019 12:09 AM

2019-04-21T00:09:50-04:00

On the spot Corrections, his next higher will make that call and file it in his 201

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2019 12:57 AM

2019-04-21T00:57:25-04:00

It’s 24 hours in country for deployment patches

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2019 1:14 AM

2019-04-21T01:14:13-04:00

That soldier is entitled to a combat patch as dumb as it sounds. All you need to do is spend at least one day in country. The old school way would be wait 30 days and have a patching ceremony. However, the last 2 deployments after the first day you’re entitled to it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2019 10:47 AM

2019-04-21T10:47:49-04:00

If you read the entire section 21-17 of AR 670-1 paragraph 7 states “Soldiers of all Army components (Active, ARNG, and USAR) who deploy during periods of service designated for wear of the SSI-FWTS are authorized to wear a SSI-FWTS. There are no time-in-theater requirements for authorization to wear the SSI-FWTS. Soldiers may not earn more than one SSI-FWTS during the same deployment.
(a) A deployed unit (company or higher) will wear its unit SSI as the SSI-FWTS, regardless of the headquarters element deploying and the unit alignment or OPCON during the period of deployment.
(b) A deployed unit will not wear its assigned SSI as its SSI-FWTS when the SSI belongs to A major command.

So, if they served in a unit even one day in support of a named operation they rate to wear the patch.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Apr 30 at 2019 8:03 AM

2019-04-30T08:03:04-04:00

This is a thing? Who cares... on the piece of paper is all the matters. Someone will eventually call em out and that douche will cry he's being oppressed, etc..

Response by SPC Bryan Richardson made May 4 at 2019 7:23 AM

2019-05-04T07:23:30-04:00

Same kinda thing happened many years ago in 1989. A plane with military personal from the pentagon flew down to panama during operation just cause conflict there to get a combat patch...

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Jun 3 at 2019 12:50 AM

2019-06-03T00:50:13-04:00

This update is a great example of the often ignored principle - MAKE DAMN SURE YOU ARE 100% RIGHT BEFORE CORRECTING OTHERS.

One thing I notice is that there are far more NCOs here who will talk about the need to make on the spot corrections compared to the number of NCOs actually making those corrections in real life.

Among those who DO make "on the spot corrections" my experience of being "corrected" or having one of my soldiers "corrected" was that way too many people making on the spot corrections are just plain wrong and almost no one making an on-the-spot-correction is able to cite the regulation they think they are enforcing.

Response by SSG Steven Davis made Jun 14 at 2019 9:17 AM

2019-06-14T09:17:29-04:00

Good Job on researching and finding out that you made a mistake, and then admitting. That's a sign of a great leader!!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2019 5:25 PM

2019-06-16T17:25:03-04:00

You could ask the person about it. No need to make a problem for the person. Could be a mistake of some kind. But ask in a nice way, don't bring up anything like stolen valor. Just ask first, talk nice.

Response by CPL Joseph Elinger made Jun 17 at 2019 7:27 AM

2019-06-17T07:27:55-04:00

As a general rule, I was never a patch, ribbon, or badge collector.
I'm the sort who would have added the deployment patch after a superior prompted me to do so.
Just how I am, in particular.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jun 19 at 2019 9:51 AM

2019-06-19T09:51:55-04:00

Yep ! Situations and regulations change about as fast as the ink used to print them. Since we are on subject, what about those serving on the flight deck of a Aircraft Carrier? Are we considered in country, even though we sit 400 miles off the coast of the actual theater? Or are the pilots the only ones that get a medal or ribbon for being in actual combat?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made Jun 19 at 2019 4:28 PM

2019-06-19T16:28:06-04:00

I know an O-6 that got kicked out of the Army for that. A 3-star corrected him and the O-6 got caught again by the same LTG. Well he got what he deserved.

Response by CPT Bradley Roberts made Jun 21 at 2019 2:34 PM

2019-06-21T14:34:31-04:00

Agree. He did not earn it and is NOT ENTITLED to a combat patch for only 6 days.

CPT Roberts

Response by CPT Bradley Roberts made Jun 21 at 2019 2:38 PM

2019-06-21T14:38:29-04:00

From AR 670-1:

a. General. Authorization to wear a SSI indicating FWTS applies only to Soldiers who are/were assigned to U.S. Army units that meet the following criteria in subparagraph (1) below:

(1) Required criteria—

(a) The Secretary of the Army or higher must declare the theater or area of operation as a hostile environment to which the unit is assigned or Congress must pass a Declaration of War.

(b) The units must have actively participated in or supported ground combat operations against hostile forces in which they were exposed to the threat of enemy action or fire, either directly or indirectly.

(c) The military operation normally must have lasted for a period of 30 days or longer. An exception may be made when U.S. Army forces are engaged with a hostile force for a shorter period of time, when they meet all other criteria, and a recommendation from the general or flag officer in command is forwarded to the Chief of Staff, Army.

(d) The Chief of Staff, Army must approve the authorization for wearing the SSI for FWTS.

Note: Units are not authorized to modify their SSI or SSI–FWTS without prior approval from the DCS, G-1. A mirror image SSI-FWTS is considered a modification. In addition, TIOH must approve the design of any modification and authorize its manufacturing in accordance with paragraph 2–3.

(2) Personnel who served in a designated area as a civilian or a member of another Service, but were not a member of the U.S. Army during one of the specified periods are not authorized to wear the SSI-FWTS.

(3) Unless otherwise approved by this regulation, Soldiers attached or under operational control (OPCON) to other services are not authorized to wear their patches as their SSI-FWTS without written approval from DCS, G-1 or a designated representative.

(4) Soldiers of all Army components (Active, ARNG, and USAR) who deploy during periods of service designated for wear of the SSI-FWTS are authorized to wear a SSI-FWTS. There are no time-in-theater requirements for authorization to wear the SSI-FWTS. Soldiers may not earn more than one SSI-FWTS during the same deployment.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jun 21 at 2019 11:57 PM

2019-06-21T23:57:35-04:00

Sometimes I think the army is so big that the left hand does not know what the right hand is Doing. So you have this confusion over regulations

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jun 22 at 2019 5:50 PM

2019-06-22T17:50:15-04:00

Something else to think about.

Sometimes a blanket order is issued. for instance:

Bravo Company, 1st of the 501 is entitled to wear the 82nd DIV patch as F-WTS, for service in Iraq form xx date to xx date.

This order implies you had to be in country, but does not specifically state it, and as such anyone in that company can wear that patch, if they served in that time frame. It is a bad order, but that shit happens.

Most soldiers would know that they were not entitled to the patch, if they were not in country, and would honor that. Some will do anything to look tough.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Jun 23 at 2019 2:19 AM

2019-06-23T02:19:32-04:00

I can tell you right now... fuck the 81BCT! Fuckers were useless, over shadowed everything and tried to push their bullshit on soldiers who hated their life. Combat patches by some gay as hell national guard unit when our direct command was AD and I never reported to a NG unit while in Iraq? Yup, AD unit took command of my NG unit and never wanted us to wear their gay ass patch. 1Cav rolled in ans didn't give a shit, my command on the other hand required to see both patches, which I never dis.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 24 at 2019 2:03 PM

2019-06-24T14:03:33-04:00

OK I have a question. I was an augmentee to the 18th ABN in Iraq for a year. I wear their combat patch. Am I wrong?

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Jul 2 at 2019 2:20 AM

2019-07-02T02:20:42-04:00

You Know,,,,,, You really don't get to wear a CBT "Patch" until you've rotated back to CONUS... unless this is your 2nd tour, then it don't matter;;;;;;;; but that's the way it was back in the day, pre 'Desert Storm'.

Response by CPT William Jones made Jul 14 at 2019 8:16 PM

2019-07-14T20:16:56-04:00

If soldier is wearing anything on his uniform that he didn’t earn and is not in his records he can be required to remove it. Inform his chain of command. In this day use your phone take picture and you hav evidence to show. Then let the chain handle it.

Response by SGT Keith Boettcher made Jul 18 at 2019 8:38 PM

2019-07-18T20:38:09-04:00

Interesting. Nothing is sacred anymore. Use to be a thing of honor and prestige to earn and wear a combat patch. I had once heard a story while on AD that a young solider fresh out of AIT wrote a letter home to his mother to complain that no one in his new unit would talk to him because he was new and had not deployed or had a combat patch. His mother wrote a nasty letter to the State Representative of their district and gave him hell. Supposedly he in turn when back to Washington and approached the committee and talked about the letter and they way new soldiers were being treat at their units because they were new and had not earned a combat patch or CIB or CAB. So, there was a new order implemented to have all AD soldiers to remove their patches and CIB and CAB off their uniforms so that the new soldiers would feel that they fit in with the others. Anyone else heard or know of a unit that this took place? It did at Fort Hood with I was on AD. But, it was let to Command as a directive.

Response by SSG Dennis Mendoza made Jul 19 at 2019 2:04 AM

2019-07-19T02:04:59-04:00

So I have met an individual that brags about being a combat expert to the platoon, but I have seen his ERB and the only overseas I seen on there is Korea overseas. He claims he was deployed to Iraq but I didn't see the Iraq campaign. I think situation like that are a bit depressing because young soldiers look up to individuals like that.

Response by Louis Williams made Jul 19 at 2019 11:20 PM

2019-07-19T23:20:27-04:00

Active duty soldiers are processed to wear any and all declarations applied to and/or sewn into their dress attire and sewn in declarations are on all military attire. Declarations worn on a military uniform any other way is a fraud, disrespect to the uniform, and dealt with at the discretion of anyone who observes it although a formal action is to report it to your next chain of command when you are not a commissioned officer yourself.
I say the perpetrator is the merchant who sells military paraphernalia in their store, it shouldn't be allowed at least medals and awards that soldiers risk life and limb to receive.

Response by SGM Harvey Boone made Jul 21 at 2019 8:50 PM

2019-07-21T20:50:47-04:00

If everything else fails go by the Regs, after all that's what they are for. DAPAM 31-10 will never let you down tells where you can find anything.

Response by LtCol Paul Bowen made Jul 22 at 2019 11:54 AM

2019-07-22T11:54:26-04:00

The so-called Soldier is in violation of Art. 134 “Service Discrediting Conduct” and “Conduct Contrary to the Good Order & Discipline of the Armed Services”.

Jack this one up with a Charge Sheet. When it shows up in the Art. 15 Hearing the outcome needs to be reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay and confinement to barracks.

Suspend the punishment for 3 months. That way when he defies Army Regulations again, the suspension is vacated and you get to bust, fine & confine all over again.

Everyone who works with this guy knows he is a wannabe dirtbag. If the Command doesn’t address it, then the C.O. is obviously weak and should be replaced. If the measures are followed, the other 98% of the Organization will not want to screw up.

Also, Administratively Separate the malcontent for failure to adapt to the military lifestyle.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jul 22 at 2019 5:48 PM

2019-07-22T17:48:09-04:00

I would have him / her show me the regulation where wearing a combat patch after 6 days in country is authorized. If he / she can't show you the reg, the Soldier's own research tells him / her what is his / her course of action

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jul 23 at 2019 3:41 PM

2019-07-23T15:41:11-04:00

Thanks for the update. I earned multiple patches during my first deployment. While I was still in, I wore whichever one I felt like wearing that day. However, if I saw a soldier (rank immaterial) whom I KNEW was wearing a combat patch, badge, or other item I KNOW they didn't earn, I'd call them out on it. Rank junior to me, immediate action. Rank senior to me, remind them of their commitment to "do what's right, legally and morally." Often times, I'd get told (insert expletive or derogatory comment here) and that would make me either email them a copy of the section of the regulation that pertains to the particular infraction, show them a hard copy of the section, or in the most extreme cases, take it up with their senior. All because you outrank me doesn't mean I won't tell you that you're wrong, nor will it stop me from reminding you that these junior soldiers who want to be leaders one day are looking at you for the right example. If you fail them on the little things, who's to say that you won't fail on the big things? (Yes, I've seen it happen...and lost troops because of it.)

Response by PO1 Anthony Sam made Aug 18 at 2019 2:01 PM

2019-08-18T14:01:48-04:00

Gee that's a Tough One "Not" as senior elinsted take the person aside in private & speak to them about it & then tell to remove not a tough descion & I have been retired almost 20yrs.

Response by SSG Richard Brue made Aug 21 at 2019 9:14 PM

2019-08-21T21:14:47-04:00

Something doesn't sound right about that, but the best way to make sure you right is to go talk to JAG about it.

Response by GySgt Joy Parrish made Aug 22 at 2019 11:08 PM

2019-08-22T23:08:07-04:00

Yikes! I had that happen on an Iraq deployment in 2005. I rated a USMC combat patch because I was USMC when I earned it, downrange and deployed during the Gulf War in 1991. I wore it. A Ssg in my unit was attached to a USMC unit for a week and came back wearing their combat patch. The BC ripped it off of his sleeve in my presence. Ssg started to complain that because I wore a 2dMarDiv patch, he could as well. BC set him straight. I don't understand why the Army is slacking on the requirements now, maybe because combat awards, in general, are slacking and slow in coming?

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Dec 1 at 2019 7:20 PM

2019-12-01T19:20:08-05:00

I joined the SF national guard unit after Nam for about one and one-half years. I receive a combat infantry badge from them. They said my time in Nam as a marine counted. I felt uncomfortable wearing it because of who I had served with. After the fall of Nam, I threw all the medals away.

Response by TSgt James Potter made Aug 19 at 2020 9:11 AM

2020-08-19T09:11:58-04:00

Well done! In my 28years in, I don't think any person that outranked me ever said he was wrong about something.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 19 at 2020 11:42 AM

2020-08-19T11:42:35-04:00

Combat Patches for soldiers is hard enough to figure out, it gets even more complicated for soldiers who served with Marine Units, Marines who left their service and joined the Army Reserve or National Guard who think they are authorized a combat patch, and aren't, but see Soldiers wearing Marine Patches that may be authorized (I say maybe, as the last time I read 670-1 it was for those who were attached to Marines for the first 30 days of the Invasion, not for the next ten years. But some USMC Commander gave them orders so now it must be legal). it does get confusing and really it should be more cut and dry then it is.

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made Nov 7 at 2020 12:12 PM

2020-11-07T12:12:48-05:00

Being authorized to wear a combat patch doesn’t necessarily mean a soldier saw combat. When someone says “I’m a combat veteran “, I generally take it with a grain of salt, especially if they were someplace like Bagram AB where you’re more in danger of getting killed by a moving vehicle or tripping on a PT belt than by enemy fire.

Response by CPT William Jones made Jan 5 at 2021 3:00 PM

2021-01-05T15:00:37-05:00

AS far as I know there is no such thing as a deployment patch. First any assignment outside the States is a deployment. It may be NATO in Belgium or a combat zone declared by the powers that be. it may be Afghanistan in 2000 South America someplace and you are deployed. The patch worn on left sleeveis commonly called a combat patch. It is earned by the deployment being in a designated part of the world at a designated time.Rules have changed from time to time as how long you have to stay to get certain benefits. It signifies that the unit you were assigned to in that zone. You do not get a patch for a deployment. you get the patch for where and when you were deployed.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Jan 5 at 2021 5:37 PM

2021-01-05T17:37:56-05:00

Derogation of a symbol so as to allow appease anyone who "visits" or "provide minimum support" to the mission. This reminds me of "participation trophies" for being on a team. Sorry, that sux!!!

Response by SP5 Wilbert Jennings made Jan 5 at 2021 5:38 PM

2021-01-05T17:38:00-05:00

No matter where we were in Nam it was a war zone and the Barber cut our hair in the day an our throats at night. Even today there is muslims killing our soldiers like the Major that killed all those unarmed returning from Iraq and he is still alive. Not up to date as to badges and the right to or not but if your in country and die I don't think a badge makes a difference.

Response by MSG David Gagnon made Jun 27 at 2021 10:40 AM

2021-06-27T10:40:17-04:00

In my case I was with USCENTOM assigned to the 25ID in Afghanistan for 90 days. Al I authorized to wear the 25ID combat patch?