Posted on Mar 26, 2018
Should an Officer wear a Driver's Badge that was earned while he was Enlisted?
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I've seen the posts about Officers not wearing qualification badges relating specifically to weapons qual, how they should be experts of everything etc. etc., but I've never heard anyone specifically address the driver's badge. It isn't anything spectacular or anything to write home about, but it is a badge nonetheless and represents a specific knowledge and skill. Thoughts?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 317
Why would it matter, if they earned it while in the military it is part of their history of service? Would be like saying if a lower enlisted lost a limb, went on to become an officer that they not wear the ribbon for the purple heart they received. I couldn't count the number of non-coms (officer and NCO's) that flew in from the states to our unit, in the gulf, so they had a patch on their right.
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I got a driver's badge for driving 5,000 miles in a combat zone without an accident. I always assumed you were supposed to drive responsibly. I never understood if it was a big deal or not. I wear it, but I don't think I would if I were an officer.
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Oh, Gawd.
My Dad retired from the Air Force, but did prior service a LONG time ago with the 82d, 10 SFG(A) (in the Sage/Thorne days), and 5th SFG. If he had worn all his occupational and qualification badges, he would have not needed body Army - Master Parachutists, Rigger, Freefall parachutists, pretty much every weapon qual badge(he went through the q-course as a light weapons specialist), Special Forces, Glider, Jumpmaster, Freefall Jumpmaster, SERE, Pathfinder, AF Maintenance and Munitions, CIB, Greek and Jordanian jump wings, etc. I think the only one I ever saw him wear was the Master Parachutist wings.
I suppose if you haven't picked up many of the tougher ones.....
My Dad retired from the Air Force, but did prior service a LONG time ago with the 82d, 10 SFG(A) (in the Sage/Thorne days), and 5th SFG. If he had worn all his occupational and qualification badges, he would have not needed body Army - Master Parachutists, Rigger, Freefall parachutists, pretty much every weapon qual badge(he went through the q-course as a light weapons specialist), Special Forces, Glider, Jumpmaster, Freefall Jumpmaster, SERE, Pathfinder, AF Maintenance and Munitions, CIB, Greek and Jordanian jump wings, etc. I think the only one I ever saw him wear was the Master Parachutist wings.
I suppose if you haven't picked up many of the tougher ones.....
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When I was enlisted I held prior non commission to commission in a higher regard. Of course always being professional and respectfully either way but you know the drill after they leave the area do it the way that works keeping within the that officers intent. But as far wearing badges etc I say go for it, you earned it and you should be proud. Kinda puts a boot up the warriors a** by saying I did it, what's your problem. Anyone who been in knows how specify the pain of a simple task of getting a military license can be for some. And how only a select few do and are use over and over again to drive. Getting that driver badge can be gotten very quickly. Lol
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As a junior enlisted soldier to see a badge on another soldier makes me 1) interested in their experience due to me wanting to see if it's something I want to experience myself and 2) makes me feel more secure in that person's soldiering ability. An officer who not only wheres them but had achieved them as an enlisted soldier give me promise of a bright future for myself and whatever part of my unit he/she is in charge of.
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