Should qualification badges earned from U.S. service schools by U.S. service members be authorized for wear regardless of branch?

GySgt John O'Donnell — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 21:13:22 -0500

In the “era of jointness”, many service members attend schools hosted by their sister services and earn qualification badges/devices for successful completion. Due to individual service regulations, members may not be authorized to wear the hard earned badge on their uniform (e.g. Soldier with Navy Service Warfare device, Marine with Pathfinder badge). Within reason should this practice change?

Response by TSgt David L. made Jan 21 at 2018 9:26 PM

TSgt David L. — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 21:26:40 -0500

GySgt John O'Donnell, I think so. Some of us already have been "Joint" and as training is largely the same, the hardware is as well. I know the Air Force doesn't allow pins/badges that it's members can't attend or normally not allowed. Y'all's gold Jump wings, no, but the SCUBA Bubble, yes. An Air Force guy with a Ranger tab? Why not. Kind of hit or miss.

I think if you earned it you should get to wear it. If it hurts someone's feelings or makes them fell ordinary or left out, so be it. Great question/proposal, Gunny. I wish we could make it happen.
The Stolen Valor guys are already doing it... Had to go there.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jan 21 at 2018 9:28 PM

TSgt David L. — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 21:28:05 -0500

Ribbons are kinda the same way, BTW, Gunny. Again, if you EARNED them, lets make it work, within reason at least.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2018 9:30 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 21:30:54 -0500

I've seen several airmen with ranger tabs

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 21 at 2018 11:32 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 23:32:37 -0500

GySgt John O'Donnell the only thing the Army won't allow is sister service marksmanship badges, otherwise, it is pretty fair game. My buddy who was the S6 and prior Navy wore his Surface Warfare Badge on ACUs, ASUs and mess dress. Sounds like the Marines don't let it flow the other way? AR670-1 20-12:
g. InaccordancewithAR600-8-22. personnelmustobtainwritten nauthorityfrom Army Human ResourcEs Command, Awards and Decorations Branch, 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. For example, a Soldier who had no group 3 badges (as outlined in DA Pam 670–1) could wear aviation badges awarded by the U.S. Air Force as group 3 badges (as Army aviation and aviator badges are worn). However, if the individual was authorized to wear an Army badge in group 3, the Soldier would not be authorized to wear the group 3 badge from the U.S. Air Force.
(2) Skill badges awarded by other U.S. Services that are not similar to Army skill badges are worn as group 4 badges.
(3) Badges from other U.S. Services that indicate career fields are not authorized for wear (such as U.S. Air Force medical insignia or badges used to identify the duty, function, or classification of the wearer). Some examples are U.S. Air Force fire protection, air training command instructor, security police, or Naval Qualification Badges such as the Na- val aviation warfare specialist.
(4) Personnel will not wear badges awarded by other U.S. Services that, because of size or configuration, cannot be worn as group 4 badges. Subdued embroidered or metal skill badges authorized for wear by another U.S. Service, and authorized for wear on the Army uniform, may be worn on utility uniforms in the same manner as prescribed for Army badges.

Response by CA Delete D. made Jan 22 at 2018 10:22 AM

CA Delete D. — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 10:22:10 -0500

Absolutely. If you earned it, you should have the right to display it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2018 12:57 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 12:57:04 -0500

I say "yes", but that is mainly because the AF has the MOST lackluster uniform out there - it's a freaking business suit w/ a couple patches...LOL

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 22 at 2018 4:17 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 16:17:40 -0500

The Air Force allows members to wear certain qualification badges from other services (especially the Army). However, many AF folks serve in joint duties with the Army or attend Army schools. The Air Guard is even more lenient and allows almost any qualification badges from any branch to be worn. It was always fun to see Master Sergeants (E-7) wearing service warfare badges from their prior service time in the Navy.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2018 8:30 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 20:30:28 -0500

No, the policy should not change. Too many badges on the uniform makes the uniform look tacky. The Army authorizes so much stuff now they look like French admirals. By all means take pride in your accomplishments, but keep the uniform simple and conservative.

Response by Lt Col Paul Maxwell made Jan 22 at 2018 9:43 PM

Lt Col Paul Maxwell — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 21:43:54 -0500

Earned. Qualified. School paid w government funds, seems reasonable to wear the Q badges.

Response by SSG Edward Joy made Jan 22 at 2018 10:50 PM

SSG Edward Joy — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 22:50:36 -0500

Well that really, SPELLS IT OUT, Not. Why is it that the DOPES that write this shit can't seem to to it in PLAIN ENGLISH.