Should the Army do away with Patches and go to one universal Symbol like the Marines EGA?

I was a recruiter from 1997-2000 and you have to be careful about using your area as a basis for how everywhere else was. Whenever we had Company or Battalion training a lot of people would talk about how the Marines were big competition but that was never true for our station. For us it was the Air Force because they were seen as more technologically advanced and lived in hotels and the Navy because of SEALs and nuclear reactors.

Nope, Those patches are cool. Isn't anything wrong with Unit Pride.

leave the patches alone , they are a source of pride for some solders.

No, I wouldn't. I've seen this comparison with regards to recruiting and the USMC v. USA before, talking about sharper uniforms, or other things about the Marines that offer them a "tighter shot group" as far as messaging. It's certainly understandable. But the USMC is a relatively small service, while the Army is our largest. We have our own doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc. and large contingents in the NG and RC components. We are the "jack of all trades" and so our message has to reflect that. I also think that our history of SSI (patches) is one of the things that connect us from generation to generation of warriors. Our famed patches like the "Big Red One" or the 82d Abn are in movies, they were worn by our grandparents, and in some case, their grandparents... it's something we cherish. I was at an event just yesterday where and address was given by LTG Tucker - currently commanding 1st US Army. He remarked how proud he was to be in the company of some of its former Commanders: Black Jack Pershing, Omar Bradley... So - if I had a vote, I'd keep our unit-level patches!!

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!! We are so busy trying to "fit in" rub everyone's back, make people feel better, I mean thinking about giving people who have not deployed deployment patches. It is to the point of interest get med board, I am fine with leaving the Army. We are scared of being the Army. WE HAVE BECOME WEAK!!!! I am ashamed. We carry our patches with pride. Sometimes not at the time, but after we leave we are proud. If we want to be the Marines, let the Army JOIN THE MARINES!!!!!!

NO

As a Marine, i kind of like the unit patches the Army wears. I wouldnt get rid of them, but maybe sew an Army insignia on the left breast pocket like Marines have on cammies.

Absolutely not. The Army’s traditions and lore should be displayed with pride. I’m a Marine and would never change how we do business. Our history, traditions and lore are critical to success in battle. Same thing with the Army units from Rangers to Green Berets to regular infantry. That history and lore helps fortify the individual in hard times knowing what those who have gone before did to build the reputation of the unit. I truly believe carrying the reputation of those who have gone before brings out the best efforts to avoid letting them down or staining their reputation.

You mean like when we allowed people to roll their sleeves like marines and we looked absolutely ridiculous?

As a Marine we have one job, fight. The Army has many different jobs they should be proud of there patches.