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

So a recruiter that probably has No patches at all, wants to all be like him and get rid off Army Traditions. Wow!!!

Army is a different service, and we need a lot more recruits to fulfill support positions than the Marines. If you say you are a Marine the thought is "a Marine" which would not appeal to many. I know it didn't appeal to me... Different services, different mission, different size, and of course history.

This has been talked about many times. In my opinion, if you dont like the patches then join the Marines. The patches is part of the US Army culture, it shows pride in the unit and the colors of the organization.

Civillians will always ask about what we do in the US Army, it is just out of curiosity about what the patches symbolize. I was and always ill be proud of the patches i wore during my time in the US Army. Each patch has a history and meaning behind it.

I find that some individuals like what they see on the other side of the fence, if that is the case then i recommend that they go that route. I for one was never jealous or even wanted to look like a Marine, so for me its not about the image. Its about much more than that.

If you want to blame the woes of USAREC on a patch, then you are further from the truth than you know. The Patches creatw conversation. A novelty to civilians whose interest is spiked by the explanations of Heraldry. Also many of the potential recruits rwcognize them as ones that their ancestors may have worn. Creating a sense of loyalty and comeraderie. Like the kids whose parent played sports for a certain team. Now they too eant to play for that team. Besides, when ddi marketing dictate the laurels of the Army?

We should keep tradition!

As a former USAREC battalion Ops O and XO with loads of insight on the marketing and branding, I’ll say this. Patches have nothing to do with why the USMC dominates in some of your Zip Codes. My 2 cents; if every recruiter would put just 20% more effort into prospecting, your companies would make mission.

Wow why would we get rid of unit patches? We’re not going to get rid of the units! Unit patches tell a story of the individual and the unit they belong too! As for the Marines they are not as large as the Army! But it’s the tradition behind the unit patches that differentiate each unit! Unfortunately as we have gone into the 21st century some have thrown traditions and discipline out the window!

This is a ridiculous notion. Our unit patches set us apart from other services and encourage esprit de corps and unit pride. It would be disrespecting all our fallen comrades who helped build the heritage of these units. COL (r) A.

I think getting rid of them would be absurd. As many have already stated the patches are rich in tradition. And why, as a recruiter would you not want to have that conversation starter straight up handed to you. I deployed with the 42nd ID (Rainbow) back in 2004-2005. I have had so many people over the years ask me about that patch specifically and I have zero problem sharing the story and history of the division. As I said, they are great conversation starters.

Absolutely disagree
Civilians asking questions is an opportunity to break the ice and create discussion.
My combat patch is a tribute and remembrance to two brothers I served with who were better than me.
I think the Marines short change themselves a little bit by not using unit insignia. However I understand the reasoning they use, and they can get away with it, being a small Corp and belonging to the department of the Navy.