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

I say no to the "Universal Patch". I received a Army crate from a Soldier's spouse after his passing, and discovered his patches on his uniform identical to mine before I retired (he was in Vietnam, I was in OIF-2). To have such a history from my former unit and what his was brings out a great history.

In my opinion..that's the dumbest craps I've ever heard. Not as dumb as giving basic training Soldiers patches for graduating Red Phase. But back to the question, we are NOT the Marines. Maybe they ask, because there are so many overweight Soldiers. I am proud of my 1CAV patch. It is a daily reminder of the sweat and pain of earning Silver Spurs. It is a constant reminder of the dangers around the corner as I earned my gold spurs. It is a reminder of brotherhood, when you PCS to another less reputable post. Not to mention, it brings up dialog with each other and the veterans, who used to wear that particular patch. So, in my opinion, leave my patch alone.

"What you do in the Army" and "What does this patch represent" are two different things, so I would not be concerned with a civilian asking about the patch nor in most cases would I be concerned if they really are asking what someone does in the Army, as those who work in sensitive positions would know not to divulge that information. Responding to such a question regarding unit affiliation would not divulge anything that could not be found on the internet. As for our "being beat by the Marines when it comes to image", I don't think the fact that the Army wears unit patches has anything to do with that.

Navy is so much different. Also you are missing my favorite. 7th Army which was my dad's otherwise known as 7 steps to hell. Patton's group.

1st Cav patch is the biggest one,I was happy to have one as a combat patch,soldiers need unit identity so they don't feel like cogs and loose their need to represent an identifiable faction.

First off, USMC Aviators are still wearing flight suits instead of those ridiculous A2CUs Army Aviators have to wear. So no, I don't the Army should get rid of unit insignia. In fact, we should bring back branch insignia! What we need to get rid off is all the damn VELCRO!! That's what makes soldiers look raggedy standing next to a Marine with his sleeves rolled up and his muscles flexing!

As a retired soldier of both the officer corps and the nco corps I say no to doing away with shoulder sleeve insignias. For a soldier assigned to any unit the SSI designates that they belong to a certain team. And, for the soldier who served in a combat environment the combat SSI shows that they were a member of a combat brotherhood. Remember, that the Army is built on history as much as training.

Leave stuff alone! There are reasons for unit patches beyond "branding". Unit identification on a mixed unit battlefield is one of those reasons.

I think the patches are an integral part of the Army and would not think getting rid of the patch is beneficial at all!! Hooah.

No, the army should not do away with unit patches. The unit traditions and history mean something. Those battle streamers on the unit colors were earned with sacrifice. There is a pride for the unit and a love of those comrades that causes men to do things and take action that they otherwise wouldn't. Few men fight for the flag and apple pie, most put their fear aside and take risky action for their buddies and the unit. 40+ years after leaving I have a BIG RED ONE emblem on my truck window. That's unit pride, I believe.