Should the Army do away with unit patches?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:15:16 -0500

The Army is the only service to wear unit and combat patches? Should they simplify the uniform and remove unit patches? "shoulder sleeve insignia".

I understand in some uniforms services may wear a patch. I'm talking about the every day uniform.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 10:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:18:14 -0500

No, I don't believe patches should be eliminated. A patch shows distinction and shows others the unit you belong to. Regarding combat patches, it tells others the units you have been with and, at least for me, it sparks conversations. <br>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 11:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 23:12:04 -0500

I love the patches I wear on my uniform.  I am proud of the units I have served with and am extremely proud of the unit I deployed with.  I also don't believe that the unit patch or combat patch do much to "weigh" down the uniform. <br><br>If soldiers are thought of differently based on those two particular patches, then that is a soldier issue, not a patch issue.<br>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 11:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 23:25:04 -0500

Not at all.  I have been in the Army for just over 11 years and spend 4 years with the 2nd Infantry Division and 6 1/2 years with the 1st Infantry Division.  I have deployed 3 times with my unit in 1ID and am proud to wear my unit patch. There is a lot of history in unit patches and we should not forget about that history.  I went on a tour of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge area in June/July of 2012 and was able to see the memorials dedicated to the amazing units.  It made me even more proud to wear my patch.  <div><br></div><div>While the Army may be the only unit to wear unit patches on their shoulders, I have seen other branches wearing unit patches.  I recently took a tour of USS New Mexico and they wore their ship patch on their left breast pocket.  I have even seen Air Force wearing unit patches in the past.  </div>

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Feb 22 at 2014 11:29 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 23:29:27 -0500

No, unit identification should NEVER be eliminated.<br><br>Unit patches, currently assigned or deployment, create a sense of esprit-de-corps.<div><br></div><div>The Army is the largest military organization and, unlike the Marine Corps where the esprit-de-corps lies within its foundation, its esprit-de-corps lies within its units.</div>

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 10:28 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 10:28:12 -0500

Ask the Air Force how they felt when unit patches were removed from their uniforms. Most of the USAF personnel I speak with miss their patches. In the Army this is a time honored tradition and it was pioneered by the Army. WWI was the advent of the Combat patch and it was the Army who developed it. Just like our switch back to the ASU. There is more history associated with this uniform. I even feel that NCO stripes should go back to the Civil War style that the marine band wears.

http://civilwarwiki.net/wiki/Union_Insignia_of_the_Civil_War

Union Insignia of the Civil War - CivilWarWiki

By the 1860's the Federal Army had had nearly ninety years to become large and diversified. Enlisted rank insignia, too, had become large and diversified. Chevrons covering the entire outer sleeve, in...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 10:49 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 10:49:35 -0500

I remember after graduating AIT and reporting to unit for the first time. I had Battle Assembly like a week after graduation. Our UA handed me my unit patch and I so proud to wear it. I earned it! The Army should never do away with unit patches.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 11:06 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 11:06:01 -0500

<p>No! Hell No! </p><p>It provides identity.  Combat patches tell a story about the soldier wearing them.  It promotes espirit-de-corps/unit cohesiveness.</p><p> The Air Force removed unit patches when we switched over to the ABU from the BDU. The driving factor was cost. It cost to much to have patches sewn on, OH Please!!  I have since seen unit pride decline, and people adopt attitudes such as " I can do what I want in public, because no one knows what unit I belong too".  People no longer know the history/heraldry of their unit, because they no longer wear the patch which means they don't get asked those types of questions any more.</p><p>  It breeds leadership, when you see someone wearing your unit patch, even if you don't know them, you acknowledge them and you correct them when they are doing something wrong.  No recognition and you just walk right on by with the "not my troop, not my problem" mentality.</p>

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 11:17 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 11:17:48 -0500

My shadow box is lined not only with the personal awards and decorations of my career, but every single unit patch I ever wore. Every one of those units, and the people in them contributed to my career. When I take trips down memory lane those patches help me to remember the past.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Feb 23 at 2014 11:28 AM

CSM Michael Poll — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 11:28:13 -0500

Absolutely not. The unit patch is one of the historic things that is essential for esprit de corps.  It is significant for quick recognition of higher command if missing or separated from unit. It is one of the things I am proud is an Army tradition.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 11:28 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 11:28:52 -0500

I like unit patches, I just thought it was a good questions. I believe they're good conversation starter, when I went to NTC I traded my unit patch with the Japanese soldiers who also Had unit patches. it allowed us to talk and show each other our equipment. Great experience

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Feb 23 at 2014 1:19 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 13:19:05 -0500

Before I start...Yeah! 89th MP BDE! I am proud to be part of such a great team based in Fort Hood, TX with such rich history and to wear the 89th patch. Okay.....

How would simplifying the uniform by removing unit patches improve on the soldier as a whole, the unit, and the Army? Actually, yes by deleting a part you don't have to deal with, it will be much simpler however, please refer to the sentence.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 23 at 2014 1:27 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 13:27:27 -0500

When I went from Army to Air Force, I lost my patches. I lost my "unit affiliation". I ENJOY looking at patches because it tells me where you are now and if there is a combat patch, who you were a part of. It is ALMOST a date/time stamp. In my opinion, that is one of the downfalls of the Air Force.....no unit "unity" based on affiliation demonstrated by a patch.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 1:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 13:35:48 -0500

Nope

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Feb 23 at 2014 2:49 PM

SPC David Wyckoff — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 14:49:24 -0500

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the age old Army questions yet. What is the worst unit you were in? The one you are in now. What's the best unit you have ever been in? The one you are going to next.

Not that the "used to be's" get a vote, but no I don't think unit patches or unit crests should be eliminated. I wear a small 1st Cav pin on my baseball cap and more than once I have been approached by another vet with a heart "First Team" or "Garry Owen". I also kind of like that my old unit has been reorganized but kept the unit crest. It provides a way for me to connect with newer vets and current soldiers in the 27th.

The great thing for those of us that are out. Whether they do away with unit patches or unit crests or not, we can still wear them any time we want.

Response by CSM Chris McKeown made Feb 24 at 2014 12:50 AM

CSM Chris McKeown — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 00:50:54 -0500

HELL NO! Let me repeat that. HELL NO!

Unit patches have many purposes like, shows what unit a soldier is in and helps create pride in a unit.

And I will say now, if anyone told me to take off one of my Combat Patches the answer they would get is GO To HELL! I earned those patches and am proud to show I served this country in combat and what units I was with.

Each soldier is not the same, what they accomplish is not the same, where they are at and where they been are not the same. People need to stop trying to make soldiers into some generic egg in a carton of generic eggs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 6:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 18:19:32 -0500

absolutely not, that's what the ARMY is all about and that's how we know whom we are dealing with.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 11:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:10:59 -0500

No.

Unit patches are historic, tradition, morale boosting, and a source of pride. To take that away would be a mistake in my opinion.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2014 11:37 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 23:37:38 -0500

Personally I'm hoping that the Air Force will bring back unit patches on our ABUs. Aircrew still wear patches on flight suits, but we non-flyers lost our patches when we lost our BDUs. I never understood why we changed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2014 12:41 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 00:41:11 -0500

We should keep unit our patches. They bring with them a sense of history and esprit de corps that may otherwise not be there. Several long time Battle's first words to me were asking me when I deployed with certain units whose patches I was wearing. Can we please just go back to sewing them on though? Thanks.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 9 at 2014 12:37 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 12:37:26 -0400

I see everyone says a resounding, NO! Playing devil's advocate, why not? Being in the aviation and military police branches, so many other things that establish and personify esprit de corps, heritage and lineage have gone by the wayside. Heck we cannot even decide on what uniform we are going to be wearing because DoD wants a multiservice uniform to cut expense and cost. So if the other three services and coast guard do not wear them, then why should the Army? Like I said, I do not disagree with everyone else, but think of the political, social, financial, chain of command reasons so many other pressures have changed some very endearing things about our uniforms, traditions, formats, hails, etc, the list goes on, why stop now, just cookie cutter it all, I am sure the companies that lobby will have a say.

Response by CPL Roger Anderson made Mar 19 at 2014 7:09 PM

CPL Roger Anderson — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 19:09:11 -0400

No but non combat arms troops should have their own patch. I know who they are when they always name the parent unit but not go any deeper into the chain of command.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2014 3:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 15:39:57 -0400

I am unset that the army decided to not include SSI and FWTS-SSI on the Army service uniform, now new soldiers will never get to wear the full color unit patch, i understand where the army is coming from, eliminating having fade marks on your dress uniform coming from a unit with a bigger patch, but damn it looked Sharpe and vary traditional. I really don’t see eliminating it all together would ever happen.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Mar 31 at 2014 3:45 PM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 15:45:02 -0400

We could bring the Army budget way down, from just not printing 1st Cav patches...

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Mar 31 at 2014 3:54 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 15:54:27 -0400

I don't believe that the Army should do away with either the division or combat patches. For me wearing a division patch was a symbol of pride. Not for or in myself but for the divisions history.

Response by CPL Roger Anderson made Apr 5 at 2014 2:45 PM

CPL Roger Anderson — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 14:45:47 -0400

All allowing REMF's to wear unit PATCH'S does is allow REMF's to move one step closer to STOLEN VALOR, W/O crossing the line. I didn't wake up one morning and have an I hate REMF's epiphany, It happened because, The best war stories I've ever heard came from people who could produce a patch and nothing more.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 5 at 2014 9:32 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 21:32:38 -0400

Unit Rockers on the Crackerjacks, Unit Ball Cap, Hell Yeah I wouldn't give them up, I am quite proud to be a Razorback and a Golden Grizzily.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 10:10 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 22:10:05 -0400

I have unit patches from all but one of the units I've been in; my stint in the Air Mobility Division (sort of) during my deployment. I consider it a lost opportunity.

It inspired a certain about of unit pride while differentiating folks on a base from different units with similar missions. If you run across a comm troop on Hickam, you can't tell if they're from 747th Comm, 561st NOS, 792d Intel Support, DISA-PAC, PACAF/A6, or USPACOM/J6. Take a base like Langley, Lackland, or Scott and it's even worse.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2014 7:27 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 07:27:52 -0400

I personally don't think they should be eliminated.
Unit patches play into a soldiers story and backround. It shows others at a glance where he has been, and sometimes what he has done.
They are also a sense of pride. Especially the deployment patch on the right arm sleeve.
it is a great thing and can create a sense of pride in your unit, and military history.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Apr 6 at 2014 9:10 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 09:10:43 -0400

No way should they get rid of patches. In an Army of clones (uniform, grooming standards, language, actions), the patch (and the name tag) are just a couple of items that allow someone to be an individual - to a degree. It also, shows that an individual is part of a larger unit team (which is a part of the largest U.S. Army team). Hopefully there's pride in the unit patch that adorns a Soldier's uniform...

Response by SGT James McCue made Apr 6 at 2014 9:24 AM

SGT James McCue — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 09:24:12 -0400

No.

I strongly believe that our unit patches are a part of our culture. The Army distinguishes themselves by those patches and there unit traditions (like cav units). The Navy does by it the name of there ships.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2014 1:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:13:27 -0400

There is pride, and a lot of history, associated with unit patches. Being able to wear the patch of a storied unit, like the 101st, 82nd, 1st ID, etc., means a lot to me, and has been a source of pride over the last 18 years. To be able to add to the history of these units and know that I wore the same patch that veterans of previous wars and conflicts wore means a lot to me. So I, for one, do not ever think we should do away with unit patches.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jun 7 at 2014 3:59 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 15:59:04 -0400

I would never do away with unit patches on the uniform. Too much history and tradition in wearing them.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 13 at 2014 12:37 PM

COL Randall C. — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 12:37:58 -0400

The Army could do away with unit patches on sleeves and go the Air Force route .... Let's all get funky patches and start wearing organizational baseball caps!

Bonus: we can have unit individuality down to the battalion level!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2014 10:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 10:48:15 -0400

The Navy brought back "ball caps" which pretty much serve the same purpose as unit patches. When Soldiers run into each other in ACUs (and in the past, BDUs/DCUs), usually the first thing looked at after rank is the patch. Soldiers do wear both SSI and SSI-FWTS with pride, and that is something that we want to foster.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 20 at 2014 2:20 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 14:20:19 -0400

Absolutely not ... Unit patches help build esprit and enhance unity.

I also think that Army branch insignia should be put back on the field uniforms.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Oct 24 at 2014 2:03 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 14:03:15 -0400

The mighty 89th Military Police Brigade patch will never leave my uniform! I am proud to wear my unit patch. Keep the unit patch! Whoa!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 2:06 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 14:06:56 -0400

No

Next question

Response by SN Jennifer M. made Oct 27 at 2014 7:23 PM

SN Jennifer M. — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 19:23:35 -0400

No absolutely not. My husband is AD Army. We are currently in KMC and he loves seeing someone with a 1st CAV patch. It is like a conversation starter. I am prior Navy so it is a little bit different. We have a rocker (on our whites) instead of a huge patch. I don't really know what the new Navy uniforms look like so I am not sure if they have unit patches on them or not.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Nov 1 at 2014 11:25 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 23:25:19 -0400

Keep them on the uniform

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 12:10 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:10:52 -0400

There is a lot of pride in that piece of cloth. it would be a shame to discard it. It also serves it use. In combat you can readily identify units. WWII you would have divisions near by and that patch would be a means of seeing who is in the AO.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Nov 2 at 2014 8:39 AM

SPC James Mcneil — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 08:39:01 -0500

I'm confused on why they would be eliminated. In fact, I've wondered often why the Army is the only branch that uses them.

Response by 1SG David Spalding made Nov 2 at 2014 1:45 PM

1SG David Spalding — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 13:45:20 -0500

Absolutely not! In fact, we should be able to wear our SSI (shoulder sleeve insignia), and SSI-FWTS (shoulder sleeve insignia - former wartime service, ie combat patch) on our ASUs, not just a $13.00 CSIB (Combat Service Identification Badge) on our breast pocket. The patches spark spontaneous comaraderie with vets from current prior conflicts. The CSIB just gets lost in the 'bling' on the front of the Class As.

While we're at it, the Army should bring back branch insignia on the duty uniform (ACU/Multi-Cam Scorpion/whatever) for officers. If I have a demolitions or fortifications question, I want to see a castle on his/her duty uniform. If I want to talk small unit tactics, they'd better have crossed rifles, or better yet, crossed arrows. Paperwork - the admin shield, and so on...

Response by CW4 Aaron Rasmussen made Nov 2 at 2014 2:02 PM

CW4 Aaron Rasmussen — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:02:41 -0500

Absolutely not! I served in several different units over 24 years and am proud to have served in all of them. The unit patch provides identity and contributes to unit pride and comradery.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 2:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:09:18 -0500

I think unit patches should stay for the reason you stated in your question, "The Army is the only service to wear unit and combat patches".

I would like to see an additional patch for the BN, like the patches we wore in Aviation units. We have Company patches worn over our name tapes on flight uniforms.

Attached is an example of what I mean, the red and white patch over his name tape.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Nov 2 at 2014 2:15 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:15:26 -0500

no way, I love wearing my unit patch, even in units i don't like being in, it helps identify a person with the mission they support, the command they belong to and other things. As for the combat patch, again, no way, that helps soldiers bond and connect, i cannot count the number of people who made friends/connections solely off of a common combat patch.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Nov 7 at 2014 3:05 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 15:05:57 -0500

no way it is called unity for a reason and patches are a part of that. I hate that the Army went to the new uniforms and boots now there is less Self Pride or Unit pride in my eyes so take away patches no in my book.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 3:12 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 15:12:03 -0500

Definitely not. I miss it. When we switched to ABU it was a pretty lame. Unit patches are a source of pride and great conversation starters.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 3:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 15:31:36 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member No, never!!! I am so proud to wear the "garita". Everywhere I go people know I am from Puerto Rico. The 1st Mission Support Command is the largest federal U.S. Army Command in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Nov 7 at 2014 4:28 PM

SGT James Elphick — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 16:28:55 -0500

Obviously I agree with just about everyone and say, no we should not do away with unit patches but I have a different reason. Of course there is esprit-de-corps but I also learned in Afghanistan that the enemy looks for our unit patches to see who they are fighting with. Early in the War in Afghanistan the enemy thought twice about engaging a unit if they saw an 82nd Airborne patch. Again, in 2005, in Iraq our unit intercepted a radio transmission to the effect of "these are paratroopers, not Marines, we need more help". I don't say that to put down Marines but that the enemy knew the AA shoulder patch and was fearful because of it.

Response by SPC Greg Burnett made Nov 7 at 2014 5:48 PM

SPC Greg Burnett — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:48:06 -0500

Not only should they not do away with them, they should start wearing them on the dress uniforms again, on the shoulders.
Along with qual tabs.

Response by SPC Patrick Davis made Nov 7 at 2014 5:49 PM

SPC Patrick Davis — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:49:59 -0500

It also lets people know if you've deployed or not... One of the proudest moments in my life was receiving my cav patch to put on my empty shoulder and then being able to replace it with 4-70 AR patch that is no longer around since the unit was disbanded. So in my opinion its a big NO! keep the patches!

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Nov 7 at 2014 7:02 PM

SGT Greg Gold — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 19:02:40 -0500

Not just no, but hell no! It's bad enough they took the red out of the Big Red One, but the history of the Army is all about the history of the units.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 7:49 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 19:49:31 -0500

No way in hell. Unit pride is a great thing, and having your unit patch on your arm is an awesome thing. Command Ball Caps and Belt Buckles are things of pride in the Navy.

Response by SFC Dave Joslin made Nov 8 at 2014 12:32 PM

SFC Dave Joslin — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 12:32:49 -0500

Like many other discussion threads, this one form goes back to history, lineage, pride... Your unit patch allows you to connect instantly with someone, for some cases it can tell a lot about them (82nd, 101st, Rangers, etc.)....it's such a simple thing that can say so much...for instance - I was leading a funeral detail outside of Huston Texas for a WWII veteran who served in 1ID, my team and I were from 3d BCT, 1ID, when the spouse saw the Big Red One marching over to perform the burial there was an instant connection (and a flood of emotion and tears). Now this was by pure coincidence that this happened, but recognize the significance and connection made in that simple moment, of a detail of Soldiers marching across a cemetery with a familiar piece of cloth on their shoulder! I think this closes out the discussion - Doc J OUT!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 12:36 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 12:36:38 -0500

No, how else are you going to figure out who is stealing your equipment....all you need to do is look at the driver's side should as they are driving on by.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 2:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 14:44:57 -0500

NO! Is history and develop pride to the troops. I always encourage my troops to learn the history behind the unit patch. That way they can have pride in the unit and supporting the mission.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 4:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 16:11:27 -0500

Absolutely not. Unit patches are basically to show other units where your from. Combat patches for me show you've been deployed and its a sense of pride. I haven't met a slick sleeve yet that isn't jealous or feel less of a soldier for not having one which just about everyone in my unit and Battalion for that matter have been deployed several times. I proudly wear my combat patch and CAB. Only soldiers who haven't been deployed would want to get rid of them

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 10:38 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 10:38:23 -0500

I think the Unit Patches are part of the history and traditions of the Army. I agree with most of the posts that it helps to define identify units. It also allows all of us old retired guys the opportunity to identify current Soldiers and retirees and build a bond. As a former member of the 3rd AD, it is always great to see that patch out and about. Since the Division was decommissioned in the 90s, there are not a lot of us running around anymore.
The Unit ID patches are not unlike the Navy ball caps with the name of the Ships on them. I am glad the ball caps are back. They provide the same source of pride!

Response by PO1 Michael G. made Nov 19 at 2014 4:18 PM

PO1 Michael G. — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 16:18:39 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member So, I'm coming a little late to this party, but here at Naval Submarine Base New London (I'm a student here) the Sailors who are stationed on boats can be seen around base wearing their ship's patch on their right breast pocket. Also, The Navy has allowed the command ball caps to be work again, too.

All in all, I think it's good to have unit identification as part of the uniform. I know that Sailors are proud of there ship and their crew and being identified by other Sailors in that fashion is a good thing.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 11:29 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 23:29:54 -0500

I am against making the army like the other branches, we are not them. This is a long standing tradition and we should maintain it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 12:08 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 00:08:47 -0500

No Never BRO for LIFE!

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 9:39 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 21:39:04 -0500

Try and take this Sky Soldier's combat patch…

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Feb 12 at 2015 4:23 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 16:23:39 -0500

SGT Donald Spencer -- I don't know where you're getting your info, but all Navy Enlisted personnel wear unit id patch on their dress uniforms. It's not just the Army. I do think, though, that it adds to the camaraderie and esprit de corps to have your unit patches in the Army.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 9:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 21:10:36 -0500

I think so (on the acu), unless they serve a practical purpose. I don't really see a purpose for them in ACU, but then again I came up the ranks as a sailor not a soldier.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 9:16 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 21:16:25 -0500

No unit patches are about pride in your contribution as a member of a team. Loyalty and honor you wear with you for the impact that moment in time had on you. It is about the Army being large in number but a collection distinct histories and cultures. Respect for anothers background and your own.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Feb 26 at 2015 9:21 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 21:21:25 -0500

I think it is important to show what you unit you are in. Also for combat patches, many have a sentimental value with it.

People have great pride in their units, and the unit cohesion that they bring is important! All American! Screaming Eagles! Tropical Lightning! I'll Try Sir!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 26 at 2015 10:34 PM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 22:34:47 -0500

NOOOO.... I think unit patches are an Army standard (not an actual standard, but certainly a huge tradition). Unit patches mean a lot to all of us, and most are historic. I also think we should stop making new ones every week, however.

That said, I think we should do away with all the other doo-dads we wear on the combat uniform; whatever that ends up being. I think, we should go with left-side only shoulder patches, The U.S. Flag, name tag, U.S. Army, and rank. No more Airborne, Air Assault, or SSIFWS (Combat Patches) for the combat uniform. This would also eliminate the chest and right sleeve look everyone does when they look at each other. We should save all that for the ASU/Dress Uniform... like the Marines.

I also think.... We need to wear real combat patches (tradition) and real tabs, and perhaps unit patches on the ASU.

Just my humble opinion...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2015 8:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 08:42:54 -0500

Absolutely not. Too much history and tradition in those patches.

Response by SSG Charmaine Wheat made Jan 21 at 2016 2:28 AM

SSG Charmaine Wheat — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 02:28:28 -0500

Never! It's a symbol of unity within an organization of brothers. What ever it takes to thicken bonds for a stronger sense of espirit-de-corp will always build unification.

Response by SSG John Caples made Jan 28 at 2016 7:30 PM

SSG John Caples — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:30:42 -0500

Asking to remove unit patches is like asking the Army to remove its colors and pride and the foundation that the Army as a whole stands on which is Strength , and living the corp values

Response by SP5 John Morton made May 4 at 2016 11:18 PM

SP5 John Morton — Wed, 04 May 2016 23:18:17 -0400

Keep them. As a civilian, and a veteran, I can watch the news and when there is an Army unit shown, I can recognize what unit is it. Proud to have served some of those units when I wore one. My unit was specialized and it's extremely rare to see one of them today. It's part of our heritage and these days, that seems to be unimportant to many today.

Response by SSG Wesley Peck made May 9 at 2016 2:20 AM

SSG Wesley Peck — Mon, 09 May 2016 02:20:26 -0400

Not just no, but hell no!

Response by MSgt Bruce Hutchinson made Aug 16 at 2017 11:16 AM

MSgt Bruce Hutchinson — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 11:16:54 -0400

while I don't have a dog in this fight (retired Air Force), I strongly objected when the Air Force did away with our unit patches. I was proud to wear my majcom/wing/squadron patches when I could

Response by SSG Jb King made Aug 16 at 2017 11:23 AM

SSG Jb King — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 11:23:13 -0400

Army insignia are part of a very proud and prestigious history in the army, going back to the wildcat division in 1918 out of Fort Jackson. All general officers at division level adapted the insignia for battle field tracking , mosiac etc. Then it became a source of unit moral and pride , so HELL NO WE SHALL KEEP OUR IDENTITY! , it would be like asking the Marine corps. To give up the Eagle,globe and anchor

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Aug 16 at 2017 11:25 AM

SFC Oddie Brown — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 11:25:57 -0400

There is too much made about the wear of badges, patches, etc. Not everyone will ever be airborne, air assault, ranger, SF, etc. Not everyone will ever wear a CIB, CMB, or EIB. Those few soldiers that do meet the challenge deserve the recognition. You don't find these in a box of cracker jacks. Worry more about doing your job and less about patches and badges.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Aug 16 at 2017 11:31 AM

CPT Tom Monahan — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 11:31:56 -0400

Navy does too

Response by MSgt Terry Mahan made Aug 16 at 2017 11:32 AM

MSgt Terry Mahan — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 11:32:37 -0400

Is it just one soldier whining or is it a larger number? Why does he want it eliminated? What this appears like on face value is a snowflake crying. When I was in AF it upset most of us when te Gods abovr took our patches away. We took pride in our command and unit patches. Excuse was money, did not buy that because we eith had our spouses sew them on or paid to have it done. What expense to the AF?

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 16 at 2017 2:17 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 14:17:01 -0400

That is ridiculous. Unit patches don't just look pretty, they serve a purpose. In Iraq, I could tell roughly what your purpose was in the fight by your patch. At home, I can guess your deployment experience by your combat patch.
Who is getting hurt by the wear of these patches? I mean, the Air Force wears an identification badge for each MOS... How about we toss those out lol

Response by MAJ Albert McCaig made Aug 16 at 2017 5:18 PM

MAJ Albert McCaig — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 17:18:09 -0400

Absolutely keep the patches. Part of a soldier's identity.

Response by MSgt Mike Ruikka made Aug 18 at 2017 11:03 PM

MSgt Mike Ruikka — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 23:03:40 -0400

Not just the Army wears unit patches. Air Force has unit patches. Or used to. Before the uniform change, we wore major command patches on one shirt pocket, and wing patch on the other. Keep the patch and be proud of your assignment.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Aug 18 at 2017 11:07 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 23:07:31 -0400

HELL NO!

Response by Gina Rodriguez made Feb 7 at 2018 11:35 PM

Gina Rodriguez — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 23:35:10 -0500

Response by SGT Doug Olson made Aug 12 at 2018 11:41 AM

SGT Doug Olson — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 11:41:33 -0400

Never

Response by CPL James Stewart made Aug 12 at 2018 4:32 PM

CPL James Stewart — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 16:32:01 -0400

No this represents your unit and pride

Response by SGT Kevin Pallos made Aug 14 at 2018 5:22 PM

SGT Kevin Pallos — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 17:22:59 -0400

Response by CPL James Tyson made Aug 15 at 2018 1:49 AM

CPL James Tyson — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 01:49:26 -0400

Unit patches help soldiers in the field know where they are and who is in their AO. Having severed overseas I had the honor of seeing people from around the world. Unit cohesion and esprite de corp. I wore many patches and was proud to belong to each unit.

Response by CPO John Moore made Aug 18 at 2018 1:06 AM

CPO John Moore — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 01:06:40 -0400

No: When I was in the TN army guard I was proud of the patches on my uniform. (at one time in the navy we wore the name of the ship on our undress and dress uniforma. To me it a matter of pride. shows the world what unit you fight with.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2018 4:56 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 04:56:51 -0400

No way! There is too much lineage with unit patches. That would make no sense.

Response by Nicholas Taylor made Aug 18 at 2018 6:50 AM

Nicholas Taylor — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 06:50:26 -0400

Response by CW5 Dennis Stewart made Aug 21 at 2018 2:28 PM

CW5 Dennis Stewart — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 14:28:27 -0400

They definitely must stay. A unit patch immediately identify a fellow solider and tells where he has been and with who. It is a connection that we all can relate to

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2018 10:55 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 10:55:51 -0400

No. Keep the patches. I'm Air Force and we are finally getting our squadron patches back. You miss them when they're gone.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2018 2:12 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 14:12:44 -0400

Navy and Air Force aircrew wear unit patches, and the Air Force will return to wearing unit patches on their utility uniforms. Esprit de corps starts at the unit level.

Response by Rod Ploessl made Sep 1 at 2018 12:25 AM

Rod Ploessl — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 00:25:04 -0400

No. It's a lineage handed down and taken seriously and proudly. Quit screwing with the uniform.

Response by Maj Craig Kowald made Sep 1 at 2018 4:47 PM

Maj Craig Kowald — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 16:47:58 -0400

No. I was in the Air Force when we had patches. They were gone shortly after I retired, but they are coming back. It was always a point of pride, and should stay in both branches.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2018 9:40 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 21:40:17 -0400

No they should not

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2019 3:12 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 03:12:19 -0500

Nope.

Response by SSG Robin Lawson made Jan 5 at 2019 8:46 PM

SSG Robin Lawson — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 20:46:19 -0500

No keep them

Response by SSG Billyray Musselman made Jan 19 at 2019 9:14 AM

SSG Billyray Musselman — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 09:14:34 -0500

If anything army should do away with unit patches for students who are attending basic in the IT. Though I completely disagree with doing away with patches altogether.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 9:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 21:49:28 -0500

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2019 1:42 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 01:42:01 -0500

The only patch that needs to go away is that stupid, GI-Joe looking, Army of One disaster.

Response by SSG Robin Lawson made May 13 at 2019 3:16 PM

SSG Robin Lawson — Mon, 13 May 2019 15:16:55 -0400

No Unit patches help with unit pride and es pi decor and have been along history in the Army. I wish this younger bunch would quite trying to change our history. Tradition is good and plays a vital roll in organizations.

Response by PO2 Wilson Echevarria made May 14 at 2019 2:12 PM

PO2 Wilson Echevarria — Tue, 14 May 2019 14:12:36 -0400

I believe the unit badges instills a greater sense of pride in the service, unit, and self. They also contribute to unit cohesiveness and camaraderie. I say keep the patches.

Response by SGT Rick Gomm made Jan 2 at 2020 3:39 PM

SGT Rick Gomm — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 15:39:48 -0500

I don't understand what's the problem with the division patches