Posted on Feb 22, 2014
SGT Rnosc Ncoic
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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.
Posted in these groups: 4276e14c Uniforms
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CPT Senior Instructor
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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.
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SPC Erik Atkinson
SPC Erik Atkinson
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No because to me the unit patch is like a badge of honor to wear. It represents, again in my opinion, that you are apart of something much greater than yourself. Another example of this would be to wear your alma mater's apparel daily. 
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CPT Jacob Swartout
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I would never do away with unit patches on the uniform. Too much history and tradition in wearing them.
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CPT Owner
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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. 
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SSG Retired!!!
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Nope
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SP5 John Morton
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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.
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SSG John Caples
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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
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SSG Charmaine Wheat
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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.
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SFC Combat Engineer
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Absolutely not. Too much history and tradition in those patches.
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COL Charles Williams
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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...
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LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU®
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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!
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LTC Strategic Plans And Training Officer
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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.
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LTC Strategic Plans And Training Officer
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I am blessed to wear 1st CAV or 82nd ABN. I am equally proud of both Divisions.
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SSG Paralegal
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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.
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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.
WO1 Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer
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Try and take this Sky Soldier's combat patch…
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1SG Brigade Security Manager
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No Never BRO for LIFE!
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CPT J2 X
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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.
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PO1 Michael G.
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SGT (Join to see) 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.
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SCPO Principal
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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!
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SSG Motor Transport Operator
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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.
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SGT Information Technology Specialist
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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.
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