Should the Army uniform only show name and US Army? (Getting rid of patches and badges)?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 09:48:14 -0500

I just like the fact that Airforce, Navy and Marines only have the name rank and their respective branch. They all look the same and they all don't seem to have the judgements we have in the army. I mean we in the army have the unit patches, skill badges and deployment patch. I believe that the army should be the same as the other services.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2013 10:34 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 10:34:26 -0500

I'm not sure about the USMC or USN, but the USAF branch patches are different with skill-level. I like the wear of current unit patches, but you're right about the judgement that comes with deployment patches, or rather, the lack thereof. One universal uniform and format would save a lot of money... instead of spending as much as they do, they could go to one uniform and stop tossing around the idea of messing with our pay and benefits.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2013 10:44 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 10:44:14 -0500

While we are at it lets get a standard rank insignia and cammo pattern across the branches. Seams to me that of all the branches there has to be an inferior uniform and a superior uniform, I sure would like to wear the best and I would wager so would everybody else .

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2013 3:11 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 15:11:31 -0500

Yes, I agree with the last statement that CW2 Vann made:
-Yes, it can look silly... I say save it all for the dress uniform.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2013 6:18 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 18:18:05 -0500

Only a total of three badges are authorized. The occupational, joint and duty badges are not job specific. The occupational does display the "field" that you are in, and the skill level. In the army: the "job" would be a welder and the "field" would be the ordinance corp, but the army doesn't display a skill level nor do they display the "field" you're in. Badges should only be displayed that are joint(parachutist, etc.) or duty(MTL/drill instructor, security/MP, etc.)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 6:05 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 18:05:47 -0500

One of the biggest things I have seen is the former marines coming over to the army and feeling left out with the combat patches. They decide to wear the 1st Marine Division (Guadalcanal) patch which is against regulation. That is one thing I wouldn't mind losing. I defenitely agree with CW2 Vann with leaving it for the dress uniform.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 6:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 18:37:50 -0500

I'd be willing to stay with the ASUs but I'd petition to bring back the BDUs......the one time I loved putting on that uniform was when it was crisply pressed with a nice pair of shined jump boots. Shoot, y'all couldn't tell me nothin I looked so fly.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 6:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 18:53:25 -0500

All other debates withstanding, I am just anxious to get a camo pattern that actually works. UCP is a tragic failure.

I don't mind the cut of the ACU, but I would like to see the velcro go away for the most part. However, I have trouble with the buttons on the new ACU tops. The spacing for the wrist cuffs seems to be either too tight or too lose. My solution was to have alterations add a new button hole for me.

Response by SSG Matt Murphy made Dec 9 at 2013 11:14 PM

SSG Matt Murphy — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 23:14:42 -0500

Less is more.....but a Unit patch should be part of the "less"....unit cohesion and esprit de corps....(but not enough room on my shoulder for all of mine...even with none for the Navy - no ship tab :-( )

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 11:19 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 23:19:06 -0500

I have the opposite concern.  Now that
we don’t wear unit patches on the “Class A” any more, we never ware our unit
patches unless they are subdued.  I’m
afraid we will lose our history and unit lineage.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 7:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 19:31:20 -0500

I would love to bring back BDUs or to just switch to Multicams. And personally, I believe the Marines have the SHARPEST dress uniform! I understand the reasoning behind our new ASUs but, Blue, Black, Yellow and White is a hot mess. I also feel like we should have kept the patches on the ASUs. While we're at it, let's lose the Combat and service stripes. Just my opinion/thoughts.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 9:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 09:58:12 -0500

Out of all the services I also like the Marine duty uniform and their dress uniform.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 10:20 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 10:20:19 -0500

Speaking as an Air Force (former Army) guy, a lot of us like the unit patches on the Army uniform. We used to wear unit patches before we lost the BDUs, and most people I know wish we could have them back!

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jan 4 at 2014 6:08 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 18:08:30 -0500

Unit patches are part of our history and I was somewhat disappointed that we no longer wear full color SSIs and combat patches on the our service uniform.  I was also disappointed when the Army went to the ACU and got rid of branch insignia for Officers.  Again, that was a tradition that went back decades.  Each branch has its own traditions and uniform wear that somewhat tie the new service members to their past while trying to modernize wear.  Sometimes it works and sometimes we wonder why.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 9:41 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 09:41:47 -0500

I like Multicam, it is far more functional than ACUs where you can only blend in if you're lying on a couch. MARPAT would be nice but I can't imagine all the branches wearing something designated as "marine pattern."

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 9:46 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 09:46:20 -0500

I will say the MultiCam Combat pants are the most brilliant thing the Army has ever come up with. No more having to hook my kneepads, AMAZING!

Response by SSG Mack Rixe made Jan 30 at 2014 10:13 AM

SSG Mack Rixe — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 10:13:10 -0500

I agree. I like the unit patches because you can quickly identify if the person is in a specific unit (convenient when you're looking for someone from a specific unit). All of the badges, however, should be saved for when you're in your dress uniform. That's the time for showing off and looking sharp.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 10:18 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 10:18:51 -0500

There is always talk of standardizing the uniforms across the branches, and then there are always the politics involved with looking apart from each other. I remember the fallout with the change to MARPAT, its why we all have unique patterns now, some stupid copyright "war"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 11:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 11:21:04 -0500

I am with SGT Cunningham, bring back the BDU. And why on earth would you want to be like the other services SSG Turkezer? We are the oldest and best service in America or don't they teach that anymore?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 11:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 11:25:51 -0500

Bring back the BDU and shiney black boots, it worked for decades, it looked professional.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 2:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 14:31:12 -0500

Why not just wear your "required" patches?  I never wear anything but name, rank, service, and unit.  Yes, I got chewed out for not wearing identifiers we are supposed to be "proud" of.  But, I didn't earn it for public recognition; I did it for myself and I keep it to myself.  I took the ass chewing and continue to respect my privacy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 7:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 19:02:54 -0500

Why is wearing badges,patches considered showing off? Did the person not take the time to go to a certain school/course and put in the effort to pass to earn a badge.
Perhaps it's out of pride that they wear their unit patch and combat patch.
I am proud of my unit and I am honored to wear the patch on both sleeves. I earned my Air Assault badge and my CAB. I wear them with pride and always will as long as its within regulation.

I think the problem is with the individuals that want to judge another based of appearances. It does not lie within the uniform.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 1 at 2014 1:10 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 01:10:14 -0500

USN SeaBees wear a distinctive patch on their BDUs. So do their riverine and EOD troops. USAF folks often will wear unit and squadron patches on their BDUs as well (they wear them on their chest pockets not on their shoulders).

And I'm in the ARMY. I like the traditions we adhere to.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 1:04 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:04:05 -0400

I like the Army way, brings pride in unit, shows where you been what you've done to a point.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 1:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:15:29 -0400

I have to be honest. With all the issues the military is facing today, I find it humorous that one of the most widely discussed topics is the wear or non wearing of a patch. I also don't understand the want to be like other service branches. I joined the Army. If I wanted to be like the other branches I would have joined that specific branch. We are all very similar in a lot of ways but the uniqueness of each branch is what makes them stand out.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 12:44 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 12:44:24 -0400

It shows distinction and achievements! Some people are proud of what they have done and like to show it off when they can. Too many times you get Soldiers from other units, and when you tell them they have a dress uniform inspection coming up you see that scared look in their face. Only to find out that the whole 3-4 years they were at their last unit, they never once put the dress uniform on. As for saving money, there are far better things we can do as leaders to help our Soldiers save money than by stripping down our uniforms.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 8 at 2014 3:35 PM

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 15:35:29 -0400

Troops are proud of their accomplishments.  They wear their badges with pride.  And they should.  We don't often wear the ASUs so why not keep what we have on the uniform we wear nearly every day in garrison and every day on deployment?  Most of the time, ASUs are worn only for boards, inspections, and payday activities.  I have been in units where I never wore them... for years.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 8 at 2014 4:11 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 16:11:16 -0400

Some Soldiers never bother to wear their accomplishments, thereby saving THEMSELVES money, some prefer to tale pride in their accomplishments and do not mind the extra cost associated with displaying them. I can count on both hands, the number of times over the last 7 years of my career that I HAD to wear my Class A's, and wearing my badges allowed for others to know a bit more about me than they might not had I not worn them.

Response by LTC Eric Coger made Apr 8 at 2014 4:22 PM

LTC Eric Coger — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 16:22:07 -0400

We want to inspire our junior Soldiers to achieve and go to schools and they look to the seniors for that.  Also, SSG Norville hit it on the head: it let's people know who you are to ask questions about a future school, assignement or unit.  But the bottom line is this: we are authorized, not required, to wear tabs and badges.  Each Soldier can simply choose not to wear them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 4:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 16:37:54 -0400

I think this is a horrible idea, and in the past I've always heard it called for by guys that have very little "flair" to put on their uniform. To me, soldiers that call for this come off as insecure in their lack of visible achievements. SFC P, I'm not saying this necessarily applies to you, but I can't help but notice that you don't have any skill badges or a combat badge. If a soldier is so poor that they can't afford to buy badges to pin on, or have a few sets of ACUs with sewn on badges, then that soldier needs money management counseling.  Respectfully, I find the uniformity comment absurd.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 8 at 2014 5:14 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 17:14:43 -0400

Let's put everything on our cars, instead.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 6:32 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 18:32:14 -0400

SFC Pate,

Is this really about uniformity? Soldiers should have the right to show what schools, specialties they have accomplished. There is a reason this has gone through every uniform since they were created. Nothing wrong with it at all.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 8:21 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 20:21:09 -0400

That's almost like the Corps, we do have devices that we wear like jump wings, scuba bubble, crew chief, air traffic controller, EOD tech, pilot wings, etc. One thing that we don't wear is what course you have attended or receive medals and ribbons for completing some PME.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 1:30 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 01:30:14 -0400

Interesting question. THe AF just finally allowed members to wear "tabs" earned from the sisters.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 1:56 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 01:56:41 -0400

I won't lie, I find it pretty impressive to see someone's accomplishments. I think it is perfectly fine. After all, they had to work hard for it. They earned it and should be able to show it off. I doubt its the case, but some may go through the training just to look bad-a something something. More power to them and their accomplishments.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 5:04 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 05:04:04 -0400

I don't see the point to this. This helps you know who your talking too and too a degree, that they know what they are talking about.

Of course, there are lots of exemptions to the norm.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 9 at 2014 9:17 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 09:17:12 -0400

Being in the National Guard We almost Never wear our ASU's. Matter of fact I still haven't had a set issued. They keep saying that the state has no monies to order the stuff. With that being said I think that wearing your badges is a sense of pride. I have a CIB from Desert Storm and AirAssault Badge. I have 2 different combat patches. Its a way of showing your accomplishments. I have young Joes all the time asking how they might get there AASSLT badge. In the guard it is a whole lot harded to achieve. You are competing for 10 slots and sometimes over 200 apply of those said slots. I think that if displayed correctly and the way they are supposed to by 670-1 yes we should have them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 9:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 09:29:29 -0400

I agree with a lot of the comments. As MAJ Coger stated below, we are authorized, but not required, to wear the badges and tabs we have earned. I don't see an issue with personnel choosing to not wear things. It's their choice to spend the money or not. Like I mentioned in another thread about patches, badges and tabs are great discussion starters not to mention giving the junior enlisted something to aspire towards.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 11:59 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:59:02 -0400

I was told once by a CPT at OBC that his Ranger tab made us all drool. He said it really only buys you five minutes of respect then the person can tell if you know your stuff or if you do not.

I personally do not wear my jump wings all the time as I do not sow my nametapes, rank, etc. on in ACUs. It is a pain to put on and off and can get in the way at times depending on the activity. Yes I am proud of my wings and yes I earned them. Does that make me a better leader just because I have them? No.

I say let them wear it if they want, but when it comes to the field and deployment if it is not sown on take them off.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 1:02 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:02:34 -0400

Can't get a school in my BN cause they give all the slots to officers. I say it's unfair for the soldiers that want to go. But as for me, I don't care to much for military schools. I agree with what your say SFC. I like how the Marines uniforms are. All you see is branch, name, and rank.... Most people don't respect NCO'S unless they have deployment patches or all kind of flair. It's the wrong answer but it's the truth.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Apr 9 at 2014 2:43 PM

LTC Joseph Gross — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:43:51 -0400

In general not a bad idea except for two points. First it is a matter of esprit de corps and personal pride. Pride is a good thing in a Soldier. And second, sometimes it matters. When you are putting on your chute and need a Jumpmaster or a Rigger, it is good to see those wings. 

Response by SSG Robert Spear made Apr 10 at 2014 6:58 AM

SSG Robert Spear — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 06:58:50 -0400

I completely agree with this and while we're at it, let's pull the stupid velcro off and go back to sew on, and go back to rank on the collars( pin on or sew on). Badges should be kept as well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2014 5:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 17:34:07 -0400

I love it the way it is right now. I don't think any change is in order.

Response by SSG Marvin Vick made Apr 19 at 2014 10:32 AM

SSG Marvin Vick — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 10:32:53 -0400

no keep it the way it is...that's what make us more distinquished. if that was the case we could all just wear a regular three piece suit and necktie and call it a day.

Response by SFC Zohn Tennyson made Jun 7 at 2014 5:28 PM

SFC Zohn Tennyson — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 17:28:04 -0400

Sure, why not? Let's just Obamaize everything and follow the current trend of no winners or losers. Everyone is equal. Fuck that. The other services have limited schools; a lot of them actually get qualified through the Army. UDT wears a patch in the navy, as do Air Force pilots. Those patches signify a "go" accomplishment. If you don't have any then quit being a pissy and go get some. Idiot

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jun 7 at 2014 8:01 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 20:01:57 -0400

Yes. It's just getting crazy with all the bells & whistle badges that are on the uniform now for the ACUs & other combat uniforms. Defeats the purpose of the combat uniform. A unit patch & a combat patch as well as the US flag should be it. Rank of course. Let the bells & whistles only be part of the dress uniform. That's what it's there for.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2014 12:24 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:24:49 -0400

Frankly, being in the Air Force, I've been jealous of the individual patches that the Army wears. To me even something as simple as the American flag on the shoulder would be an improvement to the ABU.

Response by CPT Christopher F. made Jun 8 at 2014 8:02 AM

CPT Christopher F. — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 08:02:17 -0400

The basis of the question is incorrect. The Navy, Air Force and Marines all have their own service specific Badges that are authorized in utility uniform (ACU equivalent). Some Army badges are also authorized for them to wear as well. I've seen a Marine with Army Basic Parachutist Wings, and an Airman with an Army Combat Patch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badges_of_the_United_States_Navy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badges_of_the_United_States_Air_Force
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badges_of_the_United_States_Marine_Corps

Badges of the United States Navy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Insignia and badges of the United States Navy are military "badges" issued by the United States Department of the Navy to naval service members who achieve certain qualifications and accomplishments while serving on both active and reserve duty in the United States Navy. Most naval aviation insignia are also permitted for wear on uniforms of the United States Marine Corps.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2014 12:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 12:19:13 -0400

Its a pride issue, keep them!

You pin a badge (be it ABN, AA, EOD…whatever) on a soldiers chest, it makes him a little prouder.

I remember as a young soldier seeing NCO's and O's with EIB's, Jump Wings and a Tab….it motivated me. Then to see a E-7 or Major with a CIB and a combat patch…hell it gave me confidence in that leader.

I think officers should display their branch insignia as well.

Combat patches are a big deal to a young soldier. Though we have bastardized it by giving them out willy-nilly. I have seen NG soldiers with two tours and authorized 7 different combat patches. Funny I will see someone with a 101st or 82nd and ask which BN they were in, they sheepishly tell me they were attached. Oh well. They should be proud of the unit they served in, not attached too.

From reading this thread, seems like there are some "sour grapes" from some folks because they don't have some badges. Be proud in your service, but don't knock something just because you don't have one.

I don't wear a Green Beret, HALO wings or EOD crab, but I respect the man who does.

Besides its the soldier that has to live up to the (awards, badges, tabs, patches) which he wears.

Response by SGT Keith Boettcher made Jun 8 at 2014 2:48 PM

SGT Keith Boettcher — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 14:48:35 -0400

I agree I have seen E3's & 4's who have more eye candy on their shoulder and above the L/ breast pocket than some veteran who have been in for 30 yrs. No I'm not knocking the young troopers. I understand it's a pride thing. I have my share of patches and badges as an NCO. But your right we should all be the same. Be uniform. Like they say we are all wearing the same let us all look the same.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2014 3:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 15:18:17 -0400

I think that if you've earned the award/appurtenance than you should wear it. Yes, it is a pride thing and also a great conversation starter, but it's an individual's choice to wear it or not.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2014 8:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 20:01:09 -0400

The Army has worn unit patches and skill badges for quite a while now (WWI maybe??) as well as the distinctive headwear/footwear (airborne units, Ranger BNs, SF). Let's get us out of ACUs first (oh, and for officers bring back branch insignia).

Response by LTC James L Guerrieri Sr made Jun 29 at 2014 11:52 PM

LTC James L Guerrieri Sr — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 23:52:39 -0400

Let's consider the fact that we are a big Army. We are a big Military. 1% (or less) of our entire US Armed Forces come from elegible Americans or green card immigrants. (who I think have five years after joining to get their citizenship or they're out) Now only 1% of those troops actually see combat! Who's to say is more important the grunts on the ground, special forces, seals, delta force, rangers, EOD guys...you get the picture.... or all the service members supporting the combat forces on the ground on the sea in the air? Believe me it is an uncomfortable feeling to feel inferior to guys with all the tabs when most soldiers, sailors,etc don't get a deployment. The Army is the biggest supporter of making it's brother in arms feel inferior! The Airforce Marines..treat all their personnel with EQUAL treatment. Jesus..look at old pictures of Patton, Eisenhower, Bradley etc...one maybe two rows of ribbons and nothing to make them look like a third world dictator. Look at our Generals now in the Army!! From their belly button to the top of their shoulder is full of medals/ribbons tabs EVERYTHING they can stick on it!!! WTH?? ONE ARMY ONE UNIFORM! We all do are job and if we were discharged before a deployment or served during the cold war, even if it was for twenty to 30 years...You are still judged in the Army by the crap you wear all over your uniform!! Meanwhile all who did outstanding jobs for years but were never deployed suffer the rath of stare downs while they size up what you are wearing! Most other services DO NOT DO THIS. Now for those Medal of Honor awardees and CIB and CAB and proud soldiers wear them with pride on your blues but take it easy on the ones who didn't get the chance to get deployed or go to school because of their unit. NOTHING on the BDU's ACU's Multi cams etc! All For ONE And ONE For ALL! Sorry for the rant but what I see happening is not in keeping with the Army Standards. Those who supply the Beans and Bullets deserve respect also. Let's tone down all this "stuff"stacked to the ceiling on our uniforms and get them off our field uniforms! White Six OUT!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2014 1:46 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 13:46:26 -0400

Actually, Navy and Air Force wear plenty of chest candy. I am in a joint unit and I see plenty of them wearing Airborne, Air Assault, Expeditionary Warfare, Sea Warfare, Career Field, and many more. I have actually seen some Marines wear their Airborne wings as well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2014 12:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 12:39:41 -0400

I don't see a problem with the way things are now. If somebody earns the right to wear something, let them. If they choose not to, they shouldn't have too (except in ASUs). Being allowed to wear a badge that you earned is a matter of pride.. Soldiers should be proud of their accomplishments and allowed to display them. They worked hard for them and earned them. People that don't have them, see them and see something to strive for, a goal to set, a way to better themselves or stand out above the crowd. At least that's the way it was when I was a young Soldier. Maybe the lack of ambition I see in a lot of the Soldiers today has changed that, but does that mean the Army should buy into the trophy for everyone mentality? I personally don't think so but that is a completely different subject for discussion.

As far as the other services, they do wear badges as many have mentioned above. Navy has surface warfare and submariners badge. Pilots wear wings and SEALs can wear their tridents. I have seen marines with jump wings. Air Force has badges for their career fields, can wear jump wings, astronaut and missile badges, MPs wear a patch version of their badge, and recently the Air Force authorized wear of the Ranger tab on the ABUs for airmen that earn it or former Army personnel that changed branches and have the badge.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 10:43 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 10:43:57 -0400

I think the patches and badges can motivate, though.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2014 7:52 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 07:52:15 -0400

I don't see any problem with us wearing (some) of our achievements on our duty uniforms. For many, it is a point of pride to walk around demonstrating who they served down range with, or what pain in the butt schools they've survived. I don't see any reason to stop, and personally hate the justifying argument of "Everyone else does it" (for any point)

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Nov 29 at 2014 2:49 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 14:49:21 -0500

I used to do laundry at a naval base since I lived right up the road at the time. The ground war for Desert Shield hadn't kicked off yet but I already knew one of the missions immediately. There were a bunch of Army guys in the laundromat, some had SOCOM patches on their sleeves & they all had flight wings. I knew what kind similar things were near by that would be vital during the invasion. So I told the guys what their unit was & what the mission was going to be (nobody else around) & they asked me how I knew. Patches & badges were a dead give away. It's even worse now. If your FOB gets overrun & do you want the enemy knowing every school you went to by the patches all over your Multicams or what? It may mean the difference between being left alone or many painful nights of torture. Dress uniforms, sure go hogwild with badges like a waiter at TGI Fridays with buttons. Lets cool it with the field uniforms.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 2:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 14:58:23 -0500

It's a lost cause. Every year the Army will continue to find new things to add to the uniform. It's sign of insecurity from my point of view. I loved when I was a Marine that I was just a Marine and it was enough said. This goes hand in hand with pride. If you ask a Marine at a bar if he serves he replies, yes I am a Marine. (Unit affiliations are discussed later) you ask a Soldier and they immediately go to unit identification. I can go on about how significant this is.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 11:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 23:05:45 -0500

Airforce, Marine Corps, and Navy all wear skill badges on their daily wear camo

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Feb 2 at 2015 10:34 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:34:27 -0500

I personally don't see an issue with wearing them. I am proud of where I have been and the "trinkets" I have earned. I am sorry that someone hasn't been to a school and has missed the deployments. But I'll be Danged if I going to let PC get ride of the things I have earned. Suck it up buttercup! Life is hard and those schools, awards, and deployments where hard and they Were EARNED. I'll show them off. If the person or persons are offended by the things a soldier has done in his/her career then go to the schools, be a better soldier and get your own!
So sick of being politically correct be cause little johnny didn't get Airassualt, or Airborne schools. Grow up like is hard. Quit being jealous and get your

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 8:04 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:04:27 -0500

The Navy wasn't always that way. Sailors used to wear the name of their ship on their Dress Blue Dixie cover. Staff Corps officers still wear their Corps insignia as well

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 7:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 19:34:35 -0400

Are you freaking serious? I love my Air Assault wings. For one, I was told I wouldn't make it through the school because I was to old (30) when I went to AA school. It also showed the younger Soldiers in my unit that if a 30 year old can do it, so can they.

Response by LCpl Mike Reno made Mar 18 at 2015 1:07 PM

LCpl Mike Reno — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 13:07:20 -0400

I think you need to worry about your branch and traditions and not what other branches are doing. I think there is a lot of catch up on things like that such as Marines changing to Marpat and then everyone else switched to some new camouflage pattern in the years to come. Change isn't always good, which is why most of our uniform stays the same, and rooted in tradition. Change to follow or just the sake of change is no good in my opinion. I liked it in the early 90's and prior when we didn't have name tapes and just EGA and USMC on our pocket.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 1 at 2015 12:59 AM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:59:24 -0400

First, I think branch traditions matter. Unit Patches are part of our Army's history. The Army is the Army.

That said, I think the badges, decorations, and accouterments should be for the Class A only. I think on the ACU (fatigues) we should only have name, US Army, rank and unit patch. I was disappointed when we went to ASUs and full color unit patches and combat patches died.

Also, the USAF wears many things (Sleeve Rank, Command Patches, Skill Badges, etc.) on their utility uniforms as does the USN.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 9:20 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 09:20:04 -0400

I am a little late to the discussion on this one, but the Navy and the Air Force both wear skill badges. There are also certain parts of their force that wear patches, especially deployment patches.

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made May 3 at 2015 9:58 AM

PO2 Skip Kirkwood — Sun, 03 May 2015 09:58:11 -0400

Going way back in history, unique badges (and uniforms) grew out of the British Army - where particular regiments came from particular areas (i.e., the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders came from Argyllshire and the Duke of Sutherland's lands), and soldiers and officers stayed in their own regiment for their entire career (unless they were "seconded" to something unique, like the Tank Corps or the Parachute Regiment). Maintaining unit identity over generations of soldiers was a very big deal.

In the US, we broke that tradition long ago. Now, individuals move from unit to unit all the time. The patch thing got out of hand. Skill badges are OK, but the Navy too lost its mind - there used to be aviator wings, submarine dolphins, and later the SEAL trident. Now, they have "water wings" for every type of assignment.

I'm for the uniform displaying the service and individual awards (and those "right pocket" awards look silly), but enough with the patches already. Simplicity is what makes the Marine uniform look so good. Keep it simple.

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made May 14 at 2015 7:54 PM

SSG Nick Tramontano — Thu, 14 May 2015 19:54:17 -0400

The other branches have insignia as well. A few in the Marines have aviator or jump wings or some other skill badge. The AF it seems everyone gets a badge. If anything I'd like to see the Army do away with the name tag on the Class A-B uniform.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 15 at 2015 10:54 AM

SFC Christopher Perry — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:54:11 -0400

I see the wearing of patches and such in much the same way I do the rack we wear in ASUs. They tell the story of the person wearing them. It is amazing how much you can glean from a glance if you pay attention. Way back in the 80s I had a DS who struck fear into my heart. The guy was all of 5'6" and probably one of the meanest and impressive individuals I had ever had the misfortune of running into. I am relatively sure I still feel the brim of his brown round hitting me in the head as he yelled at me. As I recollect, he had Airborne, Air assault and Parhfinder tabs on his chest at a minimum. Understand, that there was no Google at this point so I was merely aware that he had a bunch of stuff on his chest I did not recognize. The other NCOs only had parts and pieces of what seemed way too many tabs for a small (but unimaginably wide) top. I did not need to be aware of the meaning of each of these tabs to realize this man had more than paid his dues in this life.

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made May 15 at 2015 12:40 PM

CPO Joseph Grant — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:40:49 -0400

The Navy still displays name, service, warfare qualification and rank on the working uniform. I believe that's excessive, when I joined the submarine coveralls didn't need anything on them and we did fine.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 15 at 2015 12:44 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:44:49 -0400

I have found that most of the people that have butt-burn about badges .. don't have any.

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made May 15 at 2015 1:18 PM

SFC Douglas Duckett — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:18:07 -0400

Why not, my good looks can carry the day.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 6:46 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 18:46:20 -0400

We also wear our warfare qualifications, and for things like flight suits we wear weapons school patches. The idea is to identify us as well as have a decent idea of what we're qualified for, if a senior needs to delegate a task, or a junior wants assurance the person giving the order has the authority.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 16 at 2015 7:42 AM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sat, 16 May 2015 07:42:43 -0400

I think is fine the way we are right now, is part of a history, that what make us difference.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 3:16 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:16:10 -0400

SSG Turkezer,
I work in a joint environment and I have to say that the Air Force and Navy both wear patches which identify specialties on their uniforms, other than rank, name and branch. This means they do not all look uniform. For example, a Navy PO1 next to me currently has a warfare specialty patch indicating he is additionally qualified in "Enlisted information dominance warfare", while another Navy PO1 on the other side has both that AND a separate patch indicating he did 'fly' duty. The LTJG (O2) down the way doesn't have any additional patches yet because he hasn't tested in any specialties. If a Navy service member goes on a sub or does 'surface' duty, they also have different patches...

Air Force is the same way. You have a patch on your chest which shows which branch or MOS (AFSC) you are in, and if you have done special duty, like Air Crew, you wear that patch- and you continue to wear it even after you leave air crew. This is all according to the Navy and Air Force personnel around me. The Marine has left for PT, so I cannot inspect his uniform. I see no reason to have our various accouterments on our uniforms, and I am proud of my badges and patches.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 20 at 2015 1:16 AM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 01:16:00 -0400

I say keep them. All that I had was my EIB and my drill sergeant identification badge but I was proud of both and they do show people who and what you are. What is wrong with being proud of your accomplishments?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2016 12:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:20:34 -0400

Cost wise yes tradition wise no.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jan 30 at 2018 6:35 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 18:35:44 -0500

Uh... the Air Force wears identifier badges based on their MOS and wing patches, the navy has skill badges along with the coast guard, even the marine corps can wear skill badges... Exactly why is it "showing off" to know the unit that the soldier belongs to, if they have deployed and with who, and what kinds of specialized skills that they bring to the fight?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 18 at 2018 10:45 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 22:45:35 -0400

Strange I have seen MARDIV patches etc. If you like that look, then maybe to should join them. Our uniform is set up so a discerning, intelligent person would see, whether to are a combat vet or a greenhorn, what unit's you have served with and therefore were you served- whether you are a skilled warrior or a wanebe Fobbitt.

Response by 1SG Jesse Perez made Jan 3 at 2019 1:24 PM

1SG Jesse Perez — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 13:24:11 -0500

Negative, this is an Army tradition,, leave it as it is!