Posted on Mar 1, 2016
Should we remove combat patches to be sensitive to those who don't have them?
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"(Unit Name withheld) BCT ordered to remove combat patches during training at Fort NoMatter so the ones without them don't get hurt feelings.
Reason? "The unit just returned from Afghanistan and almost everyone has a patch but the large influx of new soldiers are E1 and E2s that have never deployed and they are saying they are left out because they don't have a patch."
Reason? "The unit just returned from Afghanistan and almost everyone has a patch but the large influx of new soldiers are E1 and E2s that have never deployed and they are saying they are left out because they don't have a patch."
Awards
Combat Patch (SSI-FWTS)
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 1628
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Guess I would get a negative counseling or Article 15 cause I will wear what I earned until I retire and so will my soldiers. Just terrible and pathetic!!!! This is what we've come to I guess.
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SFC (Join to see)
I can't believe this was even a question! In certain MOS's it does seem that they won't promote past E-7 because you have a combat patch.
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I guess the Military should remove all rank as well so we don't offend or make the "Everybody gets a trophy" generation feel inferior to others.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Navy did that to the poor junior enlisted already. No rank for E-2 and E-3 on the working uniform - (the blue cammies for those that might not know)?
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Way to PC...if our grandfathers had done this we would all be speaking German.
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This topic was originally broached back in June. This isn't "new."
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/06/18/unit-promotes-no-patch-badge-rule-in-training/28927601/
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/06/18/unit-promotes-no-patch-badge-rule-in-training/28927601/
BCT banishes combat patches, badges to boost morale
You earn it, you keep it, you wear it. That's how soldiers epitomize their time in the Army, with the insignia and combat patches and badges that
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SFC (Join to see)
I came down here to post this same article. My question is for the Senior Leadership we have floating around on RallyPoint: From this article, Col. David Hodne appeared very comfortable and justified in requiring his Soldiers to remove their combat patches to assist in stimulating esprit de corps and team-building while in the field. As a Senior Leader, if this was your Brigade Commander, how would you have addressed this? Also, is there discussion amongst senior levels that this is a technique that works in regards to esprit de corps, team-building, cohesion?
I appreciate any insight.
Personally I don't agree with removal, it represents much more than a combat deployment to so many. In addition, I know when I was a junior Soldier, before I deployed, I would look at those with the patch and feel a sense of pride, admiration, and I felt like I could go to these experienced individuals as a resource. But that's just my two cents.
I appreciate any insight.
Personally I don't agree with removal, it represents much more than a combat deployment to so many. In addition, I know when I was a junior Soldier, before I deployed, I would look at those with the patch and feel a sense of pride, admiration, and I felt like I could go to these experienced individuals as a resource. But that's just my two cents.
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SFC Freddie Porter
This cannot be a real issue. It cannot! Give me back the time away from my family. Give me back the nights when incoming kept me up, and the nights I worried about incoming coming through the housing while I slept. Give me back the days I would drive Rt Irish worrying if I would live through the 7/8 mile drive without being blown up by an IED than ask me if I should take off my right shoulder patch. Give me back the buddies I lost who will never see their families and give me back my peace of mind.
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SGT James Colwell
Building up esprit de corps by tearing down the morale of those who earned the patches on the right sleeves. Somebody smarter than me needs to explain how THAT works.
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You earn it you wear it. Geez... maybe the new soldiers should be given a "safe place" away from the combat vets. Just ridiculous.
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SGT Leon Riege
well sir, since I've seen col's asking where this came from it's safe to say " higher up " perhaps the hill ... I would'nt even be amazed not even a little
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1LT James Teener
Easy on the voting commet, Lad (Dennis Addesso). I have two combat area patches from Vietnam, and I've had the misfortune to watch young men die violent deaths. I happen to believe a liberal agenda, and past liberal agendas (e.g., Social Security, MediCare, MedicAid, Civil Service) have made the USA a much better country than if the oligarchs had run it. Be good, vote your conscience for the good of the country of a whole, and remember that just because someone disagrees with your politics does not make them any less an American.
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Tough shit, this millennial Army is going right down the pisser. Pour yourself a hot cup of STFU and move out. Who is letting a e-1 or e-2 speak anyway? They are like children, they are to be seen, not heard. And if this is some officer or NCO's "good idea", they need a little wall to wall counseling.
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GySgt Carl Rumbolo
Apparently it was a bonehead decision by a staff level officer - since 'changed' to a 'misunderstanding' and I can imagine someone higher up will have 'unkind' words to say to him privately.
Another case of 'brown side out, green side out, run in circles scream and shout' - non story, time to move on.
In my humble experience stupid shit like this gets sorted out
Another case of 'brown side out, green side out, run in circles scream and shout' - non story, time to move on.
In my humble experience stupid shit like this gets sorted out
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A CAB for YOU, a CAB for you, EVERYONE gets a CAB! (Say this in Oprah's energetic voice for me please)
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