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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The Army isn't about people's feelings getting hurt. It's about doing your job, and being a soldier. Last time I checked we are not the cub scouts and they are grown adults who raised their right hand and signed the dotted line. If it's eo or sharp then that's a different story. Earn what you are seeking. And you are not in high school anymore
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Nat'l Guard Bn and Bde Cdrs in '04 were doing it so that they wouldn't be embarresed for not having one.
On the flight back from Iraq, the CO mandated that we all wore uniforms with 4th ID sewn on right shoulder for uniformity, and not 3rd COSCOM (some of us hated our attachment to 4th ID) one partner in crime had 7th ID patch from Panama, had velcro sewn to uniform and patches for a quick change
On the flight back from Iraq, the CO mandated that we all wore uniforms with 4th ID sewn on right shoulder for uniformity, and not 3rd COSCOM (some of us hated our attachment to 4th ID) one partner in crime had 7th ID patch from Panama, had velcro sewn to uniform and patches for a quick change
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PO1 Cliff Heath
My nephew was with H CO. 3rd. of the 75th. in Panama. Ask him well were ya scared "hell yeah they were shooting at us".
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This is ridiculous to even suggest. Next you'll be asking to leave off commendations so the Pvt. Isn't intemadated. I went in in 93 so not many had combat patches and CIB's. But I was in awe of my Bn CSM and his 173 combat patch from Vietnam.
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Wtf? I am a 10 year AF Vet. Non combatant. While I am proud of my service in No Way do I feel like I have sacrificed even a teaspoon full of what our combat vets have given (just ps- I have two army Sons, so ai DO get it). I am thankful for their bravery, humility and sacrifice every single day of my life. Wear them with pride guys!
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When I was a young PVT in the 1980s. The guys with combat patches were an inspiration for me. Not a source of "hey that's not fair!". The "everyone gets a trophy" mentality must be driven out of the military ruthlessly.
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http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/06/18/unit-promotes-no-patch-badge-rule-in-training/28927601/
I saw that the 101st leadership is "denying knowledge" however, I do believe this is happening as it's not the first time (as previously posted by others) and was clearly allowed (gotten away with?). That being said:
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. Gotta love the Good Idea Fairies....where would we be without you? Oh yeah....wearing our combat patches..
Edit
I saw that the 101st leadership is "denying knowledge" however, I do believe this is happening as it's not the first time (as previously posted by others) and was clearly allowed (gotten away with?). That being said:
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. Gotta love the Good Idea Fairies....where would we be without you? Oh yeah....wearing our combat patches..
Edit
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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This is absolutely ridiculous! It should be something they strive for, but those who have been through combat and have earned their patch should be allowed to wear it with no conditions. One time my shop (S2) went to lunch on a Friday and were told to remove our patch so our lower ranking soldiers didn't feel left out. I refused on principle. I asked them to show me the regulation that says I should cater to the delicate feelings of the soldiers who haven't deployed yet. Yes before I deployed I felt a little bit less of a soldier with only one patch, but the day in Afghanistan when my CSM put that patch on my right shoulder and shook my hand made it all worth it.
I have nothing against soldiers that have never deployed, but those who have should be able to show that proudly! If this is true, which I really don't doubt it given the current climate of the military, I'm just annoyed. Stop being baby's and just do your job. Patch or no patch, you are a Soldier and the only thing you should care about is that you have a crisp and clean uniform, and the greatest flag in the world on your right soldier. Boar2 Romeo out!
I have nothing against soldiers that have never deployed, but those who have should be able to show that proudly! If this is true, which I really don't doubt it given the current climate of the military, I'm just annoyed. Stop being baby's and just do your job. Patch or no patch, you are a Soldier and the only thing you should care about is that you have a crisp and clean uniform, and the greatest flag in the world on your right soldier. Boar2 Romeo out!
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