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."
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 1628
quit hiding out and get in the fight. Been at war nearly 2 decades and no patch. go to the PX and stock up on Kleenex. Better yet just get out.
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I didn't know local Commanders had the authority to ban combat patches. In my day, AR 670-1 was the authority on what is to be worn on the uniform.
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MSG- I have been thinking about getting rid of challanging and hard PT because my new privates are weak and can’t keep up, they feel left out when they can’t keep up. I have also thought about ditching regulations that make soldiers refer to officers as sir or ma’am as well as nco’s by their rank, because the privates don’t have any rank, and it makes them feel left out. Does this sound like a stupid idea? I think so too. Your junior soldiers who feel left out, should accept that they have not earned that distinction yet. I came into the Army in 96, and was comvinced I would never earn a shoulder sleeve insignia for combat. But I did, like 4 of them, and deployed more than that. I am at the point now, that I want to punch anyone who recomends me for an award in the face, because it means one more expensive change to my rack. Your young soldiers will get theirs. Sit down and explain to them the modern world landscape and the challanges this Army will face in the future. They will get theirs if they stay in. If you accommodate their whining, and ‘every should have a trophy culture’, you are not making them better. I suggest you read up you servent leadership, and what it means to give your soldiers what they need, not what they want (Thank you PME). The combat patch serves to distinguish those who have been to combat. Much like an identification badge highlighting a person you can ask about real life experiances vs what the book says. Those soldiers of yours should aspire to get there, not to have everyone else be like them. Given the oppertunity, they would want to wear one. I know this is not you implementing this change, but if it is your leadership, this is the discussion I would have. However, I feel like this is an old story - and has since been rectified. Hopefully this doesn't come back around.
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Not every child gets a trophy. If they are in the Army, and are that much of a snowflake, then perhaps the Army is not right for them.
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Military should not be a place for this type of sensitivity. Bet morale in this unit really draws air. Do they have to take off their campaign ribbons also?
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The newgens are bitch made. They have no heart and want everything without working it. Very happy I came through the Era where we put in work. 88-98 05-2011
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That would be the same as removing all your ribbons from your dress uniform, because the Privates don't have any. They have to earn those with TIS and TIR, just like everyone else did.
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