Should we remove combat patches to be sensitive to those who don't have them?

Patch has been earned. New soldiers will get their chance sooner than later.

Got to love the poor little snow flakes, wouldn't want to hurry there little feelings now would we?

They are a rite of passage. Those new troops need to view vets with multiple tours as ones to emulate.

11/11/03 I brought my young son to the Veteran's Day Ceremony in our town. On the short walk back to the car afterwards he asks why most of the guys at the ceremony have patches on both arms but I only wear one. I explained combat patches to him and that I was happy without one. I also explained that didn't mean I would refuse to go if called. Little did I know then I would be celebrating Veteran's Day 2004 in Iraq and would be sporting patches on both sleeves.

When I first reported to my permanent party unit, I was still an E-1 Private. Using this officer's logic, every NCO and officer should have to remove their rank so I wouldn't feel bad about being a slick sleeve.

As another member stated, our uniform is our resume. If you know the language, you know places people have been and things they have done.

Vaginas. Shut the Fuxk up. I seen E-6s with 0 deployments.

When I joined in 1975, my first assignment was with A Trp 1st Sqn/9th Cav, 1st Cav Div, 80% of the unit wore 1st Cav patches on both shoulders. We called them 1st Cav sandwiches. We respected them and learned from them and soaked up their knowledge. Be careful for what you wish for.

I’ve been in for 2 and a half years and Still don’t have one. Wear what you earn and suck it up

This isn't little league where everyone gets a trophy. Those patches were earned. Want one? Do the time. As an E-1 or 2, you are just getting started. A combat patch is to be earned. Worked with plenty of soldiers with combat patches, understood the significance. Privates should also.

They won't feel left out very long. When they deploy to a combat zone they will EARN the right to wear the patch.

Well maybe we should get rid of all awards and decorations. For me seeing others awards and decorations made me want to go out and earn them .