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

NO, Not in my Army.

they should be mandatory. and no, you dont get one thats a knife just because youre sad..

Those patches are earned! So what if some E1 or E2 boot feels left out! If they want something special, they have to earn it! They want a combat patch so bad then they should volunteer to go to combat and they'll get one if they come back alive. They shouldn't even be whining about that! Why do they glorify combat?! They should be glad that they're doing what no snowflake wants to do!
If you earn a patch/ribbon/medal, wear that with pride! Don't take it off because some fresh out of bootcamp idiot is jealous!

Why the hell did someone downvote this?

Is it time for a good old walk behind the connex counseling session? I cannot think of a more insulting thing to do to a combat vet.

Soldiers earn those patches

That is very absurd order. As a Private I admired those who had combat patches and them I finally got my own. They can get their own eventually just like I did. Those patches is motivation.

NO

HELL NO! If your "feelings" are hurt due to someones recognition of their commitment, sacrifice, and service to our country that you haven'y experienced then YOU don't belong in the military! Those ARE NOT participation awards! AE-2 '75-'79

There is no room for snowflakes in the Army. Suck it up and drive on buttercups.