Posted on Mar 1, 2016
MSG Wally Carmichael
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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."
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SgtMaj Sergeant Major
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Combat is a right of passage just like everything else is in the military. So should individuals stop wearing Jump Wings, Combat Action Ribbons, Purple Hearts because certain individuals have not earned or received them??? THE ANSWER IS, "HELL NO!" This sensitivity crap in the military is going overboard in the military. Wake up.... the military isn't some damn highschool peewee leauge sports team where everyone gets an award and hug!!
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1SG Dale Cantrell
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All comes with time and experience, it is simply not their time ,Yet. I attended several military schools , most of the instructors wore single patch, that is all they talk about, that was their decision
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MSgt Horace Smith
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I have the utmost respect for those who have earned combat decorations or patches. I have only contempt for small minded petty individuals who dishonor those brave men and women who put their lives on the line to wear those patches.

In the mid-1970's I was stationed at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa. Serving with me was a former Soldier who was a LRP in Vietnam. He wore his CIB on his fatigues in full compliance with AFR 35-10. He took so much flack from junior Officers who harassed him about it that he removed it from his uniforms. I told him then that were it me, I'd have them standing in front of my Commander explaining their ignorance of regulations. It still irks me that he had to put up with that crap.
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CW3 Dan Mackey
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Really the whole point of having combat patches is to identify those in the ranks that have been in the mix. If I were a combat virgin I would want to be near guys who had been in the shit to learn from them and stay alive. In my experience you never know who has the natural skills of war just by looking at someone. Often the skinny kid who struggles in pt and road marches is a warrior when the shit hits the fan.
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1stSgt Jeff Blovat
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Don’t ask a Ranger this.
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1stSgt Jeff Blovat
1stSgt Jeff Blovat
>1 y
Or we can give everyone a “PARTICIPANT” tab.
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SFC (CA) Roland Dell
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Too much sensitivity (nowadays) threatens mission readiness, if you ask me
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SPC Curtis Kennedy
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The combat patch is essential morale booster to remove it because of FNP (F**king New People) is just plain wrong...
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Sgt Ed Allen
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Hell NO! What kind of pansies do we have in the military now! Really? We have snowflakes for soldiers? If they get feelings hurt for something that simple, then maybe they shouldn't be in the service.
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LTC David Howard
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What the hell has happened to the military? I've been retired for almost 29 years, and it seems the Army has gone into the toilet with bullcrap and political correctness. This is absolutely unbelievable. What's next, no insignia or badges? Do combat arms insignia get banned because the support troops might feel sad? Do those that earned the Combat Infantryman Badge have to remove it because those without it might start crying or call their Mommies? Give me a break!
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MAJ Doug Mattox
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There are several thoughts that go through my head when this question comes up. First, this is not an organization where everyone gets a trophy. 2nd, not everyone was in an assignment to deploy or their skills were needed elsewhere. There is no shame in doing what is demanded of you. You were/are just as important doing your duty no matter where you asked to serve. During Vietnam, there were many soldiers who were deployed to Europe. Their deployment was vital in the overall picture. 3rd I saw several officers who came to Iraq while I was there, just to get their ticket for promotion. One was an O-6 and he needlessly put soldiers in danger trying to get his ribbon. I would rather serve with the one who was deployed elsewhere than the SH who deployed only to further his career.
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MAJ N/A
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I suppose everyone ought to remove their decorations and awards and qualification badges and tabs, so those without them don't feel bad about not having earned any of those either. Sheesh. What's next, everyone gets a Ranger tab because it makes them feel better about themselves? Oh wait, didn't the Army do that with the Ranger's beret.... JMTC as a POG who has not deployed OCONUS and salutes those who have.
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Lt Col Bill Fletcher
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Edited 7 y ago
Not just no, but Hell no.
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SGT Dwight Proud
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Are you fucking kidding me get the politic out of the military.
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SP5 John Rego
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Bullshit.
Those whom have earned the combat patch have every reason to wear and be proud as hell to do so.
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SPC Kayla Taylor
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This is disgusting. How did this even get posted?
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SGT Ken Lawson-Williams
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Do mean the CIB, CMB, CAB????? Or the unit patches on the arm they saw combat with but are no longer in?

The CIB, CMB, CAB should definitely stay. In fact I am not sure they can be ordered removed. The other, meh, you are in a different unit now.
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SGT Stan Setliff
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I do not have one. But I would never deny that honor to those that have earned it. As Mel said, "Suck it up buttercup".
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SMSgt Operation Flight Chief
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Easy on air force. Just because they dont issue a combat badge like the army. We do serve in same wars and conflicts and earn medals as well as our brethren in other services. I know we poke fun at each other. Dont remove what has been there as part of a uniform because people feel excluded. As you said. Go earn it
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MSG Wally Carmichael
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SFC Wade Adams
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First of all, welcome to the unit private, respect is earned, not given. Go through combat, earn your patch, and you’ll understand what it means and why I feel the way I do, when I hear you sniveling about “it’s not fair”
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SPC Corey Blue
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What?! I am a slick sleeve and I don’t agree with that crap. This isn’t the Boy Scouts. If you want a patch then you gotta deploy like everyone to a combat theatere
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