SSI-FWT (Combat Patch) which one do you wear?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 01:02:54 -0500

For those of you who have deployed with multiple units, how do you decide which one you wear? How did you come to that decision?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 1:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 01:06:40 -0500

Which one you want? 101st is what I normally wear.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Mar 2 at 2014 4:33 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 04:33:54 -0500

I wear mine from my first deployment.  I was a Scout PSG at the time and I will always look back on that deployment and on the people I served next to with great pride.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2014 1:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:07:23 -0400

I rotate them. I'm authorized USASOC, USASFC, SOCCENT, AWG, and 528th Sustainment Brigade patches.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2014 1:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:10:46 -0400

I wear mine from my first deployment in 04.  We trained together for a couple of years before hand and I still keep in touch with most of the guys.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 2 at 2014 8:41 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 20:41:20 -0400

I rotated between 3rd ID, 101st, Third Army and to screw with people once in a while, the 42nd ID.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 2 at 2014 11:13 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 23:13:12 -0400

BRO. Because BRO.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 2:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 02:47:35 -0400

I have deployed to Kuwait/Iraq, Angola and Pakistan. Each time with 30th Medical Brigade, so, I get to wear one patch for all three deployments.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Apr 6 at 2014 1:20 PM

SGT Suraj Dave — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 13:20:31 -0400

I deployed twice, but both times I did it with the 101st Abn. I sometimes wished I did it with another unit for another patch though. When I walked around, everyone though I was a one time deployer/one hit wonder.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 9:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 09:20:55 -0400

I wear my first one because it looks cool.

http://www.zazzle.com/81st_brigade_combat_team_shoulder_patch_t_shirt [login to see] 70836061

People ask me what it is, and I reply, "Do you even National Guard, Bro???"

81st Brigade Combat Team shoulder patch T-shirt

American made t-shirts with Army unit shoulder patches.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 9:47 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 09:47:59 -0400

I wear normally my USASOC Patch, but sometimes I rock my USACAPOC patch

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 9:51 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 09:51:43 -0400

I either wear

America's Guard of Honor

America's Strategic Response Force.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 10:39 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 10:39:05 -0400

As a logistician I sport the 101st sus bde since it was my first and I was able to see the modularity first hand. Sounds corny but it has helped my career.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 1:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 13:22:57 -0400

I rock my 173rd ABCT Patch. I am authorized, 4th ID, 101st, 1st ID, 1-124th CAV unit from Washington state, and 3rd ODA. But the most prestigious of them all, is the 173rd. Sky Soldiers!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 2:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 14:42:12 -0400

Im only authorized 2 patches, 1st Cavalry Division and 12th CAB. Ive been wearing the First Team patch since Ive been with 12th CAB, but onto my next assignment Ill rotate between them.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Apr 19 at 2014 7:32 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 19:32:55 -0400

There are two patches that I am authorized to wear:

1. 16th SB - Iraq Deployment - I wear most of the time. I wear this one most of the time because it was my first deployment and I'll never forget the experience.

2. 420th EN BDE - Afghanistan Deployment - I wear on one set of ACUs. I'll never forget this experience either, but there's nothing like your first deployment. :)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2014 8:01 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 08:01:49 -0400

SSG McEleney,

I have many to chose from but there is only one I wear the 1ST ID!

V/r

1SG Haro

Response by SFC Lamont Womack made Apr 20 at 2014 11:11 AM

SFC Lamont Womack — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 11:11:13 -0400

I can wear the 1st Cavalry Division and the 10th Mountain Division combat patches.

I wear the 10th Mountain Division patch since I'm currently an Equal Opportunity Advisor in the Division.

When I PCS I will just rotate the patches every week.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2014 7:15 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:15:20 -0400

555th EN BDE or the FORSCOM. I like to wear the FORSCOM just to make people ask questions.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 1:18 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 01:18:26 -0400

Are you still allowed to wear USMC patches, I love seeing soldiers wearing patches from their time in Marine Corps units like the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 7:42 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 07:42:18 -0400

Never been part of a DIV, Always seperate MP BNs, Always wished I could wear a DIV Patch, any DIV patch.

I usually wear 42nd MP BDE patch from my deployment to Iraq. But I am currently in Afghanistain and my company falls under a different BN from the 42nd, So I wear my current patch. 16th MP BDE. I kept getting confused with being part of the current BN. So I would rather rock the unit that I am with, since I really like my current CoC.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 8 at 2014 12:07 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 08 May 2014 12:07:25 -0400

In my blues, I'll generally wear 15th Sustainment as the gold goes well with the uniform and gold German Marksmanship award.

In ACU's, whichever patch I pull out of the drawer. I rate like 7 of the bloody things, but the unit I'm most proud of deploying with (1st Marine Division) I can't wear, as I was a Marine at the time. It's unauthorized for anyone who was not a Soldier at the time of deployment (lots of prior Marines are ignoring that, but I'm trying to do the right thing). So I really don't have a preference.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 9 at 2014 10:05 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 09 May 2014 22:05:11 -0400

10th Mountain Div from Somalia and the 43rd MP Bde from Iraq. The 43rd MP Bde, RI Army National Guard was the first unit in the state to have its patch issued as a combat patch. It was first issued to Active (Army, Navy & Air Force), Guard & Reserve troops serving under the Bde on 24 Nov 2005.

We had a unit from the 82nd serving under us and they kind of frowned upon the fact of having to wear a NG, "leg" patch as their combat patch and pretty much wouldn't - their loss.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 9:49 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 May 2014 21:49:39 -0400

INSCOM, 513th, SOCOM, USFOR-A patches. The only one I wear is the SOCOM patch.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 10 at 2014 9:51 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sat, 10 May 2014 21:51:48 -0400

I rotate between 3rd ID and 101st ABN DIV

Response by SPC Corbin Doades made May 11 at 2014 4:57 PM

SPC Corbin Doades — Sun, 11 May 2014 16:57:14 -0400

I can wear the Guam National Guard patch, CENTCOM, 1st Cav, and one other that I forget what unit it is. I preferred my CENTCOM or Guam patches but would have worn the other two if I needed to be uniform with everyone else in my unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2014 1:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 13:07:03 -0400

I rotate between BRO, CSTC-A, and the 101st. Just depends on how I'm feeling that day. I like wearing the CSTC-A one because most people don't recognize it, but I'm not too picky about it. Although, as I'm currently with the 101st, and this is the only unit I've ever come back to in my career, I may favor it a little more. Although there are days when I just won't wear one at all, much like my "scare" badges.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 12:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 00:44:52 -0400

I have my uniform tops and bottoms numbered so I can match the wear and fading on them.

1 - 10th MTN
2- 8th MP BDE
3- 26th MEB
4- 42nd CAB
5- 34th ID

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 3:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:15:42 -0400

I am authorized many, but I only ever wear my 52nd Group/TF Troy combat patch. It tells people what I do and what I did.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Sep 21 at 2014 3:19 AM

SSG Maurice P. — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 03:19:56 -0400

1-156 armor bn 256 inf bct we can wear 1st cav...3rd i.d...10th mtn...combat patches

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Sep 21 at 2014 8:53 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 08:53:05 -0400

I just rotate between 101st Airborne and 3rd ID. Both mean a lot to me and what I did to continue their legacy in the Army. Those two Divisions have a lot of history among both of them and I can say I was proud to have been a part of each during my 3x deployments.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 21 at 2014 6:16 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 18:16:03 -0400

I wear the one that has the most significance with the unit that I am currently assigned to. I'm a team player, not a bragger....lol.

Response by MAJ Michael Kammerer made Sep 21 at 2014 6:16 PM

MAJ Michael Kammerer — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 18:16:07 -0400

I wear the 82d on the ASUs, one set of Garrison ACUs, & all field ACUs. On my second set of Garrison ACUs I rotated between USFOR-A, NTM-A, & 1st Army.

Response by SFC James Barnes made Sep 21 at 2014 7:28 PM

SFC James Barnes — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 19:28:41 -0400

still rocking my 45th IN patch seeming it has more personal importance to me than my others.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2014 8:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 20:16:05 -0400

I was sent over and attached individually to MNF-I and MNC-I, based on regulations it will be MNC-I.

Response by 1SG Frank Rocha made Sep 21 at 2014 8:41 PM

1SG Frank Rocha — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 20:41:49 -0400

I always wear the first SSI-FWTS I earned, which is the USASOC patch (160th). Its not the only one I can wear but its the only one I desire to wear.

That said, I have read a few times from other posters regarding the alaract that came out in 2007 regarding the SSI-FWTS. While it is true that it stipulates that only one patch can be earned in a deployment and that patch must be from the unit you are organic to, there are several exceptions that can change that depending on your situation. Lets not be quick to judge others until we are certain they are in violation.

Additionally, lets keep in mind also that the aforementioned alaract is NOT RETROACTIVE, so if the Soldier in question earned the SSI-FWTS prior to the effective date of the alaract, and was also in turn awarded it, entitled to it, and accepted it within Army standards (as they were prior to the effective date of the alaract) then they remain entitled to wear said SSI-FWTS(s).

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2014 9:26 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 21:26:22 -0400

173rd.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2014 9:28 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 21:28:13 -0400

I wear my CENTCOM one because it was the first one for me. On my ASU's I were the 101st due to small band of brothers in which I earned it with.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2014 11:09 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 23:09:27 -0400

I wear the 18th Fires Brigade patch. It was my first unit in the Army and then years later I deployed with them to Afghanistan. It was also the last unit I deployed with. I am super proud to wear this patch because it says Airborne Artillery with the cannon and wings.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2014 9:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 21:57:13 -0400

Of the 4 I'm authorized to wear I wear the 43rd MP BDE

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 9:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 21:17:28 -0400

Wear whatever you like that you are authorized to wear. I wear 101st AIRBORNE (from the invasion in '03), 1AD, 3ID, 3rd ACR (received my Gold Spurs from them), 1ID, and 172nd SIB. I have all those on a rotation on my ACU's but wear the 101st AIRBORNE since I have a PMOS of Armor and GEN(R) David Petraeus wanted to take my unit north with him after Baghdad.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 2:49 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 02:49:14 -0500

During Desert Storm, I was authorized to wear the patches from either ARCENT or 2AD. I chose to wear 2AD, "HELL ON WHEELS". I was also authorized to wear 10th Mountain patch for my time in Somalia, which I was proud to wear.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 4:20 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 04:20:11 -0500

I have a couple, but I only wear my 3rd AD Spearhead patch.

Response by COL Thomas F. made Feb 16 at 2015 1:01 AM

COL Thomas F. — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 01:01:08 -0500

I earned the 800th MP Bde and the 76th Infantry Brigade. I wear the 800th for my time in Desert Storm before they jacked themselves up in Iraq. Too bad I have to keep telling people I wasn't involved in that cluster of a situation. I guess they think I wasn't in the first war.

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made Mar 28 at 2015 9:23 AM

LTC Gavin Heater — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 09:23:35 -0400

First Infantry Division. First of seven authorized, proudest to serve under, most storied legacy. All the others sit in a box.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 10:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 22:19:43 -0400

I'm authorized seven, I wear the one that means the most to me though. Tightest group of Soldiers, best leadership, and most intense.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 11 at 2015 10:37 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 11 May 2015 10:37:11 -0400

I am authorized 3ACR and 44th MED BDE. I wear 3ACR because it was the first one I earned and it is one that not a whole lot of nurses get to wear. 44th is a pretty common one in the med community.

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made May 11 at 2015 10:52 AM

SSG Christopher Freeman — Mon, 11 May 2015 10:52:50 -0400

I am authorized the 1st Armored Division and the 82nd Airborne Division. I almost always wear my 1st Armored because it was my first deployment and a real eye-opener. I only wear the 82nd for certain official functions. Nothing against the 82nd, but 1st Armored is where I became the Soldier I am today.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 1:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 13:39:54 -0400

I have memos saying I am authorized to wear about 10 combat patches. They are basically 100% BS, signed by officers who wanted to authorize themselves to wear certain patches. I wear 1st ID most of the time, because I was assigned to them during my first deployment - plus, they are one of the cheapest patches at clothing sales. Ironically, that is the only patch NOT on any memo.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 11 at 2015 10:12 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 11 May 2015 22:12:42 -0400

I am eligible to wear AMC, 3d Army, 377th TSC, USFOR-A, and 101st ABN. Technically I could wear 82d ABN. I changed over from 3d Army to 101st.

I was a EAC unit in OIF1, figured if this patch was good enough for Patton, it was good enough for me. My one star coached us toward 3d Army. It was the CFLCC in 2003 and the CG cut a memo authorizing it for EAD units.

I deployed to OEF in 2008 and Eagle 6 directed it as the FWTS SSI. I was in 4th BCT 101st, 506th of Band of Brothers fame, in the same BN as Jimi Hendrix (801st BSB). Some of my proudest moments and hardest challenges came from that 15 months in the Currahee Nation. I have retained it since 2008. We relieved the 782d BSB 4-82. We did our PDSS for about a month with them, I guess I could wear 82d ABN, but it would not feel right.

I redeployed to OEF in 2011 and served at HQ ISAF, so I could wear USFOR-A as well...except I have a Screaming Eagle that I will not take off. Unless I command a Separate BDE in Combat with its own SSI, I won't change it.

You are right that it is your decision, 670-1 tells us so. Wear the one with the best story.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2015 2:06 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 14:06:21 -0400

Of all that I am authorized to wear, I choose to wear the 101st ABN. I skip the 82nd ABN since my knees won't take airborne jumps and the MP BN patch I am authorized is a Reserve BN with a less than stellar reputation. The others are quality units but don't have the lineage of the 101st.

Response by MSG Douglas Tolliver made Oct 21 at 2015 10:52 AM

MSG Douglas Tolliver — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 10:52:25 -0400

You just where whichever one you want. The SSI-FWTS is purely optional to wear. There are no orders required so it's not a mandatory thing. Some people will try and tell you that you need orders but Regulations won't support them on that. When we sewed them on I wore the 22nd Support Command from my time in Saudi Arabia. Once we went velcro I had different ones to choose from and I changed them out periodically but the one on my Class A's stayed my first one, the 22nd SUPCOM.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Oct 22 at 2015 10:21 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 10:21:47 -0400

Mine are from Vietnam so the choices of which are "authorized" is pretty easy.
1st Cavalry Division with Airborne Tab - 1st Bn(ABN), 12th Cav, - 66-67. One of the rarest because the Airborne Brigade of the Cav was among the shortest lived of the Airborne maneuver units.
Special Forces - 68.
Americal Division - 4th Bn, 3d Infantry - 69-70. We're the short guys at the Old Guard reunions.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Jun 6 at 2016 2:45 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 14:45:01 -0400

Although I have been deployed many many times, I am only authorized to wear two. One, I wear the other, I would never wear again.

Response by SGT Frances Richardson made Jul 1 at 2016 8:21 PM

SGT Frances Richardson — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 20:21:43 -0400

25th ID: first duty station and the people that I deployed with, I grew to love dearly.
101st: because my brother was apart of the unit when they crossed over from the Kuwait/Iraq border. He was infantry and kicked down doors with the 101. Plus my dad was stationed here during his years in the Army back during the 60s so the patch means more than just unit pride for me. It was something way more than that.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 1 at 2016 8:33 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 20:33:42 -0400

I had a good friend who wore a different patch on every uniform.

Response by SGT Nicholas Eineichner made Jul 2 at 2016 3:55 PM

SGT Nicholas Eineichner — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 15:55:26 -0400

2id. That Afghanistan deployment brought our platoon very close.

Response by SPC Christopher Cramer made Jul 14 at 2016 2:23 AM

SPC Christopher Cramer — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 02:23:10 -0400

Authorized to wear 28th ID 1st ID and 1ST CAV. I was in 28th ID and wear 1st cav as my full time combat patch mainly because they were my 1st duty station in my 10 year career.

Response by MAJ Keith FitzPatrick, CPIM, CSCP made Jul 14 at 2016 3:24 PM

MAJ Keith FitzPatrick, CPIM, CSCP — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 15:24:47 -0400

I wore mr 1st COSCOM patch with Airborne tab from my deployment to Somalia. The other option was the 3rd Army patch from OIF. After the first Gulf War I used to call the 3rd Army patch the "consolation combat patch" because the handed it out to anyone assigned to Kuwait for years after the war. Couldn't bring myself to wear it once I earned it. At least in Somalia I was one the ground where it was somewhat dangerous. During OIF I just hung around Camp Doha, Kuwait. Never even got close enough to see the border with Iraq, let alone cross it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 12:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:02:10 -0400

I'm authorized 4th ID and 1st CAV. I wore 4th ID until my unit lost our first Soldier, and then 1 CAV after that. But when the ACUs came out I wore the 4th ID patch Under the 1st CAV patch simply because I could and because of the sizes of the patches, you could not tell.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2017 1:09 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 01:09:30 -0400

I only am authorized one, but I am very proud of the work I did on that deployment, so, unlike many who I was with, I still wear mine.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 10 at 2018 9:05 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Thu, 10 May 2018 09:05:05 -0400

I was Authorized to wear two - Old Abe and the Indianhead - I chose Old Abe because my time in the Rakkasans was the best 7 years of my career hands down.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 10 at 2018 9:19 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 10 May 2018 09:19:25 -0400

I wear all three, just a different one on each uniform

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2019 9:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 21:11:51 -0400

101st Sustainment Brigade. That patch is no longer in use after they reverted to the 101st division patch, so it’s a little extra history to cherish.

Response by CPT William Jones made Jan 12 at 2020 4:42 PM

CPT William Jones — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 16:42:38 -0500

You can wear any one you wish and may change them anytime you wish. With the new Velcro’s ones you could even change them hourly if you chose to