Today I saw a chaplain with a long tab and a combat action badge. Is there a scenario where this is possible?

Is it inappropriate to stop someone and ask them about their service if you dont know what the patches mean? Why didn't you just ask him?

Very good friend from IOBC went to Selection and Q-Course. He is now a chaplain.

Jeff Streuker was with 75 Rangers in Mogadishu and went in to become an Army Chaplain. I didn’t wear the long-tab but I did wear the Drill Sergeant patch as an officer.

While I was in USFK, the 8th Army Chaplin had served as an infantry enlisted soldier a Flight warrant officer and then commissioned as a Chaplin. He had made it to the rank of COL.

It won't answer your question but everyone in the service has unique opportunities. I have seen Navy officers with an AF occupational badge and an AF butter bar with pewter dolphins from his time in the Navy. I was deployed with a chaplain with command pilot wings. All seemed legit when I asked.

We got a new Chaplain when I was in the National Guard. He came in wearing his Class As. He was wearing a Ranger tab, a Special Forces combat patch, ribbons up to his shoulder topped with a Silver Star, CIB, jump wings, and a Vietnam service ribbon with four stars. He had gone to college and seminary after a seemingly very interesting period of service. Last I heard of him, he had a star and was Deputy Chief of Chaplains for Reserve Components. So, yes, possible.

Sequencing.

He could of reclassed as a chaplain. I knew an officer with a drill sergeant patch. Great guy and great warrior. Was a major when I met him. I know of (have seen) a chaplain with a CIB. He was enlisted while getting his Master's of Divinity. Heard he was a great chaplain.

It is Legit. First Chaplain, who had an impact on me, was a ranger. Not just assigned, but he graduated from the school, an was the regimental chaplain.

He may have served as an enlisted man prior to becoming an officer and a Chaplin.
I served 10 1/2 years as an EM and attended College and OTS after returning from Vietnam.
Went from Tsgt to 2lt. with Master Parachutist Wings, Aircrew Wings, Viet Jump Wings Bronze Star, Air Medal etc. Got questioned a few times as to how I got them.