Wearing Unauthorized Patches/Flags while deployed?

What a load of crap. Most people against it have never served as advisors, which, by the way, is in another zone of military service. Everything you do or don't do is based on establishing, building, and maintaining rapport. I have seen some stupid stuff in my time but the regular military's view towards what is important for their advisors is a special kind of stupid. This is why AAR's and Lessons Learned is a joke. I fought in Vietnam and served as an advisor in Afghanistan. Nothing learned was carried forward from Vietnam except by a few of us dinosaurs and what's really stupid is that we're still discussing this fourteen years after this war started. The whole thing about beards was a big problem for the rear echelon military leaders then but they never spent a night in an ANA camp or went on patrol with them. All the senior NCO's that are pissing and moaning about 670-1 should retire and do something useful with their lives.

The exchange of uniform flags is something of a tradition for those working with allied nations. I have done this on my last three deployments. I tipipcally exchange flags with a commanding officer after we have developed a bond. I wear the parented flag under the US flag in place of a combat patch. This symbolizes our command bond, our unity, and support one another. The wear of the flags show that our first allegiance is to our nations and displays our partnership. My NCO's would tipically do the same with their respective counterparts.

Wearing another country's flag seems strange to me. We're no more Afghani than they area American. I have seen plenty of motivation or comedic tabs and patches over the years. Most of the time they're worn under the collar or pocket flap. For some reason Cav Scouts in particular have a thing for "recon" tabs. As long as it's not visible on the uniform I don't care what a troop has under his pocket flap.

With that being said, I've also seen all sorts of jackassery that went way too far. Nametapes like "Bubba" and "Borat" and other ridiculous "sew shop" specials. I saw a CPT who had miniatures of his 5 authorized SSI-FWTS patches made and wore them all simultaneously. Standards shouldn't change just because we're deployed. Double standards have yet to work out in our favor.

The psychological effects in building long lasting partnerships can sometimes for the sake of coalition building supersede regulation. An unwritten rule I'm sure but the benefits purely outweigh a simple violation.

I've seen it, but I would never do it. If I wanted a patch, I just kept it for my personal collection and kept my work uniform to how it's supposed to be.

I do not believe that we should be wearing unauthorized anything. We are the US Army (or applicable service) and there are rules for a reason. Wearing unauthorized anything looks bad upon us for anyone that knows our rules. We are not groups of private army running a muck, doing what we want. Doing what we want does not conform to what we stand for, and does not help our discipline at all levels.

I have work in Peru (South America) and in Afghanistan as combat adviser and I wore the flag of that country in order to build the partnership that is nessesary to acomplish the mission.

We've been bombarded with nearly 100 changes to the uniform composition from material of the acu to the development and issue of the asu. I've witnessed so many uniform violations that I would rather our Soldiers wear it correctly before adding ANYTHING else to it.

I put my vote to the Regs..which was the answer most closely related to my opinion. The DA Pam 670-1 covers the combat uniforms for field use. I don't remember it spelling out anything about combat uniform accessories/accouterments (remember chocolate chip uniforms with woodland camo pouches and olive drab flak vest?).

What AR 670-1 does cover is:
22–13. Badges not authorized for wear on Army uniforms
a. Badges awarded by States and other jurisdictions inferior to the U.S. Government, except as provided in DA Pam 670–1 for ARNG Soldiers in their State status.
b. Badges awarded by jurisdictions inferior to foreign national governments.
c. Badges awarded by foreign civilian organizations.
d. Foreign military badges, except as previously authorized.
e. Marksmanship badges awarded by other U.S. Services.
f. Locally authorized badges.

Will troops still wear stuff they shouldn't? - hell yeah! I would wear my next rank under my pocket flap as motivation.

Unauthorized patches and other items of distinction are a long tradition in the U.S. Army. Combat commanders knew that. Major William O. Darby held a contest among the 1st Ranger Battalion and the Ranger Scroll worn to this day was the result. Of course, it was unauthorized at the time.

BG Frank Merrill did the same in Burma and the Marauders chose a patch that is today the unit crest for the 75th Ranger Regiment. It has the colors of the various combat teams of the Marauders except for Khaki which was represented by the khaki uniform they wore at that time.

Both of these leaders took a chance with their careers for the sake of the morale of their men. Remember, Darby was serving under Patton in North Africa and Sicily. Patton would fine a man for not wearing a necktie in combat.

It is a good idea for a CO to do something like this, especially if the morale is low. Stupid patches like pork eating crusaders are a no-brainer except for those deficient in that area. Of course he has to have the courage and skill to do so, but if he doesn't, then why is he even there?

You want to show partnership while deployed to AFG... wear your ISAF patch.

I have worked Civilian/Military Operations before and I voted for "It can be helpful when building a partnership with another nation". I have not worn unauthorized patches though, but I have seen non-standard uniforms and facial hair with Soldiers doing this kind of work.

I can see the point of the results. In the cold war we traded all kinds of things with the Germans, British, Canadian, and French. We wore some of the items in the field and it did help the team effort with our national counterparts. After field exercises it was back to AR670-1.
I spent about 4 years in Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar. I would say the troops were very well disciple in the wear of the uniform. Vietnam and Cold War soldier had a lot more crazier stuff going on the helmet, web gear and boots. In some cases we went a little out of control. Meaning going native. So is harmful, no. Should a commander and senior NCO work with it and make boundaries, sure. I am glad this topic is being talked about.

Last time I was deployed, I was only allow to wear my unit patch, my"war" patch and the U.S. flag. With that said I wouldn't wear another nation flag for one simple reason I am an American in the United State Army.

No I would not I'm a U.S Solider there for I only wear the patches and flag that go on my uniform. If you read AR 670-1 it doesn't say I can wear a different nations flag on my uniform and I never will

Last I checked I'm in the U.S. Army, and the regulation is literally black and white. You shake hands or break bread to broker friendship.

I personally didn't wear another nations flag on my uniform while deployed but I did however wear a "give a fuck meter" patch that was always on empty.

My guys had different random patches but I only allowed them to be worn under their pocket, out of sight. If they wanted to show someone, that was ok. But then it was back under wraps. As for other countries and us displaying their flag on our shoulder, I believe that is a no go. We are already there in support of their mission and country, there should be no need to display their flag on our uniform.

Where the soldier in the picture is wearing the Afghan flag, we wore a patch with Afghan and U.S. flags on my first deployment to Afghanistan and an ISAF patch on my second. Everybody wore it and I never heard any complaints, but I think there is a different attitude between people who work with locals all day, every day, like ETT's, and people in line units, who mainly work with Americans.

There used to be a saying:

"No combat ready unit ever passed inspection, No inspection ready unit ever passed combat."

Shohna ba Shohna. Some of y'all should know that phrase.

So, I can tell y'all when I was out in the COP, JSS, or on mission there was no telling what uniform I might be in. Sleeves rolled, patches on or off, whatever.
But, If I was in an engagement with foreign leadership I would clean up and look professional. If I was on a FOB, I would pull he proper uniform out of my "go" bag in the truck and look the part.

But it is just not deployment. We do this here in the rear too. USARAK wants Soldiers to wear an ARCITC tab for Soldier that have been to Cold weather school. I haven't found that one in 670-1.

I think the bottom line for me is at good order and discipline. Does wearing an Iraqi or Afghani flag on your left sleeve hurt the good order and discipline? Does it support the mission?

The ones I saw the most were worn on their vest, but they were still unauthorized IAW AR 670-1

Always represent your own flag no matter where you are unless you are special ops and need to blend.

I remember the "Bronies". Saw a number of "My Little Pony" patches out there. That got to be a bit of a headache.

I think if the patch provides a tactical, operational, or strategic value and doesn't discredit the service or the nation, I don't see a problem with it. As an example with the picture you posted, the Afghan flag can serve to show one team and support to the area they are working in. It doesn't take away from the service member or the nation. Wearing the unit patch of a partnered unit also sends a message of support to the mission.

Where I see a problem is when Soldiers start putting unauthorized patches and tabs (powerpoint ranger, ect). These serve no value to the unit or the mission and therefore should not be allowed.

A double standard? Yes, but when we apply a little leadership and common sense, we should be able to make the right decision.

We're operating in countries where people can't read the "unauthorized" patches anyway. If morale is helped by having some fun with "unauthorized" patches, then it's worth it. As someone who's primary job puts him in an aircrew position, I personally have a huge collection of "unauthorized" patches and wear them freely on the aircraft... as does everybody else.

Call me old fashion but follow the regs. They exist a reason. It also helps to properly id you in a hurry.

Wear the flag of the country you are representing.

I feel that it wouldn't be a problem but i think we should just wear the flag of our nation. We are US soldiers not another nation. Represent

No. I would only the stars and stripes.

I am new to this site. But does it really effect the way I fight, or the way my soldiers fight if they have a fun meter on there kit? Or a doorkicker patch on there mag pouch? There is a time and place for everything. So much that American and German soldiers sang Christmas carols across their lines in Bastogne. If it makes a soldier feel good, or feel "cool" then so be it. Take it off when you get back to the states. To me this is no different than someone in a TOC getting on the net and telling me to blouse my trousers, and roll my sleeves down because a raven saw me sweating on a patrol.

we should always have our us flag on all the time period. but in certain circumstances wearing that countries with ours is not an issue to me

Only wear what you have orders for. I've been out a long time. Has there ever been an instance where American soldiers were told to flag under another country?

When in working groups we sometimes swapped patches, but I would switch back once we parted ways. I've seen a lot of Korean, and Japanese military members either in the US uniform, or wearing US flags and patches, I don't have a problem with that, and I don't see a problem with US personnel showing some camaraderie.

I don't like the hooah patches. It was usually the Air Force, but they'd be wearing full color Star Wars patches, superheroes, sports teams, etc. I remember sitting in the dinning facility and seeing a Yoda patch, a bright pink patch, and sports patch on three different Air Force Service Members.

If
It's mission essential ...got
It...otherwise our country gets disrespected enough anyways, why cause more harm? No one has respect for anything nowadays...but is always demanding it

A conventional mindset is not the right answer in most cases. Foreign unit patches can assist in foreign relations, the same reason why there is relaxed grooming standards in some theaters. If you are training or partnered in that capacity then I believe discretion should be up to the unit.

"I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense."

I don't see anywhere in that that says that I serve in the military of another nation. Just sayin...

I understand, but the standard. One time (many times) in Iraq, I saw US Soldiers that were wearing tabs and pathes they thought were funny.... Secret Squirrel patch on the rights sleeve... a CPT (yes a captain) wearing a tab over his patch that said "shitbag," and the list is long. Yes, if I saw it. I corrected it fast.

Marines don't even wear our own Flag (most times), why would we wear someone else's Flag?

We should be able to only wear our US Flag. Why should we wear another countries flag? Is it really to show we are helping that country or to give that country "we are here to help"? Obviously we are there, since they aren't able to handle the situation.

If going beyond the wire with a partner force and as long as it's in good taste, more power to ya. I think day-to-day on FOB, conventional units should wear the proper uniform.

Only un-auth patches I had went on g.I. Vest after I retired.. only the Vets whose company I was in knew the translation.. maybe a few civilians that were of Vietnam descent ..

Who says the are unauthorized?? When assigned o a Multinational Forces and Observers rotation (6mo)- we were required to wear the MFO beret with that crest- not our Airborne Maroon one. It was required by the treaty and backed by the State Dept- that out trumped anything from DA. Bottom line there young LT- you will wear what you are ordered to wear and let higher sort it out if there is a problem.

Depending on your and higher commands orders

I can't recall any soldiers on my deployment wearing non US flags. 2 or 3 wanted to wear a patch on the opposite shoulder of a US flag crossed with an Afghan flag. But that was squashed very quickly.

As far as moto patches, nearly all our platoons had them. And even some squads. My squad wore tabs that said "BN FUCKED US" inside a shoulder flap. Story behind that was my squad worked more closely with our BN stationed at another base than with Company elements. They routinely flat out ignored intel or asset requests from my section. So that tab was born from frustration of dealing with a higher command. I also had a Punisher skull added to one of my ISAF patches as homage to a 2006 deployment my unit did before I joined.

no

That would depend on the higher ups, I don't think so, unless you are deployed as a UN soldier, then you would display the UN Flag.

I don't think negative patches toward a host country does anybody any favor(s)
If a troop who's later a Vet chooses or as chosen to display such a patch will just have to deal with negative feelings toward them should they be confronted.

It is a moral booster and builds camaraderie amongst the platoon/troop/squadron.

Only wore the US Flag, but wore this patch while assisting Iraqi SF guys.

I am just leaving security cooperation position at U.S. Army Pacific and the exchange/wear of another nations patch/flag truly helps to build rapport and advance personal relationships that ultimately build the foundation for partnership and capacity building.

I personally have seen this alot when we are deployed and i think in a way its good for the men and morale. So long as its in good taste and not offensive i would not see an issue with it.

Improvise, adapt, overcome, these are traits of good leadership, even if they break the Uniform regs. In War, rules have to be bent to get the mission done.

I understand the regs but my opinion may be different here. It depends. How visible are you? Are you in Kabul, Bagram or Kandahar? Or are you at some remote and unknown FOB? Are the patches disrespectful to anyone? A little bit of relaxation goes a long way for morale when experiencing a hardship. There isn't a single person on this planet that is 100% by the book 100% of the time. If they say they are don't trust them.

If the C.O.C. approves there should be no issue. If my unit approves of patches I would wear a funny one, for morale. Nothing heals pain faster than laughter.

This picture looks photo shopped. that being said, a U.S Soldier should only be wearing a U.S. patch.