Wearing Unauthorized Patches/Flags while deployed?

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.