Wearing Unauthorized Patches/Flags while deployed?

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.

Commanders should decide the wearing of "host country" patches.

Are we talking about wearing another nation's flag on our uniform sleeve, or are we talking about wearing "motivational" patches on our kits? Two totally different things if you ask me.

At no time should a US military personnel ever wear a Allied patch. No matter what the circumstances are. You are in the United States military period. I understand trying to bond with allied nations but that isn't the way to do it.

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.