What combat patch or patches am I authorized?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 11:56:06 -0400

There was a lot of argument when my unit returned, over what patches we were authorized. We deployed as a CAV troop attached to the 101st. We wore the 101 patch afterward's, but some argued that the regs state that's since we were a company sized element, we are allowed to wear our home unit patch.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2018 6:55 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 18:55:50 -0400

AR 670-1 Section 21-17, Paragraph 7a states: A deployed unit (company or higher) will wear its unit SSI as the SSI-FWTS, regardless of the headquarters element deploying and the unit alignment or OPCON during the period of deployment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 1:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 13:05:36 -0400

My unit was attached to 101st when we deployed in 05-06 and we wore the 101st patch on our left the entire deployment. On return, we were authorized to wear either that or our unit patch as a "combat" patch.

We did get orders that authorized us to wear it as the SSI-FTWS or "combat" patch. I have them in my 'me' book. But I wear the unit I was in patch on my right.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2019 12:22 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 00:22:55 -0400

No one in your unit should be wearing the 101 patch. You should only be wearing your organic unit patch as your combat patch. The regulation clearly states at a company or above you only wear your unit patch and not your higher headquarters. I would make sure your chain command knows about this. I'm really glad that Army did this. I can't stand saying soldiers wear unit patches to units they were never in. I have seen soldiers have come at patches like trading cards. They were never meant to be collected like that.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 20 at 2019 2:33 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 14:33:25 -0400

So I am confused. I was AD working with a NG unit. I got deployed as an augmentee to the 18th AB staff. What patch should I wear?

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 20 at 2019 8:01 PM

SFC George Smith — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 20:01:29 -0400

Most interesting … Good Info … Thanks for the share

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2019 11:03 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 23:03:39 -0400

1967-68: USARV, First Log Cmd, Fourth Trans Cmd
1972: First Aviation Cmd

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Feb 9 at 2020 2:26 PM

MAJ Ron Peery — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:26:06 -0500

During my 27 years in the Army, I earned 4 combat patches. Of those, I chose to wear only 2. It's basically up to you whether you wear the patch. During my time in Afghanistan, I refused to wear the patch of my higher headquarters. I deployed from 35th ID, but there were no subdued patches available in theater. Instead, I acquired and wore the patch of the 45th Brigade, OKARNG, for most of the tour. Why? Because I'm an Okie. Now, my "me wall" is adorned with a shadowbox with my 45th patch proudly displayed among the other trophies of my time in the 'stan. Thanks to the young SPC who provided it.

Response by SSG Kenneth Ponder made Sep 2 at 2020 9:22 PM

SSG Kenneth Ponder — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 21:22:14 -0400

Wear your unit patch, with some pride.

Response by SPC Robert Montoya made Dec 7 at 2022 2:35 PM

SPC Robert Montoya — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 14:35:33 -0500

I will request further guidance, but according to https://www.army.mil/article/2672/combat_patches_authorized_at_lower_echelons The new guidance states that when echelons below company level deploy, Soldiers in those units may now wear the combat patch of the lowest-echelon command they deploy with, as long as it's at company level or higher.

Combat Patches Authorized at Lower Echelons

The Army has changed its policy on the wear of combat patches as a result of the way Soldiers and their units now deploy.