Why do people wear all of the different types of patches on the new camo uniform (e.g. color, just a color flag, all OD green, etc.)?

SPC Erich Guenther — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 07:26:20 -0400

No more Army regs on this? Is it all up to the company commander now? Just curious

Response by SSG Thomas Werstlein made Jun 18 at 2021 9:32 AM

SSG Thomas Werstlein — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:32:25 -0400

There is a regulation that covers wear and appearance of the uniform. AR-670-1 ( unless it's changed in the 9 years since I retired). Commanders at BDE and above do have some flexibility on some things. Check the regulation for specifics.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2021 9:45 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:45:48 -0400

There are specific situations when the subdued flag is warn vs the bright flag that is most often warn. Usually units will switch to the subdued flag when they start preparation for a deployment and after they have recovered from the deployment they will switch back.

Some bases have started wearing bright patches on certain days or for ceremonies. I have never been in a unit that did this but I think it's fantastic. The subdued patch isn't the patch with history and many Soldiersover the last 10 or so years have never worn a bright patch. Personally I would love for all patches in garrison to be bright.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2021 11:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 11:23:10 -0400

The regulation actually says Commanders may authorize changes and dictate the uniform

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 18 at 2021 1:29 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 13:29:23 -0400

One of the eternal questions. Patches came into use in World War I so that Commanders could identify their own troops. Then someone decided they should be subdued so they could not be seen. Just take them off. You are not supposed to tell the enemy what unit you are in but you wear a patch to identify it. And on and on and on.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2021 10:17 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 22:17:19 -0400

For the subdued flag, I have only ever worn it while deployed or while in the field for an extended period of time like NTC.

I have never worn a colored patch, though I know 1ID plays around with their "Big Red One". I've also seen the 101st do colored patches for certain events.

I think if we're going to have colored flags then we should do colored patches if not in the field or deployed. I'm sure that's a logistical pain in the ass some where though.

That said, we are switching to a garrison uniform soon too.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2021 10:46 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 10:46:03 -0400

Update for full color shoulder sleeve insignia published yesterday:
ALARACT 056/2021, WEAR OF THE FULL-COLOR SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA ON THE ARMY COMBAT UNIFORM AND IMPROVED HOT WEATHER COMBAT UNIFORM (CUI), DTG: R 211815Z JUN 21. This message provides instruction on wearing the full-color shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) on the army combat uniform (ACU) and improved hot weather combat uniform (IHWCU). Brigade level commanders may authorize the wear of the full-color SSI on the ACU and IHWCU for special occasions such as, but not limited to commemoration ceremonies or changes of command/responsibility. The full-color SSI will not be worn outside of the area where ceremony or special event is being conducted.