Posted on Jul 3, 2016
Why do units insist that a SM wear the unit patch as the combat patch while deployed with that unit? I resist this.
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Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 51
Having worked in public affairs for a number of years, I can say that it is very helpful for us when a Soldier wears the same combat patch as their current unit of assignment. It looks pretty strange when publishing an article about the 10th MTN DIV and there is a Soldier in an accompanying photo is wearing a combat patch from the 82nd ABN. Of course everyone here reading this knows the difference. But that doesn't stop dozens of people from pointing out the apparent "discrepancy" (because, of course, everyone on the internet is an expert.) Plus it helps us to tell the Army story for that particular unit. As an individual Soldier, the decision is always yours and I will support that.
I think the legend, Billy Preston, said it best when he stated, "if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with."
I think the legend, Billy Preston, said it best when he stated, "if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with."
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Two questions:
1. Are you deployed?
2. Are you in combat, or in a Combat Zone
If you can answer yes to both questions, the patch is authorized; so you should wear it, and be proud.
1. Are you deployed?
2. Are you in combat, or in a Combat Zone
If you can answer yes to both questions, the patch is authorized; so you should wear it, and be proud.
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READ AR670-1 IN WILL GIVE YOU INSITE ABOUT WEARING A COMBAT PATCH WHILE DEPLOYED
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When I was in, I didn't see much of this. Even when it was "a thing", I never encountered anyone who would approach a soldier with a certain patch, i.e. SF, Grenada Rangers, WW2 (We still had a few), Korea. Got out before Panama, so my experience stopped with Grenada.
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Former SPC Asshole over here. I never understood why dudes of any rank would openly try to look different in a formation or ceremony. "Oh hey look, we are 98% uniform." You have pockets. Make the formation uniform when it's done put your fave merit badge back on.
I otherwise don't understand making soldiers wear patches of the current unit. Some soldiers worked hard to earn those patches and should wear them until end of service, some soldiers earned them with blood. Command policy to wear a patch is odd. "Oh hey you put boot to ass to earn that patch, but now come wear this weird patch no one wants." It also makes you look like you've deployed once and are still a cherry.
But let's make our formations look good. Take off the weird boots, don't fold your headgear weird, ditch the high speed shades, and look like a kick ass unit.
I otherwise don't understand making soldiers wear patches of the current unit. Some soldiers worked hard to earn those patches and should wear them until end of service, some soldiers earned them with blood. Command policy to wear a patch is odd. "Oh hey you put boot to ass to earn that patch, but now come wear this weird patch no one wants." It also makes you look like you've deployed once and are still a cherry.
But let's make our formations look good. Take off the weird boots, don't fold your headgear weird, ditch the high speed shades, and look like a kick ass unit.
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SGT Tim Soyars
So, you say that the old soldier, who has combat patches from several units and tours, CIB, CMB, Jump wings, Air Assault wings, Ranger Tab, SF Tab, Foreign Jump Wings, etc., should remover them all so he is just as uniform as Pvt. Joe Shit the Rag Bag E-1, then put it all back on after formation? That's ludicrous! Sound like that, "Well, we don't want Pvt. Rag Bag to feel bad that he hasn't had a change/misfortune to go to these school, earn a award, or go to combat ." It's because he has only been in the Army FOUR MONTHS! I guess the old soldier would have to take all his stuff off for formations after lunch and COB, too. Really??!!
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Unless there was a change in the regulations, the combat patch on right shoulder is worn after leaving the combat theater. Until then, the Unit patch is worn on the left sleeve.
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Part of the ARMY VALUES. Some will push for the Loyalty block on an NCOER to get a NoGo if you do not wear it.
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The commander can request it under the guise of uniformity. He or she can add to a regulation, but not take away from. Your soldiers are watching so as you pick and choose what orders to follow, so will they. You are undermining your inherent authority as a NCO by doing that. What will prevent them from picking and choosing your orders when they see you doing the same? Your making a statement through your actions that you are above everyone else and the policy doesn't apply to you. Is that the message a leader should send?
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SPC Alexander Brandt
But the regulation doesn't allow for that kind of wiggle room. It says in black and white that Soldiers are authorized to choose with deployment patch they want to wear.
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