Why do units insist that a SM wear the unit patch as the combat patch while deployed with that unit? I resist this.

The only time my unit requested this was when we got off the plane returning home from deployment. Of course it was an easy decision for all of us since most of our belonging's burned up in tent fires in Kuwait. So when we were reissued uniforms they had the unit patch's sown on both sides and we didn't have access to any other patches. OIF 1-1.5 2ACR

so the lower enlisted know you are in there chain of comand

We should be like the Marines- don't wear any unnecessary garbage on your combat uniform...when you get captured, how about a little OPSEC? Instead, the Army Times practically publishes deployment orders....you don't think ISIS, al Qaeda and the DNC read the Army Times???

I never experienced it personally. My Commanders and CSMs always allowed the soldier to make the choice.

This is a new one on me. I retired in 92' after Desert Storm and we wore the unit patch on our left shoulder though the SGM asked me why I didn't have it on my right when we were coming back - I wore MACV as I had when we deployed.

GAD ,mine was 1st Cav ...THEY HATE that.

Wow, I wear whatever I am entitled to, and zero Generals and zero CSMs can say otherwise.

I Did as well but I had a few of them I just went upstairs and changed one out for the other 2...laffs

I am not sure why anyone is wearing anything on their uniforms when they are deployed.

Wow! THIS is what you're worried about? I think you need to recheck your priorities.

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."

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.

Look it up in AR 670-1. I'm with you...

READ AR670-1 IN WILL GIVE YOU INSITE ABOUT WEARING A COMBAT PATCH WHILE DEPLOYED

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.

You guys wear patches down range....?

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.

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.

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.

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?