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.