Why So Much Confusion Surrounding Former Wartime Shoulder Sleeve Insignia?

2015-07-23T17:37:30-04:00

FWSSI, The AR's are pretty straight forward Only Army Patches, with two exceptions, and both of those are reserved for Soldiers who were assigned to support the USMC. So why is it so hard for a lot of people to make on the spot corrections on Former Marines who wear USMC patches on an Army Uniform?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 5:39 PM

2015-07-23T17:39:34-04:00

Honestly, it is because most people are aware of the regulation. They know the basics that apply to themselves but don't read enough to at least have a general familiarity with the Reg.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jul 23 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-07-23T17:44:39-04:00

Damn, Jarheads! :)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 5:45 PM

2015-07-23T17:45:52-04:00

There is also a big hassle factor involved. It would have to be a pretty big thing for it to be worth the fight. I have suspected more that a few frauds but I don't carry a letter listing my authorized FWSI either. Just my 2 cents.

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Jul 23 at 2015 6:57 PM

2015-07-23T18:57:34-04:00

What exactly does the exact reg say about this?

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 23 at 2015 7:34 PM

2015-07-23T19:34:40-04:00

CW3 Kevin Storm Most people are probably not clear, and the rules for SSI–FWTS changes. Some just don't like to make corrections. It is probably more confusing now, as we have AR 670-1 (66 pages) and DA PAM 670-1 (304 pages) This is all I found: (3) It appears with the exception of (2 months) days - Invasion of Iraq, no Soldier should be wearing one today.

World War II: between 7 December 1941 and 2 September 1946, both dates inclusive. Soldiers who served with the USMC during World War II from 15 March 1943 through 2 September 1946 may wear the SSI-FWTS for the designated Marine Corps unit.

Lebanon: between 6 August 1983 and 24 April 1984 for Soldiers assigned to the Field Artillery School Target Acquisition Battery or the 214th Field Artillery Brigade, who were attached to the U.S. Marine Corps forces in and around Beirut, Lebanon, for the purpose of counterfire support.

(OIF) Soldiers who served with the 1st Marine Division between 19 March 2003 and 21 April 2003 (2 months) during combat operations in support of OIF are authorized to wear the 1st Marine Division SSI as their SSI–FWTS.

Response by SGT(P) Gregory Daniel Collins, Jr. made Jul 23 at 2015 10:49 PM

2015-07-23T22:49:13-04:00

I have more respect for those who deployed by my side than the letter of the law of an AR that limits their ability to display their experience. We need to amend the AR, not strip the pride from our brothers and sisters in arms who cross services. It's a total force we should focus on and changing things to accommodate that will certainly not hinder our readiness and strength but bolster our respect and cohesiveness.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 24 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-07-24T11:42:28-04:00

I make those corrections alll the time. One, because it's the right thing to do, and two, because I'm also a former Marine who would REALLY prefer to wear my Divisional patch, so if I have to do the right thing, then dammit EVERYONE is gonna do the right thing =o)

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Jul 29 at 2015 3:05 AM

2015-07-29T03:05:45-04:00

doesn't matter to me ,it seems if you can wear ribbons and other achievement awards patches should be the same

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Aug 4 at 2015 9:42 PM

2015-08-04T21:42:03-04:00

if you have earned it then ware it but don't if you have not. now what do you all think about commemorative ribbons & Medals. you cant ware them on official uniforms. but you can ware them on Veteran Associational uniforms. i ware mine and sometimes get shit for having them on my uniform. like stolen valor stuff like that. i got them all from Medals of America. i sent in my DD 214 to them and my NGB 22. the ones that i ware say anyone that serviced for at least 30 days / or between the dates of. or Honorable Discharged. most of them are for any branch some are just ARMY or ARMY National Guard let me know what you think about this