Combat Patch Regulation (SSI-FWTS), Fact vs Fiction?

I’m an IMA soldier and while joining my active component unit for my 30 days of Annual Training, I was sent to a country considered to be in the AO for one of the ongoing Operations. A fellow officer mentioned I was authorized to wear our unit’s patch as a SSI-FWTS. He stated one day on orders in that country, in support of the Operation met the requirement to wear the patch as my SSI. I read the regulation and that seems to be the case but that just doesn’t seem right for three weeks in an Op Center. Just wondering if this is true or am I understanding this wrong? I’m asking because when he approached me he was stating I was out of uniform when I returned and gave me the explanation above. He was joking of course and it was in his own way recognizing I had been gone and was back. I realize the wear is up to the soldier but I’m not sure if the senior officer was correct in his interpretation as I’ve always heard it required being in country 30-90 days. Does anyone know the real deal? I never want to wear anything I didn’t earn.