Can you wear a Marine Corps (2nd MARDIV to be exact) combat patch in the Army?

Sgt Cody Jones — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 22:20:55 -0500

The reason I ask is because I have herd mixed reviews so I’m looking to hear exspecially from higher ups. I deployed as a Marine in 2011-2012 in 2/9 (falls under 2nd MARDIV), my buddy who deployed with me has made the transition to the Army as well and they allow it. Is this a command type desision or is it just not that big of a deal?

Response by Sgt Cody Jones made Feb 15 at 2018 10:23 PM

Sgt Cody Jones — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 22:23:02 -0500

Especially* typo

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 15 at 2018 10:23 PM

SPC Mike Lake — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 22:23:24 -0500

Wow that's a good question I'm interested to know the answer

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2018 1:14 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 01:14:06 -0500

One of my guys used to wear a Marine deployment patch but unfortunately I can no longer ask him about the circumstances around it.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Feb 16 at 2018 2:19 AM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 02:19:56 -0500

According to AR 670-1 Chapter 21-17 (2): "Personnel who served in a designated area as a civilian or a member of another Service, but were not a member of the U.S. Army during one of the specified periods are not authorized to wear the SSI–FWTS." The regulations say no, and the only mention of any Marine units in 670-1 are referring to SOLDIERS who were under the command of the 1st Marine Division during a period of time in OIF. That doesn't mean that Marines who were in the 1st Marines can wear it if they switch over, but rather Army Soldiers who served. Seems like your buddies CoC is allowing him to break regs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2018 7:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 07:13:12 -0500

According to regs, it is very clear that it is not authorized. I wore mine for a long time, and no one ever said anything about it, but my unit knew me. I wouldn't wear it to a new unit.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 16 at 2018 12:03 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 12:03:40 -0500

If you earned as a Marine. No

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2018 3:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 15:03:31 -0500

No, you may not.
Reference is AR 670-1 Chapter 21-17(2)

There are circumstances where a Soldier deployed in support of 1st MARDIV may wear it as a SSI/FWS, but those are pretty rare. For anyone who deployed as a Marine, the answer is no.

Response by Sgt Cody Jones made Feb 16 at 2018 6:19 PM

Sgt Cody Jones — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 18:19:39 -0500

Thank you all for the references and input. Would this also effect the deployment hashmark on the sleeve?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2021 8:19 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 May 2021 08:19:39 -0400

No. The 2nd MARDIV Combat Shoulder Sleeve Insignia is NOT Authorized.
AR 670-1 Para 21-18 b. (1), (2)
AR 670-1 Para 21-18 c. (1), (6), (14)