Posted on Jan 22, 2014
If you have deployed, do you choose to wear your deployment patch or not?
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A few days ago I overheard some soldiers talking about a new NCO that just got to their company. They went on about how he did not have a deployment patch on and how they didnt feel like he was an adequate leader because he had not yet deployed. Have any of you heard this from your soldiers, and why would you choose to not wear your deployment patch?
Posted in these groups: 
Deployment
Soldiers
Deployment Soldiers
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 40
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My past 3 assignments I have reported with a sterile uniform. It is important for me to earn respect and acknowledgement based on the work and duties performed. Once the boss has a Class A/ACU inspection I then wear patches and badges. It shows some humility and my desire to earn respect based on performance rather than letting previous career opportunities speak for my competence.<br>
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MAJ Byron Oyler
Each situation can have its own merits and detractions. I had a CO one time (now a BG) that said, 'oh you have not deployed.' I have worn it everyday since then. Too many are quicker to judge when you do not have than do. This will change as more vets get out and juniors replace them.
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SGT (Join to see)
Did i earn it Yes, am i gonna wear it yes. Do i still give another soldier that hasn't deployed respect regardless of rank yes.
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LTC Ray B. (Ret)
Previous experience and performance does speak of respect and proficiency already earned
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CPT William Jones
On the matters of bling on the uniform I encouraged my sone while he was a company Grade Officer to wear his to help people understand he may know what he is talking about in those planning meetings etc. the bling included CIB, Pilot wings, and Parachute wings.He should know about planning and whats needed for an air assult operation literaly frum the ground up. Oh, I had over 32 months inRVN as a Combat Engineer
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Perhaps he was just promoted to SGT based on merit and hadn't had the opportunity to deploy yet. Deployment experience isn't the only adequate indicator of leadership ability, and anyone who tells you otherwise is sadly mistaken.
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<p>I wear my patch from my first deployment. I wear it because I am damn proud of my Soldiers that I served with on that deployment (Alpha Troop, 3-4 CAV, 4th Platoon). I keep in touch with all of my guys from back then. Our unit has some rich history with valorous duty during Vietnam. We actually had the Alpha Troop 3/4 CAV guidon that they carried during Vietnam with us in Afghanistan. Very proud of those guys and that unit.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>I do not wear it as some sort of "validation of adequacy" from subordinates, peers or seniors. A patch does not provide that. </p>
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