Can you wear a combat patch for a unit you supported?

SPC Craig Smith — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:20:04 -0400

I have a question about combat patches.

I was in Iraq on day 11 of the invasion. OIF 1 & 2. Being in transportation, we served the whole theater. The Air Force, 1st MEF, and the whole advancing force was supplied by our fuel.

When we came back, some people wore different combat patches in my unit. I was told that we were authorized the 49th QM groups patch, which I wore and still have to this day.

How in the world would I find out which combat patch I am authorized to have? If any other one at all?

It may seem like a trivial question, but, if I am authorized another combat patch it would sure be nice to know.

Thanks....

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 31 at 2014 11:26 PM

SGT Richard H. — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:26:16 -0400

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure whatever patch you had on when you showed up would just move to the other shoulder. If you have more than one deployment, I think its the most recent.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 2:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 02:36:25 -0400

The patch you wore over is the one you keep unless you were assigned to a different unit, or your company or platoon was attached to someone else. In that case you will have attachment orders authorizing you to wear the other patch.

The clarification came out in an ALARACT message a few years ago after everyone and their mom decided they were authorized to wear a JSOC/SFG/USASOC/Ranger combat patch since they supported them once on a mission.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 7:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 07:15:12 -0400

This question always comes up when people deploy and I guess this old crusty bastard doesn't care what's on my shoulder as long as I brought my troops home safe.
However in saying that the SSI-FWTS you are authorized to wear is the unit you are assigned to or attached to. I went to the Stan as a member of the 101st but was attached to the 25th and we had to endure a "patch ceremony". I will not wear the tropic lightning although authorized.

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Sep 1 at 2014 9:52 AM

LTC Paul Heinlein — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 09:52:32 -0400

You can find AR 670-1 at this link...dated 31 March 2014, its on page 33
http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf

Bottom Line: What ever the patch is of the unit you are assigned to, unless you have authorization from the DCS, G-1 or a designated representative to wear a different patch.

21–17. Shoulder sleeve insignia–former wartime service
a. General. Authorization to wear a SSI indicating FWTS applies only to Soldiers who are/were assigned to U.S. Army units that meet all the following criteria:
(1) The Secretary of the Army or higher must declare the theater or area of operation as a hostile environment to which the unit is assigned or Congress must pass a Declaration of War.
(2) The units must have actively participated in or supported ground combat operations against hostile forces in which they were exposed to the threat of enemy action or fire, either directly or indirectly.
(3) The military operation normally must have lasted for a period of 30 days or longer. An exception may be made when U.S. Army forces are engaged with a hostile force for a shorter period of time, when they meet all other criteria, and a recommendation from the general or flag officer in command is forwarded to the Chief of Staff, Army.
(4) The Chief of Staff, Army must approve the authorization for wearing the SSI for FWTS. Note: Units are not authorized to make modifications to their SSI, or SSI-FWTS without prior approval from the DCS, G-1. A mirror image SSI-FWTS is considered a modification.
(5) 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.
(6) Unless otherwise approved by this regulation, Soldiers attached or under operational control (OPCON) to other services are not authorized to wear their patches as their SSI-FWTS without written approval from DCS, G-1 or a designated representative.
(7) Soldiers of all Army components (Active, ARNG, and USAR) who deploy during periods of service designated for wear of the SSI-FWTS are authorized to wear a SSI-FWTS. There are no time-in-theater requirements for authorization to wear the SSI-FWTS. Soldiers may not earn more than one SSI-FWTS during the same deployment.
(a) A deployed unit (company or higher) will wear its unit SSI as the SSI-FWTS, regardless of the headquarters element deploying and the unit alignment or OPCON during the period of deployment.
(b) A deployed unit will not wear its assigned SSI as its SSI-FWTS when the SSI belongs to a major command, such as an ACOM/ASCC/DRU or State Area Command, or a non-deployable unit. In such cases, the unit will wear the SSI of the lowest echelon Army unit (company or higher) in the deployed chain of command as the SSI-FWTS. When
there is no intermediate unit (company or higher) in the deployed chain of command, these deployed Soldiers will wear the SSI of the senior command in the theater as its SSI-FWTS.
(c) When echelons below company level (such as teams or squads) deploy, members of these units will wear the SSI of the lowest echelon deployed Army unit (company or higher) in the deployed chain of command (based on written orders) as the SSI-FWTS. When there is no intermediate unit (company or higher) in the deployed chain of
command, these deployed Soldiers will wear the SSI of the senior command in the theater as its SSI-FWTS.
(d) Individual Soldiers who are attached (to include OPCON, cross-leveled, assigned, or augmenting deployed units) will wear the same SSI-FWTS worn by members of the deployed Army unit (company or higher) to which attached by written orders. A Soldier who is further attached (to one or more units) during one deployment will only wear the SSIFWTS for the first Army unit (company or higher) to which attached by written orders. Soldiers who deploy with their unit (company level or higher) will wear the SSI-FWTS as outlined in paragraph 21–17a(7)(a), regardless how many times they are further attached to other units as individuals or teams. Members of trial defense and Criminal
Investigation Division Command will wear the SSI of their respective commands as their SSI-FWTS.
b. Authorization. Authorization applies only to members of the Army who were assigned to the designated location overseas with U.S. Army organizations during the following periods:
(1) 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.
(2) Korea: between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954, both dates inclusive. Also between 1 April 1968 and 31 August 1973, for those personnel who were awarded the Purple Heart, combat infantryman badge, combat medical badge, or who qualified for at least one month of hostile fire pay for service in a hostile fire area in Korea.
(3) The Vietnam theater, including Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia: between 1 July 1958 and 28 March 1973, both dates inclusive.
(4) The Dominican Republic: between 29 April 1965 and 21 September 1966, both dates inclusive. Individuals are authorized to wear one of three organizational SSI: XVIII Airborne Corps, 82d Airborne Division, or 5th Logistical Command. Individuals previously attached, assigned, or under the OPCON of these units will wear their respective
insignia. A fourth organizational SSI (Office of Economic Adjustment–Spanish equivalent of Organization of American States) is authorized for individuals who were not in one of the three units listed above.
(5) Grenada, to include the Green and Carriacou Islands: between 24 October 1983 and 21 November 1983, both dates inclusive. Personnel are authorized to wear one of the following organizational SSI: XVIII Airborne Corps; 82d Airborne Division; 1st Special Operations Command (Airborne); 1st Corps Support Command; 20th Engineer Brigade;
35th Signal Brigade; 16th Military Police Brigade; 44th Medical Brigade; 1st Battalion (Ranger), 75th Ranger Regiment; 2d Battalion (Ranger), 75th Ranger Regiment; and 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Individuals attached to, or under the OPCON of these units will wear their respective organizational SSI. Individuals attached to, or under the OPCON of any unit whose parent organization is not authorized SSI, will wear the SSI of the unit to
which attached or the unit that had OPCON.
(6) 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.
(7) Korea: 23 November 1984, for Soldiers who participated directly in the firefight with North Korean guards at the Joint Security Area, Panmunjom, Korea.
(8) Persian Gulf: between 27 July 1987 and 1 August 1990 for Soldiers assigned or attached to, or under the OPCON of, a unit whose mission was direct support to Operation Earnest Will. Soldiers must have been eligible for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and imminent danger pay.
(9) Panama: between 20 December 1989 and 31 January 1990 for Soldiers assigned to the following units who participated in Operation Just Cause: XVIII Airborne Corps; U.S. Army Special Operations Command; U.S. Army South; 7th Infantry Division (Light); 82d Airborne Division; 5th Infantry Division (M); 1st Special Operations Command; 193d Infantry Brigade; 1st Corps Support Command; 16th Military Police Brigade; 18th Aviation Brigade;
35th Signal Brigade; 7th Special Forces Group; 75th Ranger Regiment; 1st , 2d, and 3d Battalions, 75th Ranger Regiment; 470th Military Intelligence Brigade; 525th Military Intelligence Brigade; 44th Medical Brigade; 1109th Signal Brigade; Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command; and Criminal Investigation Command.
Soldiers assigned to units not listed above will wear the SSI of the unit to which attached or the unit that had OPCON. Soldiers assigned to units not listed above and not attached to, or under the OPCON of any of the units listed above, will wear the SSI of the U.S. Army South.
(10) The Persian Gulf: between 17 January 1991 and 31 August 1993, both dates inclusive, for Soldiers participating in Operation Desert Storm. Soldiers must have been assigned or attached to, or under the OPCON of, a unit whose mission was direct support to Operation Desert Storm; they must have received imminent danger pay and had been under the command and control of U.S. Army Element U.S. Central Command.
(11) El Salvador: between 1 January 1981 and 1 February 1992, both dates inclusive, for those personnel who participated in El Salvador operations.
(12) Somalia: between 5 December 1992 and 31 March 1995, both dates inclusive, for Soldiers who participated in Operation Restore Hope/Continue Hope/United Shield. Additionally, Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Forces Patriot Defender, Elusive Concept, and Proven Force are authorized to wear SSI–FWTS even though they were not under the
command and control of the U.S. Army Element of U.S. Central Command.
(13) Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF): between 19 September 2001 and a date to be determined, for Soldiers assigned to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan; Between 9 January 2002 and a date to be determined for those Soldiers assigned to the Philippines, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, who were
receiving combat zone tax exclusion and imminent danger pay (IDP), and who meet the criteria of paragraph 21–17a. Between 31 July 2002 and a date to be determined, for Soldiers deployed to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) as identified by CENTCOM Command Center–Joint Staff for Personnel and Administration. Soldiers who were
deployed in the area of operations on training exercises or in support of operations other than OEF are not authorized the SSI–FWTS, unless those exercises or operations became combat or support missions to OEF.
(14) Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF): between 19 March 2003 to 31 August 2010, for Soldiers assigned to units participating in OIF. Soldiers must have been deployed in the CENTCOM area of operations, or participated in OIF while deployed in Turkey, Israel, or on Aegis cruisers. Soldiers who served with the 1st Marine Division between 19 March 2003 and 21 April 2003 during combat operations in support of OIF are authorized to wear the 1st Marine Division SSI as their SSI–FWTS. Soldiers who were deployed in the area of operations on training exercises or in support of operations other than OIF not authorized the SSI-FWTS, unless those exercises or operations became combat or support missions to OIF.
(15) Operation New Dawn (OND): between 1 September 2010 and 31 December 2011 for Soldiers assigned to units participating in support of OND. Soldiers must have been deployed in the CENTCOM area of operations or participated in OND while deployed in Turkey, Israel, or on Aegis cruisers. Soldiers who were deployed in the area of
operations on training exercises or in support of operations other than OND are not authorized the SSI-FWTS, unless those exercises or operations became combat or support missions to OND.
(16) Future Operations: Combatants Commanders may request wear of the SSI-FWTS for future areas of operation designated and approved by the Secretary of the Army.

Response by SPC Craig Smith made Sep 1 at 2014 12:21 PM

SPC Craig Smith — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 12:21:51 -0400

Thanks for your responses everyone. I am authorized the 49QM....we were directly attached to that unit because we were not a command unit.

I wish the Army had a repository of what units are authorized which patch for a period of deployment. It's the not the most important thing in the world, but it is good to know.

Thanks again,

Craig

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Sep 1 at 2014 3:38 PM

SGT Suraj Dave — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 15:38:23 -0400

No Orders = No Proof = No Combat Patch

I am sure at some point you were authorized, but if you don't have the paperwork to prove it, its as good as it didn't happen.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 3:36 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 03:36:29 -0500

Look at you orders, you dance with the one that brought you otherwise you are dancing a fine line between disloyalty and possing.

A combat patch is about the team you were on. What did your boss wear?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 9:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 21:55:56 -0500

That is a good question, I went over there with the 41st infantry brigade and was attached to the 4th infantry division.

Response by MAJ Chris Rice made Feb 28 at 2015 10:09 PM

MAJ Chris Rice — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 22:09:13 -0500

Upon completion of your deployment the unit you were assigned to SHOULD have provided you with Combat Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) orders. Just because you gave gas to Special Forces, 10th Mountain or whatever, does mean you can where their patch unless you were sprcifically attached to that unit for your deployment. The easiest place to start is to look at you deployment orders for each deployment and contact that unit for your SSI orders.

Response by SGT Rick Toole made Apr 16 at 2015 5:12 PM

SGT Rick Toole — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 17:12:46 -0400

Yes, You can wear different combat patches. But only if you or your serving unit were attached to that unit under orders.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 5:22 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 17:22:37 -0400

I supported the 10th Moutain Division,. but was never authorized a combat patch.

Response by CPL Matthew Victor Spagnuolo made Jun 7 at 2015 11:27 PM

CPL Matthew Victor Spagnuolo — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 23:27:22 -0400

You are authorized ANY combat patch u wish! Just so long as your records indicate as such.

Response by SSG Martin Reyna made Jun 22 at 2015 7:38 PM

SSG Martin Reyna — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 19:38:36 -0400

If you have orders authorizing the use, then yes.
My troop was attached to the First Marine Regiment, during the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004. Our troop (F Troop, 4th Cavalry also known as the BRT or 3rd Brigade Reconnaissance Troop) received orders authorization the use of the First Marine Regiment shoulder sleeve insignia (combat patch).

Supporting is not the same as being attached.

I will look for the orders and attach them at later time.

Response by MSG Robert Mills made Jun 29 at 2015 12:31 AM

MSG Robert Mills — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 00:31:45 -0400

7 patches later who cares lol

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 6:41 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 06:41:26 -0400

I am seeing a lot of false statements here. I have never seen orders for a Combat Patch. I don't believe that you would get them for something that actually isn't award. I did receive a Memo for Record that states my unit was attached to the 101st and it's members are entitled to wear their patch. Note the memo didn't award the patch. This is my official document I received.

Now I was with a Corps asset. My unit was F co, 51st Infantry (Long Range Surveillance). We were deployed and attached to the 5th Corps. I would later go on to serve with the 82nd, while some other platoons were with the 4th ID and we all returned together to be attached to 101st. Just because you were working for them or supporting them doesn't mean you were attached. To be attached you would need some attachment orders or there would be your higher command you would be working for. I am not entitled to the 82nd patch. I don't even wear the 101st ever. I just wear my organic unit patch that I wore on my left side. The 525th MI BDE. That was my organic command and our unit patch. We didn't deploy with them but it was our unit patch none the less.

This game of treating patches like trading cards is foolish. I often see National Guard soldier, keep in mind I am in the National Guard, wear 82nd or 101st patches. Seeing how I was at Fort Bragg when I was I will ask them were in Division they were. Often I will hear "I was just attached to them." I am glad we curtailed this in 2008.

I am on my second deployment with the guard and at the moment I am wearing my National Guard unit's patch as my combat patch. But few really take pride in that but want a "Prettier" patch that people will recognize regardless that they were not actually in that unit and aren't a part of that unit's history.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 12:55 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 12:55:55 -0400

An interesting question as it is displayed on your official photograph but not annotated in your ERB/ORB or in your OMPF.
I do have attachment orders to 1 MARDIV from OIF with my UIC listed and it is signed by the Army DCS G1. I can wear the 1 MARDIV patch on my uniform and I do on my ACUs but I wear my 1ID patch from other deployments on my photo. Nothing like an AD member wearing something not familiar for a board when the assignments listed on the ORB are only Riley and Bragg.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jul 30 at 2015 5:26 AM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 05:26:21 -0400

I support 82nd for 6 months and the COL told us we couldn't wear the 82nd patch and the regs did back him up. besides I though my uniform looked good with my unit patches on both arms LOL.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 3:33 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:33:29 -0400

Way to complicated. I am glad we don't wear them.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 28 at 2015 8:30 AM

SGT Scott Bell — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 08:30:40 -0400

yes

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Aug 28 at 2015 10:08 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 10:08:32 -0400

I was 101st ABN DIV during DS/DS. I am authorized to wear it. I was in Iraqi Freedom attached to the 82nd under the Big Red One. We are authorized to wear the 149th MEB Patch. also just returned from the Stan. Was in a MP CO with a non- deploy-able patch. I forget the higher unit we where attached to at Bagram but we are authorized the 42 MP Brigade Patch.
So since authorized all three I can Pick and choose. Most of the time I wear my 101st patch. But on the occasion I switch them out.

Response by SSG Jason Penn made Sep 22 at 2015 11:23 AM

SSG Jason Penn — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 11:23:53 -0400

In Accordance with AR 670-1, you can wear the combat patch of any unit that you were deployed with and assigned to. Attachments are not authorized. If this results in more than four units, you may only choose four of those units to wear the combat patch (of course only one unit at a time). During my deployment to FOB Kalsu, Iraq, this issue came up. For the first half of the deployment we fell under 3ID (our parent unit) and the 2nd half under 10th Mountain (attached). MNCI released orders that allowed us to wear the 10th Mountain patch. This order is superseded by AR 670-1 that said that we couldn't. I corrected as many people as I could being that a regulation always outweighs a Theater Commander's orders.

Response by Sgt Ronnie Mack made Sep 30 at 2015 10:32 AM

Sgt Ronnie Mack — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 10:32:10 -0400

I would 1st contact my old imits company office (COOF) in which I was attached to while in theater. As them 1st, then I would also contact my branch HQ verbally (by phone) and then by corresponding mail (with a signature confirmation) from the post office. That's the pink colored mail slip.

Response by SFC Randall Atchison made Oct 20 at 2015 11:54 AM

SFC Randall Atchison — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 11:54:34 -0400

God bless the Marine Corps! They don't have to worry about such stupid matters!

Response by CSM CSM Retired Stephen Blake made Oct 20 at 2015 12:45 PM

CSM CSM Retired Stephen Blake — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 12:45:27 -0400

The lowest level unit authorized their own patch in which you were officially attached or assigned to during the deployment is the combat patch you are authorized to wear. A person cant just pick. It respectfully goes by official orders. hope this helps

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2015 2:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 14:22:33 -0400

I have two patches I alternate from both trips and units I went with. I have a third patch from 18th MP Brigade but haven't worn it. For that one my platoon was attached under them so the Brigade Commander actually had a ceremony and gave us the patch and a nice certificate to go with it. I believe if you're going to wear one you should wear the one you were assigned to.

Response by SPC Blas DeLeon made Oct 20 at 2015 3:02 PM

SPC Blas DeLeon — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 15:02:14 -0400

Whatever it says on you DD 214 or DD215 discharge paper.

Response by SGT Robert Turner made Oct 20 at 2015 3:33 PM

SGT Robert Turner — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 15:33:31 -0400

You should have received a letter from your unit on which patch you were authorized to wear. Usually the commanding unit will allow all support units to wear their patch but it just depends on the unit.

Response by MSG Douglas Tolliver made Oct 20 at 2015 4:37 PM

MSG Douglas Tolliver — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 16:37:26 -0400

After a certain date the criteria was changed to the Company level unit you deployed with or the next higher HQ if you deployed with a unit smaller than a Company (team or detachment). In order to wear the MEF patch you had to be in an attachment situation and you have to meet the criteria set down in the DA G-1 memorandum authorizing the MEF patch. I don't have the specifics anymore as I got rid of a lot of stuff when I retired. Don't even bother with the USAF patches as they were never authorized by DA G1. At most you would have the 49th QM patch or a Sustainment Command (1st or 3rd).

Response by PFC James Horton made Oct 20 at 2015 4:47 PM

PFC James Horton — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 16:47:53 -0400

left side combat and right present unit

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Oct 20 at 2015 5:56 PM

SPC Franklin McKown — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 17:56:52 -0400

You wear the patch of the first unit you deployed with in a war zone ,not the unit you supported

Response by CPL Christian Bengel made Oct 20 at 2015 5:59 PM

CPL Christian Bengel — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 17:59:28 -0400

You're only authorized to wear the DUI of the unit to which you are officially assigned during that deployment. If you had orders assigning you during deployment to another unit, you would wear that DUI. So if you were deployed twice and were assigned to two different units, then you would be authorized the DUI for those two units. Just because you support a Special Forces unit for example, doesn't authorize you to wear their DUI.

Response by SGT Joshua Davis made Oct 20 at 2015 6:45 PM

SGT Joshua Davis — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 18:45:02 -0400

I was a member of 1st Bn, 75th Ranger Rgt and I knew which patch I was authorized to wear because I received SSI-FWTS orders

Response by SFC Michael Peterson made Oct 20 at 2015 8:01 PM

SFC Michael Peterson — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 20:01:29 -0400

The simple answer is "no". You must be "assigned" or "attached" to a unit to wear their patch.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Oct 21 at 2015 10:44 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 10:44:54 -0400

OIF-I 3rd ID from Kuwait to Baghdad = 3rd ID; OIF-III, 1st BDE, 3rd ID assigned to 42nd ID in Saladin Province and later assigned to 101st = 42nd ID and/or 101st; OND/OEF/OIF Support with ASG-Kuwait = 3rd Army, so I got to choose from 4 different SSI-FWTS patches.

Response by COL Scott Waterman made Oct 21 at 2015 1:27 PM

COL Scott Waterman — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 13:27:03 -0400

Craig, You are wearing the correct patch (SSI). A soldier must wear the SSI from the unit to which he was assigned. Supporting a unit does not constitute assignment.

Vr
Scott

Response by SPC Charles Palmer made Oct 21 at 2015 1:30 PM

SPC Charles Palmer — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 13:30:55 -0400

Not sure either. Have you tried talking to your local VFW or American Legion? I will check with mine as well.

Response by SPC Charles Palmer made Oct 21 at 2015 1:32 PM

SPC Charles Palmer — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 13:32:36 -0400

Guess I should have scrolled down more!! haha

Response by SGT William Hardy made Oct 21 at 2015 1:47 PM

SGT William Hardy — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 13:47:31 -0400

After so many deployments does it really matter but it depends on how the memorandum is written to what combat patches are authorized

Response by SPC Roger D. Pemberton Jr. made Oct 21 at 2015 2:00 PM

SPC Roger D. Pemberton Jr. — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 14:00:10 -0400

As a Military Police officer we ultimately fell under the 18th MP Bgde. However we also fell under the 82nd Airborne Div. Alot of my unit wanted to wear the 82nd combat patch instead of the 18th MP Bgde patch. We had to get written permission from the 82nd but the 82nd patch is the one I wear even though I can wear either one.

Response by SFC John Kohlhepp made Oct 21 at 2015 2:00 PM

SFC John Kohlhepp — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 14:00:47 -0400

I was the same was attached to 1st Marine Div..as Combat Engineer's. we were authorized to were their patch. I choose not to wear it, and was fine with my 3rd Army' General Patton's old unit..

Response by LTC John Wilson made Oct 21 at 2015 2:10 PM

LTC John Wilson — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 14:10:49 -0400

I understand the confusion on what combat patch you can wear if you are unsure. A letter to the Department of the Army Awards section may direct you to the proper venue. I have been out too long to give an expert opinion on that question. However, if you have one, isn't it enough to share with your fellow vets. It costs money changing patches and I for one only wore my SF Patch on all my uniforms. Didn't matter if I was later in MACV, or the 82nd, or other Units. I wear the patch proudly and am proud to have served. All the best.

Response by SGT Jerry Gray made Oct 21 at 2015 2:38 PM

SGT Jerry Gray — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 14:38:36 -0400

Your Combat Patch is the Unit you are with when you were there

Response by MAJ Pete Joplin made Oct 21 at 2015 2:39 PM

MAJ Pete Joplin — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 14:39:11 -0400

The answer deals with whatever "Command Support Relationship" you can officially document through orders or memo. The three C&S relationships that can affect your patch are: Assigned, Attached, or OPCON (Operational Control). Others that do not count would be "Support" or "Direct Support"
1. "Assigned" This is typically the unit to which you are "assigned."
2. "Attached" If your unit was "attached" there are very likely OPORDS and/or Order of Battle documents that would reflect this.
3. "OPCON" This refers to the powers given to a unit to give orders and directions to a un it that is not actually "attached." These situations are typically shorter duration and may or may not have been documented. (NOTE: there may be requirements referring to the duration of this relationship. I had a DS Maintenance team in Desert Storm, that I officially documented as OPCON to me, so they could wear the 2ACR patch versus their pogue command :)
Bottom line: You may wear whichever patch you wish, of any unit that controlled you, as long as you can document that relationship.

Response by SGT Ranae Mayle made Oct 21 at 2015 2:41 PM

SGT Ranae Mayle — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 14:41:42 -0400

I received certificates from both deployments showing exactly what patches I was authorized to wear.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 2:53 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 14:53:38 -0400

I don't wear any. The name tape on the right chest makes the Soldier - not the patch on the right shoulder.

Response by SGT Kevin McCourt made Oct 21 at 2015 3:19 PM

SGT Kevin McCourt — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:19:07 -0400

I have just the 1, the unit I was with. Anyone that would rather wear someone else's patch. Has zero pride in their unit. I think that is screwed up way of thinking. Don't look for ways to get around the regs. There is no shame in wearing a support patch. Grunts can't do their job without the support guys hauling their stuff around.

Response by CPL Ken Madrid made Oct 21 at 2015 3:24 PM

CPL Ken Madrid — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:24:51 -0400

You should only wear patches you are authorized to wear, If you are not authorized, if you did not earned it, or you did not participate in a certain conflict, Don't wear it. If you wear something you didn't earn you are only disrespecting those who did.

Response by CPL Colin Darensburg made Oct 21 at 2015 3:24 PM

CPL Colin Darensburg — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:24:58 -0400

It's not as simple yes or no but typically I think it's more in the yes side!

Response by CPL Ken Madrid made Oct 21 at 2015 3:28 PM

CPL Ken Madrid — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:28:14 -0400

Send for your Military Records and DD-214 some times you get awarded Ribbons & Medals after you get out and don't know about them. You might be able to find that patch.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 3:50 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:50:45 -0400

Prior to 2005, maybe. After, no.

Response by SFC Aliye Espinosa made Oct 21 at 2015 3:55 PM

SFC Aliye Espinosa — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:55:44 -0400

You can support all the units in the army, but you were assigned only to one, that units patch is the one youre authorized to wear the patch for, you should have orders depicting all this

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 4:17 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 16:17:42 -0400

See your unit's task organization chart. Who was the higher headquarters. Of course you supported a lot of other units but the units that are outlined on the org chart will tell you which ones and how many different ones you can wear. I was in 2AD but fell under 18th AB Corps. Was told I could wear either but wore my unit.

Response by SPC Travis G made Oct 21 at 2015 5:34 PM

SPC Travis G — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 17:34:54 -0400

Yes

Response by SSG Shawn Ireland made Oct 21 at 2015 6:14 PM

SSG Shawn Ireland — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 18:14:45 -0400

There are a couple things you need to find out and your chain of command can help with the answer to your question. First the Army Regs. Are clear as to weather or not you qualify to wear a combat patch! You need to look it up and see what it says. You must meet certain requirements and time periods to be allowed to wear a combat patch. Then you must be directly assigned to a unit that is within a combat zone for a specific time period. The regs. are very specific and you must meet all the requirements in order to qualify to wear a combat unit patch. The one thing I read that you wrote is that there are soldiers wearing different combat patches from the same unit! This is definitely wrong. You either qualify or not,and if you do your unit would only be able to wear one patch for the entire company. There is no way that you would qualify for more than one, unless you left the battle and were CPS'ed back to the states, and were ordered back into the area of operation in a different area and command. And it would have to be a second or third tour in country under a different command and unit. This would explain why some soldiers wore different combat unit patches. In other words, different unit assignment in country and actively engaged in combat action with that unit for the required time frame, and secondly to be eligible to wear a different combat unit patch you would have to be assigned to a second or third or more tours in country and involved in combat actions with that unit for the prescribed time frame. And lastly you can only wear the most current combat unit patch for the unit of which you were engaged in combat with. You can not wear one on one uniform and another on a bother uniform. It's the same as wearing your unit patch that you are currently assigned to. And the way you know you are allowed is the fact that you would be issued orders to the fact. If this doesn't help, look up your Army Regulations and they will set you straight. Don't ever assume that you are untitled to wear any patch or decorations before you are issued orders stating that you are qualified to do so. If you are caught wearing any decorations without orders, you will find yourself in big trouble. Don't be what we used to call a PX Soldier. This is a soldier who goes to the PX and buys all the new shiny badges and wears them on his uniform as he figured he was in the Army, so that entitled him to be able to wear them! You will always receive orders and they will hold a formation to award those who have earned the right to wear any and all awards of all types from medals, combat patch, CIB, EIB, and every other award you have qualified for. Just remember that you can only wear the most current and approved awards. Some awards are not permanent in nature. This doesn't mean you don't have it ,but that some awards are not transferable from one unit to the next. Some awards are unit specific and can only be worn with the unit of issue. Bottom line, in in doubt ask your chain of command and read your Army Regulations covering awards.

Response by SSG Lloyd Becker BSBA-HCM, MBA made Oct 21 at 2015 6:24 PM

SSG Lloyd Becker BSBA-HCM, MBA — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 18:24:43 -0400

AR 670-1 is the source to use when having questions about what to wear on a uniform. Just because a person supports another unit is admirable, but when insignias appear on uniforms that are unathorized, stories can be told which are not true.

It is even more so with civilian employers. Embellishing a service record is dimly viewed by most employers. AR 670-1, read it and it will make sense.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Oct 21 at 2015 6:43 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 18:43:52 -0400

There is a posting on this on MilBook https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-55794 for anyone with a CAC. It is reference ALARACT 055/2007 AR 670-1, 3 FEB 05, WEAR AND APPEARANCE OF ARMY UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA, DTG 281253Z MAR 07 (SSI-FWTS Policy Change).

It is not that hard to follow this. Yet I've seen units bending and twisting the message to justify a cool combat patch. Really!

4. THIS GUIDANCE APPLIES TO SOLDIERS OF ALL COMPONENTS (ACTIVE, ARNG, AND USAR) THAT DEPLOY DURING PERIODS OF SERVICE DESIGNATED FOR WEAR OF THE SSI-FWTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH AR 670-1, PARAGRAPH 28-17.
5. THERE IS NO TIME-IN-THEATER REQUIREMENT TO BE AUTHORIZED TO WEAR THE SSI-FWTS.
6. A DEPLOYED UNIT (COMPANY OR HIGHER) WILL WEAR THEIR UNIT S SSI AS THE SSI-FWTS. THIS IS TRUE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE HEADQUARTERS ELEMENT DEPLOYS, AND REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF CHANGES TO THE UNIT S ALIGNMENT OR OPERATIONAL CONTROL (OPCON) DURING THE PERIOD OF DEPLOYMENT.
7. WHEN ECHELONS BELOW COMPANY LEVEL DEPLOY, MEMBERS OF THESE UNITS WILL WEAR THE SSI OF THE LOWEST ECHELON DEPLOYED UNIT (COMPANY OR HIGHER) IN THEIR NEW DEPLOYED CHAINS OF COMMAND AS THEIR SSI-FWTS.
8. WHEN THERE IS NO INTERMEDIATE UNIT (COMPANY OR HIGHER) IN THE DEPLOYED CHAIN OF COMMAND, DEPLOYED SOLDIERS WILL WEAR THE SSI OF THE SENIOR ARMY COMMAND IN THE THEATER AS THEIR SSI-FWTS.
9. SOLDIERS WHO ARE CROSS-LEVELED, ASSIGNED, ATTACHED, OR AUGMENTING DEPLOYED UNITS, AND SOLDIERS WHO ARE TDY ON ORDERS THROUGH THE USE OF DD FORM 1610 (REQUEST AND AUTHORIZATION FOR TDY TRAVEL OF DOD PERSONNEL) WILL WEAR THE SAME SSI-FWTS WORN BY MEMBERS OF THEIR DEPLOYED UNIT (COMPANY OR HIGHER) TO WHICH ATTACHED OR OPCON. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO MEMBERS OF TRIAL DEFENSE AND CIDC, WHO WILL WEAR THE SSI OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMANDS AS THEIR SSI-FWTS.
10. SOLDIERS AUTHORIZED TO WEAR MORE THAN ONE SSI-FWTS MAY CHOOSE WHICH SSI-FWTS THEY WEAR. SOLDIERS MAY ALSO ELECT NOT TO WEAR THE SSI-FWTS. 11. PRECEDENCE WAS ESTABLISHED IN VIETNAM FOR ELEMENTS ORGANIC TO, OR AN INTEGRAL PART OF AN ORGANIZATION TO WEAR THE ORGANIZATIONAL SSI AS THEIR SSI-FWTS.
12. SOLDIERS ATTACHED OR OPCON TO OTHER SERVICES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO WEAR OTHER SERVICES PATCHES AS THEIR SSI-FWTS WITHOUT WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM THE DCS, ARMY G-1 OR A DELEGATED REPRESENTATIVE.
13. POC FOR UNIFORM POLICY IS SGM K. EASLEY, DSN 225-5287; COMM. [login to see] . E-MAIL IS [login to see] .MIL.

Response by SGT Jonathan Hodrick made Oct 21 at 2015 7:25 PM

SGT Jonathan Hodrick — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 19:25:23 -0400

If you served in theater with another unit besides the 49th QM, then you are authorized to wear that patch as well. Your choice.

Response by SFC Ronald Britcher made Oct 21 at 2015 7:32 PM

SFC Ronald Britcher — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 19:32:36 -0400

U can only wear the combat patch of the unit you wear assign too and and you will get a Memoradum from the commanding officer of that unit stating your right to wear your combat patch on your right shoulder..

Response by SPC Bill Earley made Oct 21 at 2015 8:18 PM

SPC Bill Earley — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:18:35 -0400

I think the one you had but I have no real answer my friend just show pride in the one you had . It sounds like to me you guys did a great task and that's all that matters.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 8:28 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:28:39 -0400

There should be a patch for retirees that says "been there, done that, got this patch"

Response by SSG Scott Kronstedt made Oct 21 at 2015 9:19 PM

SSG Scott Kronstedt — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 21:19:40 -0400

to the best of my knowledge you are only authorized the patch of the unit you were assigned to. for example i am authorized 2 different patches for wear on the right sleeve, 3cav and 1ad, but I am not authorized to wear the patch of 18abn corps which 3cav was attached to and operated in support of. or whatever un command 1ad operated in support of.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Oct 21 at 2015 9:55 PM

SPC Donald Moore — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 21:55:46 -0400

If you are not still a serving member, it really doesn't matter. I still have the uniform in the photo, but I never expect to wear it again, so how does it matter what I am authorized to wear?
If you were told to wear 49th QM, that is what you wear! Dead Simple! Follow ORDERS.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 10:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 22:44:03 -0400

I was with the 101st, the 187th, and the 82nd, but the patch I wore was my first Cav patch from being in combat in Vietnam. I did wear the others, but only because I was serving in those units. My Cav patch was always with me.

Response by SFC Tracy Scott made Oct 21 at 2015 10:54 PM

SFC Tracy Scott — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 22:54:40 -0400

It would be in your redeployment orders. Example: Spc smith assigned to 3/15inf is authorization under blah blah the wear of a combat patch where as he was assigned to 11th acr for the duration of blah blah

Response by SP5 Michael Howell made Oct 21 at 2015 11:24 PM

SP5 Michael Howell — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 23:24:46 -0400

depend on the divson you were with or attaced to iwas with the 365 tran but attaced to 22nd supcom so were the 22nd supc patch, or or the 8 army patch

Response by SSG James Dobson made Oct 22 at 2015 1:03 AM

SSG James Dobson — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 01:03:10 -0400

I believe the answer you are looking for is in AR 670-1 para 21-17, subpara ( 4 ) ( b )

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Oct 22 at 2015 7:52 AM

PFC Robert Falk — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 07:52:53 -0400

Well my unit's combat patch is the same as the standard one. So I can wear it with no problems.

Response by SSG Patricia Lherisson made Oct 22 at 2015 10:13 AM

SSG Patricia Lherisson — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 10:13:16 -0400

Hello SPC Smith.
In regards to your question concerning the different combat patches please refer to AR-670-1, chapter 4. There you should be able to gain some clarity.
Thanks for your service.

Response by LTC Doug Dankworth made Oct 22 at 2015 10:47 AM

LTC Doug Dankworth — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 10:47:46 -0400

Craig, I'm not an expert -- that would be your senior NCOs
But I think you should be wearing the patch that you wore during your deployment.

Response by COL Andrew Burns made Oct 22 at 2015 1:31 PM

COL Andrew Burns — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 13:31:17 -0400

SPC Smith, While LTC Heinlein (below) was gracious enough to provide you with the regulation regarding the award and wearing of the (Combat Patch) SSI, I can only relay personal advise and recommendations. When the fighting 301st ASG Deployed to IRAQ in 2004 and 2005, the 13th COSCOM was our Higher Headquarters for over 30 days followed by the 1st COSCOM of the 18th ABC. We had a formal Patch-awarding ceremony with the 1st COSCOM CG, BG Yves Jaques Fontaine personally giving each Soldier their patch. Some Soldiers acted to were the 18th ABC patch, while others, the 13th COSCOM. Our S1 was in contact with the G1s of both COSCOMs and the ABC, and she confirmed that we met the requirements for all three (3). It has been 10 years since our return and I would have to check for a memorandum. Fast forward when I deployed for a brief special mission in 2010 the CG of USACAPOC(A) awarded me theirs. The is some common sense involved but I believe that you always should be able to prove where you were.. When in doubt, contact your G1 or Inspector General.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Oct 22 at 2015 3:51 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:51:43 -0400

The question is who were you told by to wear the 49th QM patch? If a unit is in combat there should be orders listed for everyone under that unit. If it was told by command then you wear that patch.

Response by SGT Jason Weisbrich made Oct 22 at 2015 5:23 PM

SGT Jason Weisbrich — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 17:23:10 -0400

Often times authorization will come from the unit you were attached to, but AR670-1 trumps everything.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 23 at 2015 6:52 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 18:52:53 -0400

AR 670-1 and DA Pam 670-1 would be the guides. Anything other than what is written there is questionable. A newer version of 670-1 came out in the summer of 2015.

Response by LTC William Parks made Oct 24 at 2015 1:44 PM

LTC William Parks — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 13:44:37 -0400

LTC Heinlein has it right. Our CSM made sure our S1 got the required paperwork done and in our records during our deployments.

Response by SFC RonnieandJamie Goff made Oct 27 at 2015 1:17 PM

SFC RonnieandJamie Goff — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 13:17:59 -0400

It should be in your file what path you are allowed to wear

Response by SFC Mitchell Domm made Oct 30 at 2015 10:28 AM

SFC Mitchell Domm — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 10:28:14 -0400

AR 670-1 10 April 2015 Paragraph 21-17 Pages 33-35 have the guidance. Also, note that any adjustments or modifications are usually issued to an individual or Command on official orders.

Response by SSG Jerry Flores made Nov 16 at 2015 2:31 AM

SSG Jerry Flores — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 02:31:48 -0500

The wearing of differrent patches by members of your unit could be that they were in different units prior to being assigned to the present unit, if so, they would wear the patch of the unit they served with in a combat unit. You would wear the patch as the unit you were with, regardles of time in the combat zone, the patch you would wear is the one belonging tothe unit you were with in a combat zone

Response by Sgt Benton Garrison made Dec 6 at 2015 10:42 PM

Sgt Benton Garrison — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 22:42:48 -0500

I think you have to be in the unit to earn the patch

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 12:06 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 00:06:33 -0500

I deployed to Afghanistan 13-14 with Oklahoma NG, Btry A 1-158 FA (HIMARS). We were spilt three ways, RC (E) 3ID, RC(S) 4ID and FOB Apache 1ID. The guys at RC(E) have memos for the 3ID and a SF group they supported. The guys at FOB Apache have memos for both the 4ID and 1ID for they supported both. RC(S) personnel are only authorized the 4ID patch with exception of two SM who worked with a California NG unit on the daily, they can wear either. And none of us are authorized to wear our own patch do to the fact we did not deploy as a Battalion size element.

Response by SSG Martin Reyna made Feb 17 at 2016 7:29 AM

SSG Martin Reyna — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 07:29:35 -0500

If you where assigned to them yes... My army unit (3rd Brigade Reconnaissance Troop, 1st Infantry Division) was attached to the 1RCT (Marines) during the Second Battle of Fallujah, we are authorized to wear a Marine combat patch with our Army uniforms... As long as the paperwork is in place mainly in a form of Memorandum the answer is yes....

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Mar 3 at 2016 3:43 PM

SSG Nick Tramontano — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 15:43:45 -0500

What's in your orders and / or 2-1 ? Otherwise , check with your unit. My company was attached to the 130th Eng, Bde initially, 3rd ACR, 82nd AB, 1st ID. so we are authorized any of them.

Response by SSG Timothy Stevenson made May 6 at 2018 6:14 PM

SSG Timothy Stevenson — Sun, 06 May 2018 18:14:43 -0400

Some patches look cooler for sure but when I tell you any patch and 1.50 will buy you a coke out of the machine when you get out or retire.

Response by SSG Jason Trammell made Jun 4 at 2019 1:25 AM

SSG Jason Trammell — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 01:25:14 -0400

I have orders for ALL 7 of my Combat patches, when I was Supporting/Attached to a different unit then my own. If you deployed with a larger Element, BN or higher, that's the patch you wear. You would have orders attaching you to different unit, if you deployed as a smaller unit, COMPANY OR PLATOON level.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2020 4:33 PM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 16:33:57 -0400

You need an order from the S1 in your records verifying service and authorizing wear of wartime service shoulder sleeve insignia (combat patch).