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

2018-06-19T19:49:59-04:00

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.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 19 at 2018 8:26 PM

2018-06-19T20:26:21-04:00

It doesn't matter if you serve a day or an entire deployment. The SSI just shows that you were deployed on OPS with that unit, if you had spent the full tour, then medals/ribbons would have followed.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Jun 20 at 2018 11:07 AM

2018-06-20T11:07:43-04:00

I think you used to have to be in the country for 30 days or more, but recently I've heard that it has been shortened to 1 day.

Response by CPT Donald Zegler made Jun 21 at 2018 5:22 PM

2018-06-21T17:22:17-04:00

You read the regulations correctly. Even if you were only there for 1 day you are authorized to wear a patch. To my knowledge there has never been 30 day requirement, even before March 2014 when major changes to AR 670-1 were implemented regarding SSI-FWTS. That is just a traditional timeline that many units use for the patch ceremonies.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 2:29 PM

2019-01-22T14:29:15-05:00

I'm in a similar situation myself. I was sent to a place that was deemed as a combat zone for a Training Exercise and we were told we couldn't wear one however I've read otherwise. So if I was in a combat zone regardless if I was there for training exercise or not, am I eligible for the SSI or not?

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Feb 14 at 2019 1:40 PM

2019-02-14T13:40:53-05:00

A few points -
1. There is no such thing as a "combat patch" that's just a common term for the SSI-FWTS. It is typically earned in a "combat zone" but combat action is not a requirement for it to be awarded.
2. The regulation which covers the SSI-FWTS is AR 670-1, Chapter 19, Paragraph 19-17 (i.e. the uniform regulation) rather than AR 600-8-22 (i.e. the award regulation). Therefore, the SSI-FWTS is a uniform insignia rather than an award.
3. There is no time in theater requirement for a SSI-FWTS. If you were there only one day - you are entitled to wear it.
4. There is NO REQUIREMENT that a SSI-FWTS be worn if you are entitled to wear it. Its your choice to wear it or not.
5. The 30 day rule is a common misunderstanding as most campaign medals require 30 days in theater. See #3.
The bottom line is that you were "in theater" and, therefore can wear your SSI-FWTS - if you choose to.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2020 8:44 PM

2020-01-20T20:44:38-05:00

We had this question come up on my deployment a lot and the answer is yes 24hrs for the patch. However campaign medals its 30 conservative days or 45 inconsecutive days in country. Seeing that you said you were only in country 3 weeks you would not be authorized the campaign medal for the area of operation.