Am I authorized the Security Force Advise and Assist Team (SFAAT) Patch since I did an SFAAT tour before the patch came out?

2024-01-17T11:53:47-05:00

During Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Kandahar, Afghanistan 2017, I was on the SFAAT mission as a Military Police advisor, embedded with the Afghan Civil Order Police (ANCOP). 2 months after returning home, the first Security Force Assistance Brigade would receive their own colored beret and patches. https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/02/22/amid-beret-backlash-the-armys-sfab-soldiers-focus-on-training-deployment/.

Now that I'm retired and making shadow boxes of military career, am I authorized the SFAAT patch since I did an SFAAT tour before the patch came out?

Amid beret backlash, the Army’s SFAB soldiers focus on training, deployment

Amid a social media backlash — and even death threats from internet trolls — soldiers in the Army’s new Security Force Assistance Brigade have focused on training and not on berets and patches.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2024 12:05 PM

2024-01-17T12:05:51-05:00

1SG, since it's for your Shadow Box, it (IMHO) doesn't matter at this point. When you look at the whole, you're asking if you can put it in your Shadow Box and not on your Shoulder. You worked with them on their mission. I see no issue with you placing it in the Box. And if anyone asks, tell them the truth in that "I wasn't SFAAT, but I was attached to them in Afghanistan." Anyone with a military brain won't question it (or rather...shouldn't).

Response by COL Randall C. made Jan 17 at 2024 1:13 PM

2024-01-17T13:13:36-05:00

Agree with MSG Private RallyPoint Member - it's your shadow box.

If for some reason you want to make sure you 100% technically accurate, the Army's Institute of Heraldry approved the SSI to be worn by all SFA units starting 1 December 2017*.

Specific to the 1st SFAB, their DUI was authorized effective 1 August 2017*.
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* https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=18702&CategoryId=10659&grp=2
* https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/HeraldryMulti.aspx?CategoryId=10661

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

The purpose of this site is to provide information on United States Army heraldic entitlements; how they are displayed, and how and why it is worn.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jan 17 at 2024 3:20 PM

2024-01-17T15:20:07-05:00

Would you have been in a MACA or MAGA, depending on if Afghan was authorized an Assistance Command or Group? Who has which above my pay grade? RVN had a Command and Greece a Group, for example.