What determines which unit patch one wears on right shoulder in Green Dress?

2021-07-16T12:26:35-04:00

I noticed Gen. Milley wearing the 101st patch and wondered why, since that is a MG billet. I figured he must have held commands since then, if he ever was 101st Division CG. I've heard he has had a robust career of combat assignments.

Response by LTC Erik Spike Thiesmeyer, Sr. made Jul 16 at 2021 12:37 PM

2021-07-16T12:37:59-04:00

It's up to the soldier which combat patch, that they've been awarded, to wear. My first one was III Corps, a kind of triangle looking thing. Not very sexy. So when I got XVIII Airborne Corps, the dragon's head, I wore that instead. Years later, I was awarded 1st ID, The Big Red One. Now, that's all I wear.

Response by 1SG Jacob Brannan made Jul 16 at 2021 12:42 PM

2021-07-16T12:42:11-04:00

The patch on the right shoulder signifies former wartime service with that unit, sometimes referred to as a "combat patch". At this point, most Soldiers have deployed multiple times with multiple units. You could wear a different patch every day if you wanted.

From DA PAM 670-1:
21–17. Shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service
a. 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 outlined in AR 670–1.
b. The SSI–FWTS is worn as follows:
(1) Nonsubdued. At the option of the wearer, individuals who were members of an Army unit during one of the operations listed in AR 670–1 may wear the nonsubdued U.S. Army organizational SSI of a wartime unit that was approved by HQDA on the right sleeve of the Army green uniform coat. The insignia is worn centered, 1/2 inch below the top of the shoulder seam.
(2) Subdued. Authorized personnel may wear the subdued SSI–FWTS on the right sleeve centered both vertically and horizontally from the bottom of the pocket flap to the bottom of the pocket on the hook-and-loop-faced pad already provided on the utility uniforms or field jacket (see fig 21–133). The SSI–FWTS is not authorized for wear on organizational uniforms, except as prescribed in this paragraph.
c. Soldiers who are authorized to wear more than one SSI–FWTS have the option of choosing which SSI–FWTS they will wear. Soldiers may also elect not to wear a SSI–FWTS

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 16 at 2021 5:19 PM

2021-07-16T17:19:12-04:00

The patch designates serving with them during wartime. Christ Sir I have 3, so it's my choice which to wear, just like it is his. Doesn't matter if you are a PFC or 4 stars.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jul 22 at 2021 10:22 PM

2021-07-22T22:22:05-04:00

He could have been in the 101st when he was a pfc. Rank or slot has nothing to do with it