Will the regular Army allow for the wearing of the MEMS badge?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 23:00:41 -0500

I have the completed the military emergency management course and awarded the MEMS badge. I understand some national guard states allow this for unform wear. What will it take for regular army and reserves to allow this for uniforms?

Response by SGT Kyle Taylor made Dec 6 at 2015 11:05 PM

SGT Kyle Taylor — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 23:05:34 -0500

What is the name of the actual course? I am a HAZMAT fan and working on a degree in this field.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 11:06 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 23:06:38 -0500

Can you show us this badge?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 11:08 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 23:08:21 -0500

I have been told it will not be authorized for wear, however I have not seen the regulation as of right noe and many things are discretion of the post or division commander.

Response by COL Thomas F. made Dec 8 at 2015 7:26 AM

COL Thomas F. — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 07:26:04 -0500

First off, congratulations on completing the course. That particular badge, however, is only authorized by members of a State's "State Military Reserve". Sort of like the "Ram's Head" badge that Vermont gives Guardsmen who complete the Mountain Warfare Course there. Unless you belong to the SMR, I would just hang it on your wall or wear it while in civies. Don't let your CSM see it on your uniform.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Emergency_Management_Specialist_Badge

Military Emergency Management Specialist Badge - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Military Emergency Management Specialist Badge (MEMS Badge) is awarded by the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) and is authorized for wear by various agencies, notably State Defense Forces. Created in 1998, the program is structured around the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS).[1]

Response by CPT Craig Mathison made Apr 26 at 2017 1:08 PM

CPT Craig Mathison — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 13:08:56 -0400

I believe that Texas allows the wear of it. However, I believe the regulations are akin to the Cold War Victory Medal where they can wear it on their uniform on State installations but not on Federal bases.

Response by SSG Timothy White made Jun 18 at 2017 9:04 PM

SSG Timothy White — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 21:04:52 -0400

Probably not, since the MEMS Badge is a federal trade mark of the state guard association of the United States. I have been working with several units trying to make it happen. You can still earn the certification, but wearing the badge will probaly not happen.

CSM Tim White (IN)
MEMS Commandant SGAUS

Response by Dylan Broughton made May 27 at 2020 10:49 PM

Dylan Broughton — Wed, 27 May 2020 22:49:54 -0400

Mine is on my ERB and I can wear it. Although technically it doesn't say "MEMS Badge" my CoC allows me to wear mine

Response by SGT Chester Beedle made Feb 18 at 2021 12:12 AM

SGT Chester Beedle — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:12:14 -0500

It's a state level military badge, not a federal one. At most, it could be worn like the state awards for the NG or State Guard/Defense Force/whatever your state happens to call it.
The MEMS badge is for the state only militia. The state guard or xx state defense force, or whatever a state might call them.
Like the state level NG awards it can't be worn in the Regular Army, nor the Federal Reserves. I have a couple state awards I couldn't wear if I were in federal service, but could while in state service.
The state could allow it to be worn by any of their NG who earn it, but then could only be worn while on state service, not when called into federal service.