Can a battalion require you to wear a combat patch?

Question

I've looked everywhere and can't find it in AR 670-1. I thought the only thing you were required to wear was a unit patch, american flag, name tape, US Army tape, and rank on the ACUs.

Answer 1

If you are in the military, they can require you to wear whatever they want. You are government property. Too bad.

Answer 2

No and yes.



Most accoutrements are authorized and not required. I took crap because I didn't wear my ribbons on my class Bs. Most were just PCS awards and almost meaningless to me.



On the other hand, the general rule with regulations is that commanders "can add but not take away". I would say that adding the requirement to wear a combat patch as that unit's uniform is completely within his rights as a commander. To give you an analogy, when passing an superior officer, enlisted and those junior to the officer are required to salute and give the greeting of the day. Most battalions and some divisions have mottos/responses like the 82d "All the Way" with the response being "airborne!". Not in a reg anywhere but that is the defacto greeting of the day.

Answer 3

AR 670-1 doesn't directly address the issue, but no you do not have to wear a patch. Commands can "request" that you wear one and many do and of course the CSMs make life hard on those that don't (depends on unit). The orders that grant you the ability to wear one say "authorized" and you as the Soldier can express judgement over this authorization.



TO answer the other question someone asked as to why you would not want to wear one. Some Soldiers don't want to be associated with certain units. I choose not to wear the combat patch I'm specifically authorized to wear becuase I never truely served with anyone in that unit. I spent more time and went on all my missions with Soldiers from other Army units, so I choose to wear their patches. However, their orders are not recognized by my parent command as "valid" becuase they (the parent command) did not issue them. There' s a lot of S1 stuff involved in the wear of the combat patch, but no you don't have to wear one.

Answer 4

Why would you not want to wear a combat patch? It serves as a testament to one's unit having been in combat and should be a symbol of pride for those who wear it. Although AR 670-1 does not require one to wear an authorized combat patch, the unit may require its wear. Army regulations may be added to, but never taken away from.

Answer 5

Your command could require you to wear a combat patch (if you have one awarded) even though it is not addressed in the regs. They can always add to regulations but not take away from. If the regulation said it was at the soldier's discretion, that would be a different story.

Answer 6

IAW AR 670-1 Para 28-17

d. Soldiers who are authorized to wear more than one SSI-FWTS have the option of choosing which SSI-FWTS they will wear. Soldiers may elect not to wear SSI-FWTS. (See appendix F for further guidance on the wear of the SSI-FWTS)

Answer 7

Combat Patch? Maybe it's to differentiate between combat and auxillary units? I'm not sure I follow what you mean.

Answer 8

If you are in any branch of the armed forces, you will wear whatever you are told to wear, no questions asked. If you do not you will be court- martialed. It's the military, not a country club.

Answer 9

if you are in the military you should be PROUD to where your patch...of course its only the army that does this...A marine would never where a battalion patch...

Answer 10

Sorry Neil, if you are in the military you are gov't property. You have to do, say & wear whatever you are told.