Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 6/12/2009

Question
I am currently a member of the Army National Guard.  I was previously a member of the Navy and served in a support position for a SEAL Team.  Our Team has a Team patch, which we wore on our combat uniforms (DCU's).  We were assigned to the 3rd BCT/1st CAV during OIF II in Baghdad. I earned a Navy combat action ribbon during this deployment. The BCT Commander presented our Team with "1st Team" combat patches during our tour. Can I wear either the 1st Team or Seal Team combat patch on my Army uniform?

Answer
According to AR 670-1 (dated 3 Feb 05) Appendix F you are authorized the 1CAV patch for sure since you were assigned to them in a combat operation.  As far as the SEAL team patch it would be the same, but I think I recall an ALARACT saying that the CSA had to approve non-Army patches for wear.  You can research that one further if you want to wear the SEAL team patch (honestly if you were in Combat as part of the SEAL Team, then you should be ok wearing it)  you could do it and be on very solid ground. The 1CAV patch is solid. Consult the quoted AR for more guidance if you want.