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I am a prior service Marine and have completed four combat tours in Iraq. To identify this the USMC has a combat action ribbon. I have recently become interested in joining the Army which I know identifies combat tours with a CIB and wearing of a "combat patch". Would I be able to wear some form of patch if I was to enlist in the Army? Perhaps an I-MEF patch? I have seen Army personnel wearing similar patches (USMC type) in the past, but they were Army serving w/Marines when they earned it.
Matt:
By regulation, if you earned a combat patch (known in the army as the Wartime Service Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, or WSSSI) while IN the army, then you can wear it. However, if you earned said patch as a Marine, you can NOT wear it. Yes, it makes no sense whatsoever. Many Marines disregard this rule but it's on the books nonetheless.
As far as the CAR/CIB goes, you can wear a CIB IF you earned your CAR as an Infantryman in any of the '03 MOS's. Otherwise, NO CIB. Further, if you wear the CIB, you'll have to give up on wearing the CAR.
Same goes with the "Combat Action Badge", which is the non-Infantry version of the CIB.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
Experience
Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
Numerous other unit awards.
I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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