Expert: Jason Grabill - 4/13/2005

Question
Do you by chance know the reg. # for wearing that combat patch?  Thanks for your first answer SGT. G!
SGT. T. USMC/U.S.A.
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Followup To
Question -
Can the 1st Mar Div patch be worn as combat unit designation on right sleave of U.S. Army BDU's?
What is the difference between combat stripe for army members in Armored Cav and CIB for grunts and when are they awarded?  Thanks!
Semper Fi!
Answer -
Hey Rick!

  Yep, you can wear a 1st MarDiv subdued as a combat patch on BDU's, as well as the Army Class A uniform. Even though the Marine Corps doesn't wear shoulder sleeve insignia, the Army will allow it.  

 The Army is about jacked up when it comes to combat recognition stuff, as you are finding out.  Only Infantrymen are allowed the Combat Infantry Badge, and medics get the Combat Medical Badge.  No one else gets any sort of special recognition for being in combat.  Unlike the Marines, the Army is so compartmentalized it's scary.

 The "combat stripe" you speak of can be worn by anyone whose served overseas in a combat zone;  in the Army they are known as "Hersey bars";  you get one Hershey bar for each 6 months you spend.

 If you have a CAR, you may be able to switch it out for a CIB;  it will depend on if you got the CAR while a grunt or not.  You'll have to check the army regs on that one.

 If you have anymore questions, don't hesistate to ask!

Semper Fi!

Sgt G

Answer
Hey Sgt T:

 I looked it up, and typical of how screwed up the army is....get this:  The reg is AR 670-1, Wear of Uniform.  It's available on line, here:  http://www.apd.army.mil/USAPA_PUB_pubrange_P.asp

 Now for the screwed up part....according to the reg, if you were a doggie serving with the 1st MarDiv on "The March up", you rate to wear the 1st MarDiv patch as a combat patch.  However, because you were a Marine, and the Marine Corps doesn't authorize Marines to wear shoulder sleeve insignia, you don't rate to wear it.  The paragraph is: Section 28-17, Paragraph 14, as well as subparagraph 3.

 Now, personally, I'd wear the patch until someone told me to take it off...but that's just me, which is probably why I never got selected for SSgt in the Corps.  It would irritate me to see some doggie wearing a USMC patch and I couldn't.

 So, there you have it.  Typical army.

Semper Fi!
Sgt G