Finding an ink-free service member is infinitely more rare than the alternative, but that is a relatively new phenomenon.

There is no baseline time-in-theater requirement, the Army noted. The patches, worn on soldiers’ right arms underneath the American flag patch, show that a soldier has been on a combat deployment.

Soldiers who deployed in 14 countries between October 2023 and June 2025 are eligible to wear the patches on their uniform sleeves.

The Army expanded eligibility for the shoulder sleeve insignia for military operations in hostile conditions, commonly known as the "combat patch," for Soldiers deployed to select countries ...

The Army expanded eligibility for the shoulder sleeve insignia for military operations in hostile conditions, commonly known as the "combat patch," for ...

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido lauded the officers and enlisted personnel of the Sulu-based 11th Infantry Division for their efforts to secure the province and other areas ...