Hi guys,

I'm planning on doing a few US army figures from the 1980s.
What I would like to know is, did US soldiers still carry their divisional badge on their shoulder when wearing BDU's. If so, were they the subdued type?
I have no particular divisions in mind. Just enquiring in general.

Thanks.

Yes we did and yes they were subdued.

Thank you very much, Matt.

Hello Patrick,

This may be of help to you. Soldiers of the US Army wear their respective "combat" or deployment patch on the right shoulder whilst wearing the unit patch to which they are currently assigned on the left shoulder.

During the 1980's it was common to see personnel wearing two different patches on the same uniform, such as the 9th ID (combat)and the 3D AD (peace time).This was due primarily to service in RVN.

Later, operations in Grenada, Panama and, perhaps, Lebanon added to the number of Soldiers authorized to wear two patches. Many of the personnel involved in these areas of operation would wear the same patch on both shoulders as they deployed, took care of business and returned to their previous assignment with the same outfit.

At any given time, there are far more Soldiers wearing one patch and that is on the left shoulder.

Respectfully,

Allen

Hi Allen,
many thanks for the detailed information, it is very much appreciated.
Have a great weekend.

Paddy.

I cannot remember what unit it was (I think it was either the 2nd AD or 3rd AD, that's what made me think of it), but it was the ONLY unit in the US Army that was authorized to wear their SSI above the left pocket of their BDU. I saw this when I was stationed at Ft. Polk, LA, in the early 1990s.

Jim

Thanks Jim. An interesting piece of information.