CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Soldiers of the 371st Sustainment Brigade received their combat patch during a ceremony on July 1, 2013, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
The former war time service shoulder sleeve insignia, or combat patch, denotes a soldier’s unit affiliation when he or she deploys to a combat zone, said Command Sgt. Maj. Scott M. Barga, command sergeant major of the 371st Sus. Bde.
“It helps create a feeling of unit cohesion and esprit de corps,” he said.
The origin of the combat patch can be traced to the Revolutionary war, when under general George Washington, soldiers who had served in a combat zone placed their unit patches on their right shoulders to signify their participation.
“I feel a sense of accomplishment, like I earned it,” said Sgt Allison Kay Dingus, a human resource specialist with the 371st Sus. Bde.
The 371st Sus. Bde. has deployed in support of WWI, WWII and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and their current deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Kuwait marks the brigade’s third deployment in 10 years.