ADT-5 Patch Ceremony

On 9 September 2011, TX ADT-5 performed their patch ceremony.  This is an important tradition where the Commander of the unit places a patch on his subordinate leader's right shoulder, signifying that they are now combat veterans.  The subordinate leaders then place the combat patched on the right shoulders of their subordinate soldiers.

This is a ceremony typically performed about 30 days after a unit arrives at their duty location in a combat zone.  The "T" patch, worn by soldiers serving in the 36th Infantry Division, formerally the 49th Armored Division, has seen combat in all of America's wars since WWII.  The "T" patch was also worn by the Army's most decorated soldier in WWII, Audie Murphy.  (Read the history of the 36th ID here.)

See if you can find your soldier below!

CSM Dula and LTC Gaudsmith place patched on their subordinate leader's right shoulder.

LTC Gaudsmith shakes hands and trades a patch with his Polish counterpart here on FOB Ghazni, COL Pollus.  It is customary to trade a piece of uniform with foreign soldiers you have served with.

LTC Gaudsmith addresses TX ADT-5 to commence the Patch Ceremony.

LTC Gaudsmith places a patch on CSM Dula's right shoulder.

MAJ James watches while SGM Muckleroy punches the patch just placed on SSG Martinez's right shoulder.

LTC Gaudsmith and CSM Dula greet the honored guests from Task Force White Eagle and U.S. Dept. of State.