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 between October 7, 2023, and June 24, 2025, within the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.

The countries include Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. This authorization applies to Soldiers in the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve who served at least a day during the authorized timeframe. It does not authorize pay entitlements such as hostile fire pay, imminent danger pay, or combat zone tax exclusion.

These changes acknowledge the inherent risks and challenges faced by Soldiers in these locations and timeframes. Awarding the combat patch reflects the Army's commitment to recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of all Soldiers serving in these operational environments.

For more information, an ALARACT message on the subject can be found here.

For press inquiries, please contact usarmy.pentagon.hqda-ocpa.mbx.mrd-press-desk@army.mil.