[Rusty24]

From an AF stand point.

An Airman can be awarded a Combat Patch from a unit that they were attached to, providing their operational commander was in the Army.

I.E. My wifes' chain goes MSgt (E-7), 1Lt., Capt. (all AF) then Army Major and Army Lt. Col. So she is under Army direction/command/ attached ....etc.

Now the key word is awarded. Once awarded they can wear it as long as they are still attached/commanded/directed, but once they return stateside it comes off. The only exception are personnel that support the Army under ASOG's (ROMADS, Combat Weather).

So if you see one of the ever so popular fashionable Security Forces or a person working behind the desk at MPF with it on, ask them what authorizes them to wear it? The reg specifically states ROMADS and Combat Weather.

Not that I totally agree, but that is the way it is.